Comparison between Different Types of Switching Devices - Case Study Example

Naima Wahhabi Home Automation Products, Introduction There are many products that were exhibited at the Consumer Electronic Show held on January last week by electronic companies from the whole world. Home automation products were among these exhibits, and the paper discusses their specifications, features, price, as well their availability. These products can be classified into three categories, which include the lighting devices, switching devices and security systems (CES par. 2). The list of the most interesting Zigbee/Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connected home automation products contains the HomeKit, motorized window coverings, 3-series Smart switch, Lyric and WeMo sensors. The exhibiting companies that facilitated the innovation progress during the CES 2015 may include Apple Inc., Pella Company, CentraLite and more (Wong 146). These advanced home products set the move of creating of smart homes for many people around the world in the coming few years. Their features are interesting and thus the reader should feel attracted to use the latest home automation products (Wood par. 4). Switching devices 1. HomeKit-compatible Accessories Apple Inc. exhibited these accessories during the last CES 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. HomeKit refers to a suite of tools that enables software developers to create iOS applications for home automation products. It was unveiled by Apple during the last year’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). The HomeKit accessories include the mobile device maker, smart locks, Siri and Apple TV. a) Mobile device maker Features It is Incipio exhibited A HomeKit-compatible wireless smart outlet Smart wireless light bulb Smart wireless power strip Together with a Siri voice command, the three automation solutions can enable the creation of a Wi-Fi enabled smart home (Arnold par. 3). b) Smart lock Features It incorporates the Schlage Sense, which a Bluetooth-connected keyless lock Can be operated by an iPod touch, iPhone with the aid of HomeKit technology The smart lock is voice controlled by use of Siri In addition, Elgato, a consumer electronics company, announced to make more advanced sensor products that can control the air temperature, quality, humidity, pressure and water and energy consumption. These products are controllable via Siri on an application installed on an iOS device (Arnold par. 4). Chamberlain will produce a Wi-Fi-based garage door opener that is compatible with HomeKit Insteon hub for HomeKit technology c) Apple TV Features Act as a hub in controlling the HomeKit automation devices Set-top box for HomeKit-compatible products allowing remote access Allow voice commands via Siri (Arnold par. 5). Operation The HomeKit based products are assembled together with the Apple TV being the main control center or the master hub. However, the hub has not been fully integrated to work with the already existing HomeKit accessories. First, download an app and install it on iOS or Android devices. Then, using the Siri, you can control all the devices connected to the socket outlets. The application is programmable since you can set the time at which the lights will go off, as well as, manipulating the room temperature (Tilley par. 12). Availability The HomeKit-enabled products are ready for sale, and one can pre-order them. Many Apple retail outlets in Canada offer them for sale. The prices are indicated in the company’s catalogue alongside the product’s specifications (Arnold par. 8). 2. 3-Series Smart Switch It is a product that was showcased by Centralite, a consumer electronics maker. Features Zigbee based lighting control scheme for home automation devices Can be installed on an existing switch (CentraLite Systems Inc. 2). Requires compatible light bulbs and devices for it to work wirelessly Powered by small coin cell battery Has two programmable buttons that are used to switch on or off or even dim the lights Can work with more than one light bulb Can control other Zigbee-based devices such as the door locks, garage door openers, thermostats and more. Can be installed on walls, desktops, cabinets or switch plates (CentraLite Systems Inc. par. 2). The smart switch is expected to be on CentraLite retail outlets at a price less than $40. 3. 3-Series Smart Garage System; is a product of CentraLite, which allows users to open and close their garage doors. Features The control point allows the raising and lowering the garage door Switching on and off of the door lights in the garage (CentraLite Systems Inc. 2). Can trigger the connected home appliances such as lighting, coffeemakers, and curling irons. It is only possible with Zigbee HA 1.2 integration. Enables users to send and receive alerts and text notifications from their comfortable places in the house Break-ins alerts appear when the garage doors are opened manually The smart garage system can be opened earlier before the car arrives and close immediately a delivery is made (CentraLite Systems Inc. par. 1). The CentraLite Smart Garage system will be ready for sale in few months for less than $129. 