Location-Based Thermostat Management
Posted by Kevin McGuire on Saturday, July 17, 2010 · 
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There’s been quite a bit of buzz about the Smart Grid recently (look for a New Edge series on Smart Grid coming in a few weeks), but I’ve often wondered how consumers will benefit. Allure Energy has finally opened my eyes to what is possible with a smart home system.
Imagine this: once you leave your house in the morning, your smartphone sends location information back to your thermostat allowing the temperature to increase. As you are on your way home, the closer you get, the closer to normal your thermostat is set — thereby ensuring you have a nice, cool home when you arrive. Sounds like science fiction, right? Wrong… Read more
Live From CES
Posted by Kevin McGuire on Sunday, January 10, 2010 · (2) ·
I had the opportunity to attend CES this year, along with about 110,000 other people. I’ll say that it gives me a new appreciation for NTCA events where things are much more intimate. The sea of people was overwhelming at times, and I heard a rumor that there was over 40 acres of booth space.
While there I got to see some great technology and some massive booths (Microsoft’s seemed larger than NTCA’s offices), but as the show draws to a close today, I must say that I will leave Las Vegas a little underwhelmed. Sure there were some cool things, but nothing that was revolutionary in my opinion. If you were there, please leave a comment telling of your experience.
While it is only my opinion that there weren’t any game changers, I’ll offer my thoughts on 5 things that may have an impact on our industry and let you be the judge. Read more
ABI Predicts Boom in Home Automation
Posted by Jesse Ward on Monday, December 7, 2009 · ·
In North America, which represents the lion’s share of the global market for managed home automation, more than one million systems are expected to be installed in 2012. That figure — which represents a tripling of the 2008 market — is forecast to nearly double again in 2014.
One significant element of managed home automation packages is security. Indeed, telcos and cable broadband service providers are entering the market for managed home monitoring and automation services.
“Managed home security usually represents good value for the consumer,” said ABI Research practice director Sam Lucero. “It’s something of a ‘plain vanilla’ offering, but it is packaged by the service provider in a way that is relatively easy to deliver.” Read more
VOTW: Wireless Home Networking
Posted by Jesse Ward on Monday, July 6, 2009 · ·
And, last but not least, our tech VOTW, sponsored by ViodiTV.
Have you recently seen a funny, entertaining or informational video? The New Edge would love to hear from you. Please send your suggestions for the next video of the week (VOTW) to jward@ntca.org and your video might be featured in an upcoming issue.
