Showing posts with label Controller. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Controller. Show all posts

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Networked Devices at Home

I have marveled at how many devices I have on my network at the house. Beyond the usual smartphones, tablets, printers, game consoles, and even laptops; I now have my thermostat on my wireless. I can control the HVAC from anywhere via a webpage or app. It was pretty cool (no pun intended) to be on vacation and remotely change the heating/cooling schedule to save a few pennies since we were out of town. (I ended up not getting a Nest even though I still think it is neat.)

I had to get a new controller for my irrigation system - it was only as I was checking the thermostats program that I realized I should have asked about one with network connectivity. It would have saved a lot of running around the house - start zone 1, walk to check it, walk back to start zone 2, etc.

If I ever have to replace the cipher lock on my front door, maybe I need to upgrade to an August lock.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Windows 8 + Kinect

Some Windows 8 laptops will include the Kinect sensor system (similar to the Xbox, but tweaked to work at shorter distances). I may have to work some magic and get one at the end of this year. I think the Kinect is the "what's next" beyond the now ubiquitous touchscreens.