4. WeMo Switch; is a Wi-Fi enabled Belkin home automation product. Features Allows you to turn the electronic devices on and off from remote places Uses the existing Wi-Fi network that is used for controlling TVs, heaters, fans, lamps and more. Operated by use of Google and Apple applications One can set time schedules for the electronic application and control them in a remote location using a mobile-based internet connection Additional switches can be added to control other devices (Belkin International Inc. par. 1). Operation As stated in the features, the WeMo Switch works well with a WeMo App for one to turn on and off the electronics from anywhere using Wi-Fi. The first step is to download a WeMo app and install in your smartphone. Then, plug in the WeMo Switch in any outlet, as well as, an electrical appliance, for example, an iron box. Connect the WeMo Switch to the Wi-Fi network and follow the instructions for installation. The switch operates via the mobile network, and now you can control the iron box from anywhere. In addition, you can set time schedules for electronics and appliances in your home. The preferable mobile devices may include Android 4.0 and iOS 5 (Belkin International Inc. par. 2). ConnectSense Smart Outlet It is a product of GridConnect integrated with the Apple HomeKit, which allows control of home appliances. Features Is Wi-Fi or Zigbee enabled Controlled via Siri by use of an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch Users can set up rules, schedules and the time for notifications from the connected appliances Lights, fans, air conditioners, TVs can be controlled by the ConnectSense Smart Outlet. Has dual electrical outlets Can be used together with HomeKit-connected devices The USB port enables rapid charging The ConnectSense Smart Outlet is now available for pre-order at a price of $79.95. Shipment will be ongoing in the coming three months. Comparison between different types of switching devices The HomeKit accessories, the 3-series smart switch and garage system, and the ConnectSense Smart outlet are operated via a smartphone or a tablet. The preferable smartphones must be iOS or Android product. Their operations are similar, in that, you need to download a WeMo app or HomeKit software and install it in your iPod touch, iPad, and iPhone and then follow the instructions to monitor the home accessories. All the switching devices discussed in the essay can be operated from a remote location within the house. The HomeKit accessories use the Apple HomeKit technology, with the Apple TV being the master hub for devices such as the iron box, coffeemakers, fans, air conditioners and more. On another hand, the WeMo switch operates on Google and Apple apps. It was introduced together with WeMo sensory products. Note that the switch can only control compatible light bulbs and door locks. HomeKit accessories are Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled while the 3-series smart switch and smart garage system operate using the Zigbee and Wi-Fi networks. ConnectSense Smart outlet operates using Wi-Fi, and it is integrated with HomeKit technology. HomeKit-enabled devices can form a complete system including the ConnectSense smart outlet and thus creating a smart automated home. CentraLite products can operate using ZigBee network and can be integrated with other lighting and security systems to create a smart home. HomeKit accessories are remotely controlled via Siri while the 3-series products rely on Zigbee and Wi-Fi networks. Only the WeMo switch can be turned on and of via mobile internet connection. In comparison with other smart socket outlets, ConnectSense smart outlet is available with USB chargers, dual plug; Zigbee and HomeKit enabled. Other competitive plugs appear in single plugs and inclusion of the related products they are more expensive than ConnectSense smart outlet. The smart outlet goes for $79.95 and $130 for other competing smart plugs. Complete set of HomeKit-enabled devices is more expensive than the Zigbee-based 3-series home automation products. The WeMo switch is expensive because it requires other compatible products such as the WeMo doors and Windows sensors and the WeMo switch. Lighting Devices In this category, the home automation products designed for lighting and controlling the intensity and amount of light entering the house are included. Also, the devices that enable automatic closing and opening of doors and windows are also discussed in this section. 