Embracing Apple Apps in User Interfaces

While “apps” has become a dirty word for many integrators who see the proliferation of low-cost, non-integrated systems as a threat to their businesses, one integrator is embracing them.

David Frangioni, owner of Miami-based Audio One, is embracing the app concept in his system designs and converting its client portal into a downloadable app for customers.

Audio One has developed high-end integrated Crestron systems with interfaces that mimic the look of Apple apps. Clients can drag and point on the panels just like they would on their smartphone or tablet. When the client selects a specific icon, it reveals another layer of icons if applicable.


Audio One creates touchscreens that look like Apple apps for its Crestron touchpanels.

“The user interface that we use is inspired by apps. In essence, the interface is ‘an app,’” Frangioni told attendees at the CE Pro 100 Summit. “Apps are something that integrators have to adapt to and make it seamless all the way across our environment.”

Audio One has adopted a UI that looks just like the screen of an iPad or iPhone, only it sits on a dedicated Crestron touchpanel. Frangioni says his clients "love it."

“We will integrate a client’s iPad or iPhone as an ancillary control device, but it cannot be the primary control because it will be a disaster. I haven’t found a client yet who didn’t understand that.”

He called the quality of the 3G connection and the potential for interference as potentially “dangerous” for an integrator to construct a whole-house control system based on different, non-integrated apps.


After clients click on a particular icon such as "Music" in this example, the touchscreen brings up a second layer of applicable icons.

Using Apps for Business
Frangioni and his team are converting their client portal website to a downloadable app for customers and for other trades. From the app, clients can follow all the daily progress of their job, including viewing digital images taken in the field by installers.

“All the information on the project is there: sizes, dimensions, heat loads, etc.,” says Frangioni, noting that everyone is monitored going in and out of the portal so no unauthorized individuals can view the job status. The portal has the installation laid out by room and system, along with descriptions of every product.

He says the portal has been especially helpful with other trades. “Our projects go smoother without snafus or expensive changes,” he adds.


Audio One staff is writing its own app to convert the job status portal into a downloadable app for clients and other trades.