Microsoft buys Blake Krikorian's id8 Group R2 Studios, developer of Android-based home automation and appoints Krikorian as corporate VP for its Interactive Entertainment Business (IEB).

Blake joins the Xbox team as a proven innovator (Slingox), having created simple, elegant products that have transformed the way people engage with and consume content.

This news probably disappoints Apple and Google who were also in talks about bidding on the company.

R2 Studios develops home-media and automation technology, is secretive about its plans—which would seem to fit well within Microsoft. But it’s no secret R2 Studios released an app that turns Android phones into touch panels for controlling heating and lighting systems wirelessly. R2 Studios also holds some patents related to controlling electronic devices and interfaces that Microsoft also acquired.

Lutron sets to launch RadioRA 2 for shades in Europe-- a wireless solution controllable in a variety of way, including smartphones or tablets, providing flexible shades control in any residential installation.

The RadioRA 2 for shades package includes a wireless Lutron Main Repeater providing integration with other systems and the internet through RS232 connectivity. It also carries a built-in timeclock, allowing the automatic operation of shades at set times throughout the day.

The system controls a variety of ultra-quiet Lutron window treatments, including Sivoia QS wireless roller blinds, curtain tracks and skylight blinds, venetian blinds with Tilt Alignment, Kirbe vertical curtains and roman blinds with CERUS technology.

Lutron provides a variety of control options-- from the Pico single, dual or table top controllers to the seeTouch table top keypad or Android and iOS apps.

Wireless connections come through Lutron's Clear Connect, an RF-based technology providing coverage of up to 9m per repeater. Up to 5 repeaters can be used in the same room, and installers can boost coverage further (to over 300m) by wiring 2 repeaters into each other.

“RadioRA 2 for shades solution brings together a range of Lutron’s precision technologies into one, highly versatile package," Jennifer Suarez from Lutron EMEA Marketing says. "Now residential users can choose the exact look and feel of their window treatment, but have the ultimate choice in terms of controlling it."

Go Lutron RadioRa 2

As we all know, smartphones and tablets are increasingly popular as home automation controllers-- and now The Wall Street Journal profiles one Savan Kotecha, a self-proclaimed "Apple freak" whose house runs entirely on iPad apps.

The 34-year old songwriter and "The X Factor" vocal producer spent over $80000 since December 2011 in his quest for an Apple-friendly home, one controlled via apps from the likes of Crestron.

"It was totally worth it," Kotecha says before admitting he wants to add even more features to his home. Currently his iPad controls shades, lights, music and security cameras, while automated nursery blinds and backyard awnings will feature in the future.

According to CEDIA 90% of home automation system owners are smartphone and tablet users, with iDevices being by far the most popular. Some automation vendors even specialise on Apple systems, such as Savant.

Of course, not all customers can afford so much on automation-- but growth in popularity also results in the dropping of prices. Meaning automation is pretty much on its way towards a mainstream future...

Go The House Runs on Autopilot (WSJ.com)

ABI Research releases the results of its latest Home Automation System (HAS) competitive assessment-- with Alarm.com, iControl and Control4 as top 3 vendors.

The assessment judges vendors not only by market share, but also through 3 vendor specific matrices covering performance and strategy.

Alarm.com and iControl only offer Software as a Service (SaaS) HAS offerings, while Control4 sells more traditional individual systems together with SaaS functionality and services.

According to ABI Alarm.com tops the "implementation " and "innovation" categories through a platform able to support many large deployments and a range of clients. iControl comes 2nd, thanks to early and successful partnerships and system deployments.

Following the CEDIA 2012 announcement Elan announces the global availability of the latest version of the g! software-- Elan g! 6.0, with a host of system-wide enhancements.

Improvements include the newly built Elan g!Mobile app for Android devices, support for up to 24 music services, comprehensive door locks integration and additional drivers, all on top of a new user interface architecture.

Security/access functions get further enhancement with door locks integration-- customers can easily control locks from both home and away, create lock groups and set user pass codes (including new/temporary pass codes) without need for a technician. The system also provides detailed door lock use histories complete with time of entry, door location and pass code used.

The system also gets over 30 new 3rd party, 2-way drivers for the latest HDMI video switching, security, climate, lighting, audio and connectivity devices. These include brands such as 2 Gig, Atlona, Axis, Baldwin, Denon, Geffen, Honeywell, Panasonic, Panamax/Furman, Pioneer, KwikSet, Rako Snap AV, Trane, Vantage, Vivotek, Xantech, Yale and Yamaha.

Go Elan g! System

Design company Artefact has a simple sounding blurb for the Serenity home automation system-- “a home OS with a heart, that allow the user to toggle through a range of home controls and automation.”

Currently more of a set of renders than an actual product (despite being a Red Dot and BraunPrize 2012 award winner), Serenity involves a network of e-ink tablets providing updates on various systems connected to an automation platform.

Sensors in the home would provide feedback from connected systems (lighting, audio, temperature, security), while the e-ink tablets display all controls and information in an attractive, if not artistic, manner.

Graphics include swaying plants (with leaves falling should one be over-consuming) and stylised control visuals, all in the name of creating an emotional connection between user and home.

Artefact calls it "consumptive awareness." The company also says "[the system] grows, adapts and changes over time through behavior, awareness, and preference," making it sound very similar to newer "learning" automation devices such as the Nest thermostat.

So far Serenity is only a concept-- but the ideas behind sound both very interesting and full of potential. One to file under "keep a closer eye on."

Go Artefact Serenity