October 20, 2011

News for the automated homes and buildings industry

Home Systems

• Video: Motorola & Verizon team up for Z-Wave monitoring service
  Motorola Mobility, Inc. has teamed up with Verizon to bring consumers the connected home. Verizon recently announced its Home Monitoring and Control service. The new service leverages Motorola's 4Home technology to make homes smarter and provide useful insight into energy use. Engadget (10/12)

• Intel to focus on tablets, winds down digital home group
  Intel's Digital Home Group (DHG) has wound down. The group was responsible for the consumer electronics versions of the Atom SoC family. Last year we saw the launch of the Boxee Box and Google TV, both based on the Intel DHG's CE4100 Atom SoC. At the time Intel had grand plans for the Atom CE line, however today things have changed. AnandTech (10/10)

• Sales of smart TVs will overshadow 3DTV sales in 2012
  Smart TVs are expected to outsell 3DTVs next year, according to the Topology Research Institute. The group said 52.85 million Smart TVs will sell in 2012, compared with 48.2 million 3DTVs. World Screen News (10/17)

• Video: Verizon smart home strategy includes green focus
  Beyond Verizon’s goal of building a business around the smart home, they also hope to achieve some specific green initiatives, by lowering both their carbon footprint and that of their customers. Jim Gowen, Verizon’s Chief Sustainability Officer was the keynote speaker at the recent 2011 Digital Home Summit and he revealed a two prong strategy for the digital home:“Pardon the electricity pun, but knowledge is power and enabling consumers to proactively and reactively manage their electricity usage through their smart devices is one way to reduce energy consumption.” Telecompetitor (10/12)

• Smart home cloud services worth $6 billion in 2015
  Smart home sensor network chipset shipments, the majority wireless chipset solutions, will approach 100 million worldwide in 2015, enabling nearly $6 billion in cloud services for energy and home service providers, according to a study by ON World. Metering.com (10/17)

• Nissan smart home powered by Leaf battery
  Nissan's NSH-2012 Smart House of the Future concept is part of a Smart Community Zero zone showcasing technologies that operate off the power grid. The house stands on stilts to maximize space, with a parking area underneath it. Aside from solar and fuel cells that help make the home independent of the power grid, the polyhedral structure can draw electricity from the battery of an electric car such as the Nissan Leaf. CNET (10/7)

• New roof shingle is a solar-power system
  Dow Chemical Co. and residential homebuilder D.R. Horton will rollout its “Powerhouse” product — a new kind of roof shingle that’s also a solar power system. Dow called its new solar shingle “a revolutionary new roofing product that combines the performance and protection of a conventional asphalt roof with an integrated photovoltaic (PV) system that powers the home. It is designed to install, look and function in a way that has never been done before.” American City Business Journals/Denver (10/11)

• People with ALS, MS can benefit from home automation systems
  People with neuromuscular disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis, have a chance to live independently with the aid of home automation systems. This article details how residents of the Leonard Florence Center for Living in Massachusetts employ a PEAC control system from Promixis. CEPro.com (10/18)

• Reliant looking at smart energy solutions to revolutionize consumers experience
  Twelve everyday families are at the heart of an energy-efficiency revolution taking place just outside of downtown Houston where Reliant has transformed a typical Houston street into an avenue of innovation. The neighborhood, dubbed Reliant Innovation Avenue, has been outfitted with advanced energy technology – from home energy monitors and smart appliances to solar panels and street lights – giving participants unprecedented information and control over how they use electricity. ElectricEnergyOnline.com (10/12)

• Efficient water heating technologies can save consumers nearly $18 billion
  New energy-efficient water heating technologies and practices can save residential and commercial buildings on average 37% more energy than conventional technologies. These energy savings could be worth nearly $18 billion, according to a new study of emerging technologies released today by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). GLOBE-Net (10/8)

• Control4 names Martin Plaehn President and CEO
  Control4 has announced that Martin Plaehn will become the company's new president and CEO. Former CEO Will West will become chairman of the board and chief strategy officer. Prior to joining Control4, Plaehn was SVP of product and service development at RealNetworks, CEO at Bungee Labs and CEO of Viewpoint Digital. Rave Publications (10/13)

• Study: Internet-connected TVs more prevalent in the U.S.
  Strategy Analytics estimates that 42 million television sets around the world are now connected to the Internet. The market research firm found that about 20% of American homes are making use of Internet-connected TV, compared with about 10% of European homes. ipTVnews (10/17)