1. The 3-series Night Light; is a product of CentraLite Features It is a single device that combines three home automation products Acts as a Zigbee repeater, which extends the network to the distant rooms It puts a dimmable multi-colour light at night The Night Light can be controlled by a Zigbee hub or a button Can repeat the Zigbee commands and continue illuminating for 24 hours. 2. The Bolt; a smart bulb by Misfit that is an electronics company based in San Francisco. Features A smartphone or a tablet can be used to control the Bolt Manual switching is possible with Bolt The application needed for remote control need to be installed in Android and iOS devices. The Apps has several lighting settings, for example, the “sunset” which resembles sunlight in the morning. The Bolt is LED bulb. Has a life of 23 years if it is used for three hours a day Can be screwed or installed on the ceiling The Bolt is available in all retail outlets for $129.99 for three pieces and $49.99 for one piece. 3. Motorized Window Shades; is a product that is made by the Pella Company (Z-Wave Alliance par. 1). Features The new motorized window shades are not placed between glasses, but, are on top of them. The cellular and roller shades go up to size 12 by 12 feet. Wood slats are on the way, and thus Pella will learn how to control the slats The prices of the shades are in the “premium” category. It uses a two-way RF protocol. The devices are battery operated The user can control the motorized shades through a wireless switch Plenty of integrations with a hub are on the way. The Pella motorized shades are available at their retail outlets with a “premium” price as the competing products such the QMotion and Lutron (Z-Wave Alliance par. 3). Comparison between different types of lighting devices The lighting home automation products are operated via the phone, which could be an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. The 3-series Night Light is operated by Zigbee hub or a button while the Bolt is operated using Apple apps. Installation of both lighting devices is similar since they can be screwed on the walls and ceilings. Zigbee-enabled 3-series Night Light puts dim light at night while the Bolt constantly lights during the day and at night. The Night Light operates with other CentraLite 3-series products such as the smart switch. The Bolt, which is a Misfit product, operates on its own and thus it is not effective in the creation of smart homes. In other words, more products compatible with the Bolt must be invented so as to create a complete system with a hub. The Night Light can receive Zigbee commands and continue illuminating for 24 hours. Bolt LED bulb cannot be programmed and hence most people are likely to go for the 3-series Night Light. The Bolt is more expensive than a 3-series Night Light because it has no other compatible products. One piece goes for $49.99 while the 3-series Night Light costs $34.99. The new motorized window shades are battery operated and more advanced than the previous shades produced by the Pella Company. Plenty of innovations and integration of the window shades with a hub are on the way. The Window shades are controlled wirelessly and allow natural light to enter the building during the day. They close up the window openings at night (Z-Wave Alliance par. 5). Security Devices 1. WeMo Sensory Products a) WeMo Window and Door Sensor Features Has a magnetic contact sensor, which detects closed and opened windows and doors Allows users to control the entry of people at the main door Can monitor movement of persons inside the house (Belkin International Inc. par. 4). b) WeMo Alarm Sensor Features The sensors are fixed on existing alarms Notifies the users in case somebody activates them using a mobile alert (Belkin International Inc. par. 5). c) WeMo Keychain Sensor Features Is a small sensor placed in a bag or collar It allows keeping of track of family members in the house Can be operated with a mobile internet connection (Belkin International Inc. par. 3). Operation The sensory products are operated using a WeMo app installed in a tablet or a smartphone. As stated earlier, the WeMo app enables users to receive notifications and alerts, as well as, setting time schedules for the products. These apps can be programmed to trigger the other WeMo devices present inside the house (Belkin International Inc. par. 2). The WeMo sensors are predicted to be available by June, 2015, and their prices are currently undetermined. 