Automation should not be limited to inside the home the makers of Droplet say, the "first smart sprinkler system that combines the latest technology in robotics, cloud computing and connected services to transform the way sprinkler systems function."

According to the company Droplet lowers sprinkler water consumption by up to 90% via the combination of user configuration and an online plant database. Users set the types of plants to be taken care of via web-based interface, and the sprinkler checks an online database to determine the optimal amount of watering each species requires.

It even connects to weather services to hold off watering duties in case of rain, and the online interface provides further garden analytics such as water consumption and (potential) savings reports.

The Neato Robotics robot vacuum lineup gets a refresh and a technology addition-- the renamed BotVac features "BotVision" laser mapping technology in order to scan rooms and plan out optimal cleaning routes.

The technology is based on SLAM (Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping), the same system found in the Google driverless cars.

The D-shaped BotVac features a larger brush (by 50% compared to the competition, Neato claims) allowing it to clean within 10mm of walls, with a side brush to pick up even more dust.

Pakedge Device & Software adds a series of new feature sets to its Wireless Access Point (WAP) controller, the C36.

The upgraded C36 should make the design and installation of WAPs simple to configure, while ensuring optimised performance and signal coverage through a home or commercial building.

The new Heat Mapping feature will allow integrators to survey the Wi-Fi coverage of each WAP ahead of installation, allowing them to determine the ideal position in advance of installation for a right-first-time result on every project.

By uploading floor plans to the C36 design interface, installers can place virtual WAPs in position and assess the range of Wi-Fi coverage with a clear radius outline visible onscreen. Installers are then able to ‘heat map’ the wireless network, moving these virtual points to ensure the desired Wi-Fi coverage level is achieved across a room or zone.

Smart home provider iControl Networks gets a first OpenHome Partner Program member with connected auto experience-- connected-car service developer Zubie.

The two companies say the partnership will bring about "connected lifestyle" solutions unifying home automation, cars and phones into a single customer experience-- such as switching thermostats off as customers leave the house in their vehicles, or doors unlocked and lights turned on upon return.

Another example is a home dashboard providing the real-time locations of family members on the road and emergency alerts.

Zubie sells a hardware device users plug into auto On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port. It connects with a companion smartphone app and provides safety alerts, real-time location data and vehicle diagnostics, even when the car is not running.

Savant reveals how it will take on broader audiences with the Smart Series, a whole-house control and automation product line promising to lower installation costs while still built on the company's technology and experience.

"As market awareness for the home automation category has expanded, our objective is to bring the most innovative smart home control to more and more people," Savant CEO William Lynch says. "The Smart Series delivers total Savant Smart Home performance at much more accessible price points, and offers our valued integrators an opportunity to delight more customers with home control while growing their businesses."

The first Smart Series product is the Smart Host remote and controller hub. It enables the automation and management of home theatres, music, security, thermostats, lights, energy management, automated shades and more, with control via single iOS and Android app.

Honeywell launches the evohome smart thermostat in the UK-- a multi-room system with wireless radiator modules allowing the creation up to 12 individual "smart zones" for more granular heating control.

Once installed on radiator valves the modules communicate with a main controller paired with the boiler for individual zone management via included touchscreen remote or Android/iOS apps.

The modules are also smart, being able to adjust heating according to temperature changes-- according to Honeywell the modules can even switch heating off entirely should a window be left open. Meanwhile the system learns house heating requirements to provide optimal energy use.