From the estimates we have been seeing it looks like Apple sold between 90,000 and 120,000 iPads last Friday. That is pretty amazing for a product that almost nobody has held in their hands or even seen in person.

This shows how the popularity of the touch screen has grown. Many companies have attempted tablets in the past, but never with widespread success.

Estimates are Apple took in about $50 million on iPad preorders, not bad for one day. We would be happy to do that in an entire year!

Labels: apple, home automation, ipad, multi-touch, touch screen

- Josh Ferguson
Posted Monday, March 15, 2010 at 9:21 AM

We have now established remote access to our home automation system by configuring port forwarding in the router, creating a DDNS account, and setting up Snaplink. We now move onto getting the iPhone up and running, which is a piece of cake!

Step 1: Download the App - Go the App Store and download the add "H@me".

Step 2: Edit Preferences - After the H@me app installs open it up and go the preferences. Enter the following information:

• IP: This is your DDNS account (myhome.homeip.net)
• Port: 4369
• Key 1: encryption key (explained in Part 3 of this guide)
• Key 2: encryption key (explained in Part 3 of this guide)
• Code: Your 4-digit user code

Step 3: Save & Connect - The first time you connect you will need to LOAD NAMES. This is a one-time download.

Enjoy!

Labels: HAI, home automation, ipad, iphone, itouch, omni, port forwarding, remote access

- Josh Ferguson
Posted Monday, March 1, 2010 at 10:02 AM

Despite all the bad press the iPad has received I think it has some great uses, especially in the home automation and control segment.

What it is: Currently the iPad will support the H@me app and HAI’s WL3. Both of these applications are great at giving you control of your home on your iPhone. From the tablet you can control lights, temperatures, music, and security.

What is is not: The iPad is not a replacement for a true home automation touch screen. A dedicated touch screen gives you control over your system, as well as allows you to access setup menus, change settings, and have a greater level of control of your system.

The iPad and iPhone/iTouch systems are great, but they aren’t going to replace the OmniTouch touch screens any time soon. 

That said, my order for a iPad is already in with Apple… 

Labels: HAI, home automation, ipad, Nuvo

- Josh Ferguson
Posted Thursday, February 4, 2010 at 4:32 PM