Barnes & Noble is launching a new 8GB version of their Nook Tablet that’s set to go on sale for $199. The new Nook will have the same basic features as the existing Nook Tablet but half the storage capacity. Still, at 8GBs it’s both the same size as the Kindle Fire and the same price. The Nook Color is also getting a price drop to $169, and both are available now on BN’s website.
Our office will be closed on Monday the 20th in honor of Presidents’ day. Enjoy your weekend!
Everyone knows that the next generation iPad is coming, but will Apple skip past the iPad 3 and go straight for iPad 4G?
The Wall Street Journal has reported that the newest iPad will feature 4G LTE technology, which will enable it to the faster networks on Verizon and AT&T.
It’s still speculation at this point, but it seems rather likely that Apple will capitalize on its carrier’s 4G networks.
Haiku Home Automation for HAI
Developer: Nullriver, Inc.
Price: $49.99
Compatibility: iPad and iPhone
Description: Haiku combines HAI’s proven home automation controllers with iOS’s unbeatable user interface experience and versatility. This leverage brings the consumer a solid, user-friendly and convenient home automation interface that is as usable from anywhere in the world as it is from the comfort of your couch.
Pros: Frequent updates, intuitive layout, great interface, easy setup
Cons: No version for Android, reports of crashes after updating
SnapLink Mobile
Developer: Home Automation, Inc.
Price:$49.99
Compatibility: iPad, iPhone, Android.
Description: Turn your iPhone or iPod Touch into a whole home remote control. Homeowners and property managers with an HAI control system can view and adjust lighting levels/scenes, temperatures, security settings, surveillance video, audio, and more.
Pros: Lots of control functions
Cons: Buggy
Crestion Mobile Pro
Developer: Crestron Electronics, Inc
Price: $100
Compatibility: iPad, iPhone, Android
Description: Crestron Mobile harnesses the power of 3G and Edge networks to stay connected to the home or office when you’re on the go. View alarm status, adjust lights and room temperature while lying on the beach or sitting in traffic.
Pros: Quick load time, theme options
Cons: Pricey, reported crashes
Control4 MyHome
Developer: Control4
Price: Free to download, $99.99 licensing fee
Compatibility: iPad, iPhone, Android
Description: The MyHome family of software apps allows you to access and control the lighting, temperature, music, movies, energy, security and more from a wide range of devices in your Control4 enabled home. By turning your existing smart phones, tablets and PCs into additional interfaces, Control4 MyHome offers you an affordable and convenient way to access and manage your system.
Pros: interface, updated graphics
Cons: misleading pricing
R2 Control for Crestron
Developer: id8 Group R2 Studios
Price: $99
Compatibility: Android
Description: R2 turns your Android device into a fully functional Crestron touchpanel!
R2 enables residential and commercial customers to control AV, lighting, thermostats, security systems, and thousands of other products via their Android device from anywhere in the world.
Pros: lots of options, speed
Cons: can be hard to configure for some users, price
Sources say that Apple has scheduled an event in early March to unveil the newest iPad, and many are speculating that it will be available for purchase a week or so after the event.
The iPad has definitely been a game-changer in the home automation field, and it’ll be exciting to see what changes have been made in the newest iteration.
Here’s a video of Jeff Singer, Crestron director of global marketing campaigns, demonstrating Crestron’s integration with Kinect gestures.
Control 4 has recently announced some big changes for 2012 which include a revamped warranty and RMA program.
“New Warranty and RMA Programs
Effective February 1, 2012, Control4 has enhanced its Standard Two-Year Product Warranty. Should a Control4® product fail in its second year according to the warranty, an advanced factory reconditioned replacement will be provided immediately upon request. Previously, the second-year warranty only provided repair which incurred inbound shipping time, repair-time, and return shipping time. Dealers may select the outbound shipping method for the replacement product – weekday overnight, two-day, or standard delivery – to best match replacement installation timing for both the end-customer and the dealer. These changes will expedite the replacement process for affected customers and provide more efficiency for Control4 Dealers. Additionally, Control4 has revised its RMA policy to provide paid return freight for the warranteed product being replaced.”
Here’s a quick look at the universal remotes we’re working on.
A video demo of Contro4′s new family of home automation controllers.
Last weekend, the New York Times ran a feature on Barnes and Noble that revealed the bookseller’s plans to release a new version of its ebook reader this spring. There were no details beyond that brief mention, so only time will tell if the new Nook will will be a dedicated ereader or a tablet hybrid like the Nook Color.
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