BlackWire Designs launches home-automation driver store, starting with Control4, then URC, RTI, Elan and Crestron. First up: two-way integration with HomeKit (and Siri), Freshdesk, Roku, push notifications, more.
Julie Jacobson
Julie Jacobson is founding editor of CE Pro, the leading media brand for the home-technology channel. She has covered the smart-home industry since 1994, long before there was much of an Internet, let alone an Internet of things. Currently she studies, speaks, writes and rabble-rouses in the areas of home automation, security, networked A/V, wellness-related technology, biophilic design, and the business of home technology. Julie majored in Economics at the University of Michigan, spent a year abroad at Cambridge University, and earned an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin. She is a recipient of the annual CTA TechHome Leadership Award, and a CEDIA Fellows honoree. A washed-up Ultimate Frisbee player, Julie currently resides in San Antonio, Texas and sometimes St. Paul, Minn. Follow on Twitter: @juliejacobson
Julie Jacobson's Latest Posts
We Need to Talk about Cybersecurity for Older, Unsupported IoT Devices
How do we continue to secure a smart home after manufacturers discontinue support for older home-automation hubs, smart TVs, connected lights and other IoT devices? Krika’s Bruno Napoli weighs in.
CEDIA Find: New Full-Service Recruitment & Staffing Agency for Home-Tech Industry
Debuting at CEDIA 2017, two former integrators launch High Demand Manpower for Integrators (HDMI Staffing), providing recruitment and other employment services for home technology integrators — from entry-level techs to experienced execs.
Thank You for the Honor, CEDIA
Founding editor Julie Jacobson shares CEDIA Fellow’s honor with CE Pro team.
URC’s New Home Automation Drivers: IFTTT, Push-Notifications, Oppo, Wemo, More
In time for CEDIA 2017, URC Total Control is one of the first pro-oriented home-automation systems to support IFTTT; Other new integrations include push notifications, Belkin Wemo, Oppo Blu-ray, and virtually anything that can issue an IP command.
Sigma Designs, Owner of Z-Wave Home Automation Tech, Ponders Sale or Spinoffs
Sigma Designs (SIGM) shares were up 5% pre-market on news that it’s considering “strategic alternatives” that might include divesting its Z-Wave home-automation group, selling the company or otherwise restructuring.
New ‘Portal Select’ is Like Amazon Prime B2B for Smart-Home Pros
Portal.io already lets smart-home technologists search for specialty products, build proposals and purchase gear wholesale from a single site. New ‘Select’ service, to be demonstrated at CEDIA 2017, elevates service to Amazonian levels.
Insurance, the Smart Home, and the Business of Keeping Customers Engaged
How insurance (insurtech) and other industries are keeping customers engaged through smart-home technologies, remote IoT services, product warranties and client communications.
Lennar’s New Home-Automation Paradigm: Embracing Amazon Smart Home Services
Lennar is reportedly shedding traditional IoT products and ‘CEDIA’ installers in favor of wireless DIY home automation systems installed by Amazon Smart Home Services.
Exclusive: URC Total Control 2.0 is Complete Overhaul of Flagship Home Automation System
Launching before CEDIA 2017, URC’s Total Control 2.0 isn’t just a gorgeous new user interface, but a highly-efficient home-automation machine that’s faster, more reliable and more customizable than ever.
Harman, AMX Build Super-Cool Modern Playhouse Packed with JBL for Charity
Benefiting Dallas CASA, which helps abused and neglected children find permanent homes, Harman and Team AMX build amazing, ultra-modern, game-filled, JBL-packed playhouse for auction.
Integrator Collects $1,000 Per Year for Digital Security in Smart Homes
Home-technology integrator sells FireFX Network Guardian appliance with cybersecurity protection for smart homes, charging $800 to $1,500 per year for service — good for RMR, and a virtual insurance policy for the dealer.