• Intel: Moore's Law holds steady as Internet devices proliferate
  An Intel executive predicts there will be 15 billion Internet-connected devices in play in the next few years, compared with more than 4 billion today, and that the growth is proof that Moore's Law is holding true. The chipmaker says it expects a doubling of processors in the data center as well. VentureBeat (10/17)

• ITU group pushes ultra-high-definition TV standard
  The International Telecommunication Union's Study Group on Broadcasting Service has reached an agreement on technical issues for its ultra-high-definition television standard. NHK has demonstrated a UHDTV screen with 33 million pixels, compared with the 2 million pixels employed in a typical HDTV screen. Broadcasting & Cable (10/14)

• Many mobile-device owners watch TV, use devices at the same time
  Nearly half of all users of smartphones and tablet mini computers use the portable media devices daily while watching television, according to new Nielsen research. The research found that 42% of tablet owners use the device daily while watching TV, compared with 40% of smartphone owners and 14% of eReaders. Home Media Magazine (10/14)

• Motorola offers lower-priced family edition of Xoom tablet
  Motorola launched a less-expensive version of its Xoom tablet at Best Buy stores Sunday, aimed at appealing to families. The $379 Family Edition, which costs $120 less than the original Xoom tablet, has half the memory of the full version but comes with almost $40 worth of software. Wall Street Journal (10/14)
  

• Boxee adds Spotify to its media box
  The Spotify online music-streaming service is the latest media feature to be added to the Boxee Box. Premium Spotify subscribers will be able to access the full company catalog, according to Boxee. GigaOm (10/14)

• Apple aims for new heights with iPhone 4S release
  Apple launched its iPhone 4S sales in seven countries, including the U.S., today amid a global clamor for Steve Jobs' farewell device, according to published reports that say the company already has increased its order with Asian equipment makers by 5 million units to total 15 million handsets. Analysts say Apple may sell 4 million iPhone 4S handsets this weekend, a record launch for an iPhone model. Bloomberg Businessweek (10/14)

• Survey: More than 20% of phones sold have 4G access capability
  Consumers already have begun snapping up 4G phones, according to an NPD Group study, which says 22% of the smartphones sold in the second quarter were 4G-enabled, compared with 3% a year ago. HTC accounts for 62% of U.S. 4G sales, while Sprint Nextel has the top market share among carriers, given that most of its smartphones are 4G-ready. MediaPost News (10/12)

• Despite price dips, TV shipments remain on the decline
  Declining consumer spending is hitting worldwide TV shipments, and DisplaySearch predicts there will be no growth from last year through this year, as fewer LCD products are being sold, even with a recent price drop. Shipments of flat-panel TVs, however, are expected to increase 6% compared with last year. Rapid TV News (10/12)

• Microsoft: We will support Skype beyond Windows
  Microsoft has closed its $8.5 billion acquisition of Skype and says it plans to continue supporting the voice and video-messaging service across platforms and operating systems. Former Skype CEO Tony Bates, who now reports to Microsoft's CEO, said: "The value proposition of Skype is being multi-platform across different devices, whether it's PCs, desktops, mobile phones, whether it's in the living room, and that's key and that must stay. And we're committed to that." Computerworld (10/14)

• CableLabs CEO will step down
  CableLabs President and CEO Paul Liao says he won't be serving past the end of his contract in December 2012 for personal reasons. Liao may leave sooner if a replacement can be found in a timely fashion, a source says. Light Reading Cable (10/14)

• Leviton & Ford receive UL certification for Focus electric home charging station
  Leviton, a leading global manufacturer of electrical devices, and Ford Motor Company announced the new Ford Electric Vehicle (EV) Home Charging Station has achieved UL certification for UL 2231, UL 2251 and UL 2594. The new Level 2 EV charging device, designed exclusively for Ford, is also compatible with all additional industry safety standards and recommended practices, including SAE J1772™ and NEC 625. ElectricEnergyOnline.com (10/11)

• Somfy switches gears with home automation control
  Recently Somfy demonstrated its new TaHomA system in a fully featured demo suite, marking the company’s expansion from window-coverings motor manufacturing to developing home automation. Residential Systems (10/13)

• Can Pecan Street deliver some smart grid sizzle?
  Austin's innovative Pecan Street Project is bringing the smart grid home … literally. Pecan Street Inc. is teaming with some industry heavyweights to work on a consumer-focused smart grid built around home apps and consumer electronics. It could be just what the smart grid doctor ordered – a way to get consumers excited about smart grid technologies. SmartGridNews.com (10/13)

