Embedded systems engineer Mathieu Stephan proposes a novel means of home device control with Whistled-- a small hardware and software package allowing one to control CE products by, well, whistling at them.

The device combines a microphone, amplifier, driver, 3.3V voltage regulator and open source software in a hacker-friendly printed circuit board. Users can program it to respond to different whistles, and a video shows Stephan whistling to switch on/off and dim lighting.

Stephan says the Whistled is easy to install (all it needs is the connection of 2 wires and a power supply) and has a 4.5m listening range via mic sensitive tuned to tell whistles from other background noises.

So, is whistling the control system of our automation desires? We admit our not being too good at actual whistling, but the idea does sound rather appealing. Stephan currently sells kits online, including versions with an additional LED lighting strip.

Watch Whistled Presentation Video

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