Home automation via iPhone

Zilog says it has created the ultimate remote control -- allowing the iPhone, Blackberry Curve and other Wi-FI devices to control everything from stereos to water heaters. The company says Crimson Connects provides the “first compehensive digital home control and monitoring solution in the marketplace.” Zilog has says it has completed application interfaces for the iPhone and BlackBerry Curve, and is working on support for other mobile devices.

Crimson Connects controls DVD players, appliances, lighting and other devices using infrared, RF, Z-Wave and AppleX10 remote control interfaces.

The product works with Zilog’s eZ80Acclaim! Plus home-based server. Users can control devices with their laptops and other Wi-Fi devices through a web interface, or with specific applications like those coming for the iPhone and BlackBerry. The platform is designed to allow manufacturers to easily add Crimson Connects support as they design new appliances and other home products.

“Manufacturers can give consumers unified remote access to electrical meters, lights, HVAC systems, security systems, water heater and/or entertainment systems," said Michelle Leyden Li, General Manager of Zilog's new Home Control business unit. “Consumers can be proactive in saving energy and protecting their loved ones without lifting more than a finger to do it," she said.

A company spokesman tells MacNN that the iPhone interface should be available "soon" via the iTunes AppStore, and notes that the Crimson Connects development kit is available now and taht the first production versions of the product are expected in the fall. Pricing has not yet been announced.

by MacNN Staff