• Kinect turns any surface into a touch screen
  A new prototype can transform a notebook into a notebook computer, a wall into an interactive display, and the palm of your hand into a smart phone display. In fact, researchers at Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University say their new shoulder-mounted device, called OmniTouch, can turn any nearby surface into an ad hoc interactive touch screen. MIT Technology Review (10/18)

• Honeywell launches home security app for Android
  Honeywell has launched a new application for Android devices, letting users control their security systems and view live, streaming video from any remote location. This version is the latest application of Honeywell’s Total Connect 2.0 Remote Services, which allows consumers to utilize the Internet, smartphones, cameras and more to stay connected to their homes and businesses wherever they are. SP&T News (10/20)

Click here for CABA's Industry Events Update

Large Building Automation

• Samsung breakthrough turns windows into displays
  Windows will double as displays and light sources if an LED breakthrough, reported by Samsung, comes to market. The company claims it has discovered a way to produce cheaper, large display panels on normal glass. The news comes from Samsung’s Advanced Institute of Technology and is published in scientific journal Nature Photonics. InAVate (10/12)

• U.S. Green Building Council raises LEED standards for 2012
  The U.S. Green Building Council is implementing major upgrades in LEED certification standards for buildings in 2012 in response to criticisms. Reuters (10/12)

• Former Motorola CEO dies
  Robert "Bob" William Galvin, the longtime chief executive officer of Motorola Inc., died peacefully during the night of October 11, 2011 in Chicago. Galvin – a transformative global business leader, innovator, author, and philanthropist – was 89 years old. PR Newswire (10/10)

• Interview with GE Lighting Solutions CEO Jaime Irick
  Last June, GE promoted Jaime Irick to president and CEO of GE Lighting Solutions. In that role, he partners with GE Lighting president and CEO Maryrose Sylvester to drive the development, growth and management of GE’s LED product business for both the consumer and professional markets. At a press event held at the GE Lighting headquarters in Nela Park, East Cleveland, OH, Irick discussed the company’s strategic approach to gaining ground in the LED marketplace. Illuminating Engineering Society (10/12)

• Building efficiency: The 'two stage' solution
  Renovating Europe's buildings for deep efficiency in two stages would result in 71 percent energy savings across Europe by 2050, and create 800,000 clean energy jobs — at less than two-thirds the price of one-off deep renovations, a new report says. EuroAce (10/13)

• Universities support the "Billion Dollar Green Challenge"
  Thirty-two universities have contributed $65 million to "green revolving funds" the schools can draw from to enhance energy efficiency at the contributing institutions. The Billion Dollar Green Challenge hopes to get schools and nonprofits to invest $1 billion in the self-administered funds. Environmental Leader (10/13)

• Retrofitting buildings in U.S. cities to become booming market
  Benchmarking laws going into effect in some of America’s largest and most progressive cities point toward a new industry in retrofitting existing buildings for compliance—an industry that some entrepreneurial firms intend to corner. ARCHITECT (9/19)

• Opinion: Why commercial, residential integrators should be segregated
  When commercial and residential markets pick up for integrators after the recession ends and creates more opportunities for all, many will consider expanding their scope of work. Integrators have long made the transition from residential to commercial projects, but commentator Daniel L. Newman outlines why the opposite scenario makes little sense. Commercial Integrator (10/14)

• Green buildings a plus for staff, business
  Evidence is growing that ”green buildings” can improve staff productivity, driven by improvements in indoor air quality, lighting, thermal comfort, access to views and acoustics, according to Jones Lang LaSalle. High rates of natural ventilation and access to natural light are green building features that have a clear and undeniable link to increasing work productivity. eco-business.com (10/6)

• Expert says HVAC efficiency standard in Middle East will cause problems
  The recent introduction of efficiency standards into the GCC by its governments could cause more problems than it solves, a leading HVAC industry expert has warned. Stephen Yurek, president and CEO of the US-based Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute, said that the increased competition between GCC member countries to have a strong energy efficient code could end up costing consumers in the long run. ConstructionWeekOnline.com (10/18)

• Call for facial recognition subject matter experts
  The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is currently conducting research on facial recognition technology for an upcoming workshop in Washington, DC. If you have any expertise in any of these areas and would be interested in sharing that information with the FTC, contact SIA Director of Government Relations, Don Erickson at 703-647-8484 or derickson@siaonline.org. SIA (10/14)

