home automation

Control Your House by iPhone?

Chris Dannen — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:31:06 -0400

Since the 1970s, computer nerds have been automating home control with gizmos based on the X-10 radio standard. A lot's changed since X-10 was cutting edge, and a few proprietary systems have come along with improvements, but none became industry standards.

Stanford's Visible Energy UFO Remote-Controls Your Wall Warts

Kit Eaton — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 07:23:08 -0400

Stanford's just demonstrated a stylish way of managing the various wall chargers dotted around your home--and simultaneously created a convenient way to both kill the vampire power they draw from your electrical supply and remote-control some of your appliances.

Black and Decker Car-Style Remote Opens Your Front Door

Kit Eaton — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 07:33:04 -0500

Black and Decker have taken a long hard look at the boring old front door lock, and added in some technology that takes it into the 21st Century. Namely a car-style remote key fob so you don't kave to fiddle with a physical key, and internet-accessible locking.