2. Lyric; It is a connected home security system made by Honeywell. The home security system is a sophisticated platform that was only launched in ESX held on June last year. The product marked the second time of the Lyric family in CES since the thermostat, which was launched last year. The security system allows the homeowner to be aware of the ongoing activities and the security threats in the homestead (Stepanek par. 2). Features Lyric responds to voice commands that are based on customized presets. Can control the lights and adjust the room temperatures to preferred settings Based on personalized pre-setting, Lyric can know when the homeowner is going out or coming in from outside. Can detect and notify the user about an unauthorized person entering the house. It is easier to install and operate (Stepanek par. 2). Construction details Consists of a gateway product and a controller, which are connected directly to an RJ45. You can program the RJ45 from the cloud. Other related products may include the siren, smoke detector and intrusion sensors of glass break. Also the two-way wireless technology is included in the Lyric home security (Stepanek par. 3). Lyric home security components will be available by May. Currently, their prices have not been determined yet. There is hope of integrating Lyric with several home automation devices, for example, shading, lock and lighting controls. Honeywell is aiming at working with Schlage in order to extend the Lyric security system to door locks (Stepanek par. 5). Comparison between different Security devices The WeMo sensory products and the Lyric security allow the homeowner to track all the movements via the doors and windows and detect security threats posed in the homestead. The security devices are operated wirelessly using a smartphone at the comfort of your sofa. These security home automation products can be programmed and pre-set, and the user can receive alerts and notifications. The WeMo sensory products can operate together with the WeMo switch and bulbs using an Apple app installed on a smartphone or a tablet. Lyric home security system has not been fully integrated with a control hub and currently, there are no related products, for example, door locks, switches and bulbs. The WeMo sensors can give information on the family members’ whereabouts, unlike the Lyric home security, which gives notifications when there is a security threat. WeMo sensors contain a magnet, which detects opening and closing of doors and windows. On the other hand, the Lyric sensors rely on voice commands, which can be customized during the pre-settings. Conclusion The security, lighting and switching products have advanced since the last International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held last year. Apple Inc. exhibited the HomeKit accessories plus they are planning to introduce Apple TV to act as the master hub for the accessories. GridConnect has a smart outlet that is integrated with HomeKit accessories in order to advance the wireless switching technology (Wood par. 4). Honeywell and WeMo have provided smart solutions for security at home. The Misfit introduced the Bolt while CentraLite has the 3-series Night Light for lighting purposes. It is evident that most home automation products operate together to form a complete automated home. There will be smarter homes created in the American land in the coming years when all the discussed products are released. It would be better if the products come at affordable prices, and they are energy effective. Works Cited Arnold, Nathanael. CES 2015 Provides Clues About Apple’s Smart Home Plans, 2015. Web. 28 Jan. 2015. http://wallstcheatsheet.com/technology/ces-2015-provides-clues-about-apples-smart-home-plans.html/?a=viewall#ixzz3Q6GsPGuF Belkin International Inc. WeMo now works with Android and iOS Smart Devices, 2015 Web. 28 Jan. 2015. http://www.belkin.com/us/p/P-F7C027/ Belkin International Inc. WeMo® Further Expands Internet of Things Ecosystem with New Home Sensors, 2015. Web. 28 Jan. 2015. http://www.belkin.com/us/pressreleases/8801860256828/ CentraLite Systems Inc. CentraLite to Launch Next-generation Connected Home Products and New Partnership with Lowe’s at International CES 2015. Web. 28 Jan. 2015. http://www.centralite.com/downloads/PressRelease-CentraLiteAt2015InternationalCES.pdf CentraLite Systems Inc. New Products and Partnerships for 2015. Web. 28 Jan. 2015. http://www.centralite.com/index.php/products/new-products-for-2015 Stepanek, Laura. Honeywell Shows a New Premium Connected Home Security System at CES, 2015. Web. 28 Jan. 2015. http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/90838-honeywell-shows-a-new-premium-connected-home-security-system-at-ces Tilley, Aaron. Apple Emerges As A Promising Internet Of Things Platform At CES 2015. Web. 28 Jan. 2015. http://gridconnect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Apple-Emerges-As-A-Promising-Internet-Of-Things-Platform-At-CES-2015.pdf Wong, Marcus. Femtocells - Secure Communication and Networking. Aalborg: River Publishers, 2013. Print. Wood, Molley. At the International CES, the Internet of Things Hits Home, 2015. Web. 28 Jan. 2015. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/05/technology/international-ces-the-internet-of-things-hits-homes.html Z-Wave Alliance. Pella Launches Motorized Shades, Home Automation, Custom Integration, 2015. Web. 28 Jan. 2015 http://z-wavealliance.org/pella-launches-motorized-shades-home-automation-custom-integration/ Read More