• Gartner: A case for automation to replace human decision making
  Human knowledge and decision making could one day be replaced by business-automation tools, according to Gartner, which could solve some of today's top issues, such as the "pay-for-performance mentality" that drives some business decisions. "We humans are very bad at making decisions," says Nigel Rayner, a Gartner analyst. Computerworld (10/18)

• Video: Acuity Brands enhances lighting control
  Acuity Brands' industry-leading portfolio and proven expertise in indoor and outdoor luminaires, controls, components, LED lighting technology and daylighting, we deliver integrated, intelligent solutions that expand the boundaries of lighting. CABA's YouTube Channel (10/20)
  

Member Press Releases

• AMX Ships Digital Signage Software that Streamlines Management of Enterprise-Scale Deployments Ahead of Schedule
  AMX®, the leading provider of solutions that simplify the implementation, maintenance, and use of technology to create effective environments, announced the immediate availability of the enterprise-scale digital-signage software Inspired Composer 5 – more than two months earlier than scheduled.

• Other Items

EMerge Alliance Presented New DC Power Applications at Greenbuild 2011
AMX Begins Shipping RMS Enterprise, Software Connects AV Assets on Unprecedented Scale
Encelium Technologies to Exhibit at Greenbuild 2011 in Toronto and Conduct Rogers Centre Tour
Bedrock Learning Launches New Business Support CDs for Professional Integrators
CMMS and EAM Software Provider Unveils New Brand and Marketing Launch
Encelium Technologies Expands Product Offering with New Line of Occupancy Sensors
The Future of "Green" Addressable Lighting Systems Looks Bright for Encelium Technologies
Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS) and Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) Software Developer Opens European Office
AMX Forms Network Media Group

CABA members can post their media releases by logging into the CABA Web site.

CABA Research Spotlight

• Health Care Comes Home: The Human Factors
  Health care delivered at home is valued by patients and, when managed well, can promote healthy living and well-being. These changes in the location of care are involving more people, both professional and lay, who are sometimes performing difficult tasks, with unfamiliar equipment, in environments not designed to support these activities. All of these factors need to be addressed, and among the most critical are the human-systems interactions, also known as human factors, otherwise the safety, efficacy, and efficiency of that care will suffer. Read the full report as published in CABA's Public Research Library. Paid CABA membership provides you access to the world's largest collection of connected home and intelligent building research: CABA Member Research Library.

Education & Training

• Webinar: Intelligent Buildings: Current and Emerging Trends
  The Continental Automated Buildings Association recently commissioned two market study and research projects titled “Intelligent Buildings Market Sizing North America” and the “Intelligent Buildings Roadmap.” In conjunction with CoR Advisors, CABA will conduct a webinar session on Wednesday, November 9, at 12:30 pm ET that will review the key findings of this research and provide an overview of current and future trends in intelligent buildings. Konkana Khaund, from Frost & Sullivan, and Jeremy Towler, from BSRIA, and others, will define an intelligent building and its components, review the benefits of intelligent building solutions for all stakeholders, and present a summary of the business opportunities and market size for intelligent building solutions. You’ll learn about the influence of technology advances for building energy efficiency, automation, IT convergence, renewable energy solutions, and integration with the smart grid.
  
  
• Online event: CEProLIVE!
  Sign up for CEProLIVE!, the first industry-wide virtual event for custom electronics professionals, on October 27, 2011, 10am - 5pm EDT. Jointly produced by CE Pro and CEDIA, CEProLIVE! offers a compelling lineup of dealer education in the hottest new technology areas - with valuable information to help you stay on top of your game.
  
  
• Smart Energy Technical Study Tour
  The Smart Energy Technical Study Tour, which will allow organisations to gain better understanding of the technical requirements while getting strategic insight from market leaders, takes place on 13-18 November and includes visits to Mumbai, Delhi, Agra and Bangalore. This is a unique opportunity for any organization to not only evaluate the potential of the emerging smart energy market but also to gain fast-track entry, giving first-hand information and contacts to forge long-term partnerships with major stakeholders involved in the India smart metering and smart grid industry.
  
  
• IBM Smarter Energy Virtual Briefing Center Series
  Featured presentations are now available for you to view in the virtual briefing center at your convenience. Come hear utilities executives and industry experts share their experiences from smart grid implementations. Explore new ideas and creative approaches for the energy and utilities industry.
  
