Not long ago only James Bond or George Jetson could control critical home electronics functions from a handheld device, but now it’s standard procedure in many homes. After all, what is cooler than being able to turn on the music, monitor the front door or even turn off a lamp from the small computer in your pocket. In today’s Petra XChange we’ll explore some of the ways you can help your customers seamlessly connect their devices and add an element of control to their home life.
Entertainment
Controlling home entertainment from a single device is not nearly as complicated as it may sound to your customers. Wireless multi-room audio (MRA) systems let users control speakers in multiple rooms from a single device, typically a smartphone or tablet. New to Petra are the NuVo Whole Home Audio systems that offer enviable, high fidelity sound. Setup is easy with the NuVo app to walk users through every step. Simply connecting the Gateway Wireless Access Point to a wireless router that communicates to wireless zone players in rooms throughout the home, users can listen to music from a PC, Mac or multiple Internet radio stations. With the NuVo P200 audio can be streamed from Bluetooth enabled devices. No wires are needed to connect to any main audio source. What separates the NuVo from other MRA systems is the capability to expand to 16 rooms and for those true audiophiles it can stream 24 bit/96KHZ audio files. In a research study published earlier this year CEA projects 2014 sales of $678 million of wireless MRA products – a 16% year over year increase. That’s faster growth and larger dollar volume than the very popular Bluetooth speaker category. Wireless multi room audio is a category well worth consideration for your product mix.
Customers with older components are looking for ways to control audio without replacing entire systems. One simple solution is adding a Bluetooth dongle like the AirBlue Portable Bluetooth Music receiver from Kanex. Simply plug it into the 3.5mm auxiliary port on the device and pair it with a Bluetooth enabled device and users can then stream audio from a tablet or smartphone.
While the dongle is a great solution for audio options, some customers will be looking for video solutions as well. The Blumoo Universal Remote lets your customers turn their smartphone or tablet into a universal remote. Users switch back and forth between the TV, home audio, DVD player and more while also getting rid of remote clutter. It doubles as a music library by being able to stream music from Internet radio stations as well as audio files stored on the mobile device. The Blumoo App even includes an interactive TV viewing guide specific to the local service and show information.
Observation & Security
Another cool way to connect your customers’ home is to help them keep an eye on things while they’re away. An IP camera is a great solution for at-home installers and the All-in-One SwannSecure monitoring system with monitor and two cameras is a great DIY starter system. It features day and night HD quality video and microphone streamed directly to a smartphone or tablet from nearly anywhere. The included monitor also records video to an SD card when motion is detected. Swann makes installation easy with the SwannLink Peer-to-Peer App that walks user through every step. Another IP solution with a simple setup is the plug and play SecurityMan Easy iSecurity H.264 Camera. This camera requires a wired connection to a router for smartphone or tablet monitoring, so camera positioning may be limited. The camera includes 2-way audio, motion detected recording, email notification alerts and more.
Some properties or customers require more complex surveillance systems. Though not recommended for the weekend DIY’er, a security system like the SLM467-700 from Security Labs features enough cameras to monitor an entire home, inside and out. It includes a 1TB hard drive, eight cameras, 19” monitor, mobile apps and more. Plus with the email and SMS text message motion detecting notifications, your customers will always know what is going on at home – viewing all from their mobile device.
Everyday Tasks
Some customers are just looking for basic solutions that simplify routine tasks around their homes. Tasks like controlling lighting or electronics, and even monitoring energy consumption can be accomplished with the Bluebolt line of products. Users can connect an Ethernet bridge to a wireless router, and wirelessly connect up to 16 SmartPlugs to the bridge. The plugs are then controlled through an app anywhere there is a Wi-Fi connection. The app goes as far as to allow users to program timers for reboots, set up automatic modem reboots in the case of a downed wireless connection and more. The MD2 SmartPlug even includes surge-protected and noise-filtration outlets.
The world might be run from smartphone, tablet and computer screens, but sometimes there’s no substitute for a hard copy, and a wireless printer offers the flexibility to print from those same screens. The Canon 8750B002 lets users print and scan from mobile devices using the PIXMA Printing Solutions App and can even print duplex to save on paper.
Incorporating Internet enabled accessories into your customers’ homes does not have to be complicated and with a few accessories they can be on their way to having the smartest house on the block. Don’t forget that with all of the devices a strong wireless connection is necessary, checkout all of our wireless routers and range extenders here. For information on Internet enabled devices speak with your Petra sales rep today.