Founders of the high-end integration firm Xssentials are launching HAUS, a smart-home training and support program to help integrators run high-volume security and home automation businesses utilizing leading brands such as Savant and Sonos.
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
New Lutron Connect Bridge and App Bring IoT to RadioRA, HomeWorks QS Lighting & Shades
Introduced at CEDIA Expo 2015, Connect Bridge is Lutron’s third IoT gateway, but first for its pro-oriented lighting controls HomeWorks QS and Radio Ra 2; adds geo-fencing, cloud-based home automation integration, user customization.
Thread’s New Certification Mark for Home Automation is Bad for Consumers
Soon we should see ‘Thread-certified’ home automation products marketed to consumers, even though Thread says nothing about IoT interoperability. Bad idea.
Thread’s New Certification Mark for Home Automation is Bad for Consumers
Soon we should see ‘Thread-certified’ home automation products marketed to consumers, even though Thread says nothing about IoT interoperability. Bad idea.
DIY vs Pro Monitored Home Security: How Law Enforcement Responds to 911 Calls
Controversy brews over the DIY and MIY (monitor-it-yourself) market for home security versus systems that are professionally installed and monitored by a central station. Detective H.W. “Robbie” Robinson comments on police response to alarms and 911 emergency calls.
Julie Jacobson on the Virtues of ‘Less-Custom’
If more integrators sold less-custom systems that could be replicated from dealer to dealer, could customer accounts be bought and sold like they can in the security industry?
Who Should SnapAV Acquire Next?
Now that SnapAV, the manufacturer and distributor for home technology installers, has acquired SunBriteTV, it seems all bets are off. They could acquire anyone! Who’s next?
Basalte’s Gorgeous Touchpads Now Control Lutron and Crestron Lighting, Temperature
Compatible with KNX home automation, Basalte’s beautiful Sentido and new Deseo touchpads now integrate with Lutron HomeWorks QS and Crestron, including lighting and temperature control.
Former VIA CEO Randy Stearns Named CEO of D-Tools
D-Tools founder Adam Stone stays involved, while CEDIA veteran Randy Stearns becomes CEO of the custom installation software company, just in time for CEDIA Expo 2015. ‘I’m not only a customer ….”
Core Brands Launches Single E-Commerce Portal for A/V, Security, Home Automation, Central Vac
Dealers can order and earn rewards on purchases of A/V, security, home automation and central vac from Nortek’s Core Brands, NuTone, Omnimount and GoControl. Portal debuts at CEDIA Expo 2015.
Will KNX Home Automation Standard Make it in the U.S.?
KNX USA is making a big push to bring Europe’s prevailing smart-home standard to the U.S., but high prices, complexity, lack of wireless, and competition from Z-Wave and ZigBee could make KNX a tough sell.
The Cost of Replacing Savant’s LiteTouch Lighting Control System
Since home automation vendor Savant its killing LiteTouch hardwired lighting-control, we look to Vantage, Crestron, Lutron and others for replacements. Customer wants to know: how much it will cost?