  
• Freescale's smart energy webinar
  Freescale is powering innovation for a more sustainable, greener world by enabling end-to-end smart energy solutions. The firm, in conjunction with Metering.com, will hold a webinar on November 3 at 10:00 am CT to examine the: motivation behind smart energy and the challenges it faces for consumer adoption; obstacles facing communication standards and the solutions that Freescale is developing around an independent MAC/PHY interface; and key designs and technologies that Freescale has available to address smart energy needs.
  
  
• Webinar: Hear about Sainsbury’s £1bn sustainability plan
  Jack Cunningham, who is head of climate change and environment for Sainsbury’s supermarkets will, in ENDS magazine’s upcoming live webcast on October 27 at 10 am ET, be lifting the lid on his company’s £1bn sustainability plan, described as “the most ambitious and far-reaching programme in the industry.
  
  Webinar: IT’s Expanding Role in the Future of Facilities Management
  In the last 12 months, a number of organizations, big and small, have begun to fully comprehend the role that IT departments will play in the infrastructure management of facilities and buildings. This webinar by Realcomm, to be held on October 20 at 12:30 pm ET, will examine the expanding role of information technology in the future of facilities management.
  

CABA News

• CABA President & CEO to talk at Smart Homes Summit
  Ron Zimmer, CABA President & CEO will be speaking at the Smart Homes Summit during the Smart Energy International Conference, which is taking place October 24-26, 2011 in San Francisco, California. Zimmer will be talking about the organization's recent research project surrounding energy as a managed service on October 25 at the event's Smart Homes Summit session. Learn more about this event. If you are planning to attend the conference, and would like to meet with Mr. Zimmer, please e-mail him directly at zimmer@caba.org.
  
  
• CABA Launches "State of the Connected Home 2011" Research Study
  The Continental Automated Buildings Association has launched a collaborative research project, entitled the “State of the Connected Home Market 2011” to study significant developments and trends in the connected home market by investigating consumer attitudes and behaviors with regard to the connected home. Learn more.
  
  
• CABA seeks sponsors for AHR and CES events in January
  CABA hopes to see you at the 2012 International CES, in Las Vegas, NV and at the 2012 AHR EXPO, in Chicago, IL. CABA traditionally holds a reception at each of these events. CABA members and attendees find them a great networking opportunity, providing a chance to explore future CABA initiatives and research opportunities. If you would like to learn how your organization can become involved as a sponsor for the upcoming CABA Connected Home Council Reception at CES or at CABA’s Intelligent & Integrated Buildings Council Reception at AHR, please contact George Grimes, CABA's Business Development Manager, at 613.686.1814 x226 or grimes@caba.org.
  
  
• CABA Launches “Smart Grid's Impact on Intelligent Buildings” Research Study
  The Continental Automated Buildings Association has launched a collaborative research study to identify, define and size the principle business opportunities presented by the growth of smart grids in relation to intelligent buildings. Read more.
  

• CBS Vision hosts CABA Digital Home Forum: October 26
  The event will bring together leading companies involved in the integration of consumer electronics and other cutting-edge technology throughout the home. Learn about current trends in the digital and connected home from a wide range of companies working in this space and explore future research opportunities. Here are just a few of our featured speakers: Kristen Bowring (Best Buy), Dave Poltrack (CBS Vision), Ron Zimmer (CABA), John Hall (CABA), David Ainslie (Carbon Café Consulting), Victor Berrios (Nomomoto Group), Duncan Bees (Home Gateway Initiative), Derek Phillips (Freescale Semiconductor), Cory Sorice (The Chamberlain Group), Jerry Gouge (Ingersoll Rand), Sandy Bates (Innovation Partners) and Carole Wiedmeyer (Zanthus Corporation). More details are available here.
  
  The CABA Connected Home Council (CHC) breakfast meeting will be sponsored by Best Buy and AMMAMSIC (AMMA eHOME). The meeting is scheduled from 8:30 AM - 11 am on Thursday, October 27, in Las Vegas, NV. Meeting agenda and details can be found here.
  
  Ron Zimmer, CABA President & CEO, and John Hall, CABA's Research Director will both attend the Forum and Connected Home Council meeting. They can be contacted at zimmer@caba.org and hall@caba.org respectively, if you wish to arrange meetings with them at the event.
  
  To learn more about CABA’s Connected Home Council and for a list of council members go to: http://www.caba.org/connected-home-council.
  
  For further information about CABA’s Digital Home Forum and CABA’s Connected Home Council (CHC) meeting, or sponsoring the CHC meeting, please contact George Grimes, CABA's Business Development Manager, at 888.798.CABA (2222) or 613.686.1814 x226 or grimes@caba.org.
  

SmartQuote

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