Wifi, ZigBee, Z-Wave-- so many wireless protocols, so many devices using either one or the other. Now a startup tries to combine most of them with Revolv, a control system packing 7 radios in a single automation hub.

The idea behind the Revolv Smart Home Solution is simple. While wireless technology makes life easier, it also involves a mess of protocols, controllers and apps. The Revolv, on the other hand, uses a single hub device in combination with an iOS app and a cloud-based backend.

Once the hub is plugged in it connects to wifi to automatically discover connected devices. The app shows a separate icon for each device, and one can add further devices through push-button pairing to app and hub.

The backend allows the creation of "actions" (aka scenes) with triggers based on geolocation, time or sensor activity as well as simple app control. According to the company the cloud-based service will not involve subscription fees.

As mentioned earlier the hub features 7 radios and handles 10 protocols, but on launch it will access only 3-- wifi, Z-Wave and Insteon. The company confirms the device features a ZigBee radio, but gives no word on the others. Revolv also plans to work with a number of partners, including Sonos, Yale, Kiwkset, Belkin (Wemo) and Philips (Hue).

Revolv recently attracted some buzz with a video showing home automation control via Google Glass connected to the hub.

The system will available from Q3 2013.

Go Revolv

Watch Google Glass + Revolv