Unless it is a new build, the challenge in creating a smart home is that the technology must work irrespective of the age of the property.

While it is far from mainstream, more and more smart home technology is starting to appear in the market. Energy supplier Npower recently started offering Nest, the smart central heating controller from Google in the UK, and last year, rival British Gas launched its internet-connected central heating system, Hive.

But beyond the big energy providers, a new industry is emerging to integrate computer control into the home. In the past, companies such as Lutron were synonymous with intelligent lighting installed in high-end homes.

Like the trend in IT consumerisation, smart home technology is becoming more accessible. For instance, electronics and white goods manufacturer Philips' Hue family provides a Wi-Fi-enabled light that fits into a standard light socket and can be made to dim and change colour using a smartphone app.

Other companies, such as D-Link, are focusing on remote home security, such as its Wi-Fi-connected CCTV cameras. Motorised curtains and shutters can be controlled remotely via RS434 control boxes. Meanwhile, smart TV and stereo equipment manufacturers such as Sonus offer devices compatible with the Digital Living Network Alliance (DNLA) specification, which means they play media and can be controlled via a local area network.

What many of the newer smart home products have in common is that they are underpinned by internet connectivity and cloud services, and, collectively, they are part of what the IT industry calls the internet of things (IoT). These products offer some degree of intelligence either built-in or via the cloud and they may contain a sensor, such as in internet-connected CCTV cameras, fire alarms and thermostats.

Unlike a smartphone, central heating systems and white goods such as fridges and washing machines generally last a fair number of years. Although some newer domestic appliances may have smart technology built in, consumers should not have to upgrade to take advantage of what a smart home can potentially offer.

But these timescales are not compatible with the six to 18-month schedules that seem to drive consumer electronics.

Past experience has shown that the computer industry does not have the appetite or the patience to support products that may be around for decade.

Last year, British Gass Connected Homes business ran a competition in which startups were invited to showcase smart energy technology for the home. Although there were plenty of innovative product demonstrations, a responsible home owner might question whether the technology being embedded in the home, and the companies that provide it, will last as long as the bricks and mortar.

Read the original here:
A guide to smart home automation

MGN Online

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Security alarms, home surveillance cameras and a good watch dog are some of the best ways to make your home less attractive to a burglar.

But many homeowners simply can't afford high tech security equipment, or may not want a dog. It may be possible to at least give the impression your home has all these protections without the same cost.

All you have to do is go on the internet, and you'll find a variety of items meant to fool a burglar.

But is it money well spent, or are you being robbed in a different way If you surf the internet for just a few minutes, you'll find a large litter of so-called "barking dog alarms." Most sell for well under $100. It's a lot cheaper than years worth of dog food and trips to the vet.

If it sounds authentic, it's probably worth a try, because we do know that sometimes burglars are deterred by knowing there's a large dog in the house, Michiana Crime Stoppers Lt. Cindy Kilgore explained.

Even cheaper, you can also find phony home security system stickers and signs, ranging from $5 to $15, or about half of what a monthly monitoring fee for a real security costs.

Is it likely a burglar is going to take the trouble to research whether a sticker on a house that indicates it's protected by a burglar alarm is legitimate? Probably not. It's probably worth the expense, and if it isn't, you're out the cost of a sticker, but chances are it will actually deter a burglar. The same goes for anything that indicates that the path could be resistant to them entering the home.

And speaking of surveillance cameras, there are plenty of inexpensive battery operated fake surveillance cameras all over the internet.

Including one I paid $10 for that sat perched above us during our interview.

The rest is here:
Decoys to scare burglars: Worth the money, or are you being robbed?

Details Published on Monday, 14 July 2014 15:06

Teresa KokKUALA LUMPUR - Datuk Seri Najib Razak must not compromise and remove the home minister and all those who are in charge of the East Sabah Security Command (Esscom), for failing to secure the porous waters off Sabahs east coast over the past year, DAPs Teresa Kok said today.

The vice-chair of the opposition party criticised the prime minister for allegedly making excuses for the poor management of Esscom formed in March last year following the assault on Lahad Datu by armed militants from the South Philippines by saying that the offshore security outfit was understaffed.

She added that it was unacceptable for the federal government to still be talking about personnel deployment when the region had already suffered a string of abductions over the past nine months.

The prime minister should have expressed his disappointment and even anger that there could still exist such weakness and problems, Kok said in a statement.

In fact, he should reject such explanations and take tough actions on this latest security breach. Heads must roll and if a new home minister needs to be appointed, Najib must do it without hesitation and delay, the Seputeh MP added.

Najib was quoted by national news wire Bernama as saying last night that it was clear there are weaknesses in the deployment of personnel and security planning by Esscom, after gunmen launched an assault on the resort island of Mabul off Semporna on Saturday, killing marine policeman Corporal Abdul Rajah Jamuan.

His colleague, constable Zakia Alip, is believed to have been abducted by Filipino gunmen.

I am asking Essscom to review their security system in detail, if there are not enough personnel, then the number has to be increased.

For instance, in the incident at the resort yesterday, there were not enough personnel as the resort is big and this shows there are weaknesses in the location and planning of security on the ground, Najib was quoted saying.

More:
Sack Home Minister, Esscom Heads Over Mabul Assault, DAP Tells PM

Home Alarm Systems Tucson AZ 480 500-7662
Home Alarm Systems Tucson AZ http://www.newhomesecuritysystem.com/az In today #39;s contemporary world, although there are numerous brand-new means to secure your house and belongings, you can...

By: Alexander England

Read more from the original source:
Home Alarm Systems Tucson AZ 480 500-7662 - Video

Home Security Systems Tucson AZ Dial 480-500-7662
Home Security Systems Tucson AZ http://newhomesecuritysystem.com/az In today #39;s modern-day world, although there are lots of brand-new methods to protect your home and possessions, you can...

By: Alexander England

More:
Home Security Systems Tucson AZ Dial 480-500-7662 - Video

Tucson Security System Dial 480-500-7662
Tucson Security System http://www.newhomesecuritysystem.com/az In today #39;s modern world, although there are lots of new ways to secure your house and belongings, you can never be too sure unless...

By: Alexander England

Link:
Tucson Security System Dial 480-500-7662 - Video

Home Security Tucson AZ Call 480-500-7662
Home Security Tucson AZ http://www.newhomesecuritysystem.com/az In today #39;s modern world, although there are many brand-new means to protect your home and possessions, you can never ever be...

By: Alexander England

More:
Home Security Tucson AZ Call 480-500-7662 - Video

Home Security Systems in Winston Salem (855) 999-0911
Home Security Systems in Winston Salem give you peace of mind. Call (855) 999-0911 http://AlarmAlertLLC.com/protectnc It #39;s important to feel safe in your home. We know protection for your...

By: Triad Internet Marketing

Here is the original post:
Home Security Systems in Winston Salem (855) 999-0911 - Video

Home Security Systems Phoenix AZ Ph 480-500-7662
Home Security Systems Phoenix AZ http://www.newhomesecuritysystem.com/az In today #39;s modern world, although there are many brand-new ways to secure your home and possessions, you can never...

By: Alexander England

See the article here:
Home Security Systems Phoenix AZ Ph 480-500-7662 - Video

Home Security Systems Phoenix Arizona Ph 480-500-7662
Home Security Systems Phoenix Arizona http://www.newhomesecuritysystem.com/az In today #39;s modern world, although there are lots of brand-new methods to protect your home and belongings, you...

By: Alexander England

Read more:
Home Security Systems Phoenix Arizona Ph 480-500-7662 - Video