The brain of the house is Intel’s new Internet of Things Platform for connecting and controlling smart devices. It basically allows you to control all of a home’s systems from a single tablet app which you can swipe a slider to adjust the thermostat, change the color and brightness of the home’s lighting, and even open the door for a repairman while you’re away. Older non-connected appliances can also be controlled using smart outlets. All of the systems respond to voice control, and the platform is capable of learning your living habits to make intelligent decisions based on your behavior. Some of the systems (like the facial recognition door lock) didn’t work perfectly the first time, but Intel calls the project a “Living Lab”, so it should evolve and improve over time. It’s an exciting time for smart homes as the Internet of Things matures, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.
The home is based on Intel’s Smart Home Development Acceleration Platform, which has been developed as a means to connect smart devices and to overcome interoperability issues that arise between such devices, technology platforms and third-party service providers. Quite how this is reconciled with Intel’s assertion that the kit is “optimized for Intel processors,” however, is unclear. The key features of the house are controlled and monitored from a tablet via an app that allows users to turn on the lights, control door locks, set the temperature and more. It’s also possible to control the house using voice commands, such as “hey computer, lights on” or “hey computer, lights red.”
Access to the house is provided by way of facial recognition. There is a camera next to the main entry door running Intel’s True Key technology and this allows users to simply look into the camera for the door to be unlocked. With True Key it is also possible for a user to see who is at their door via a mobile app when they are not at home and to unlock the door remotely. Among the other smart features of the house are water leak sensors, which are designed minimize the cost and damage caused by leaks. The sensors are place underneath sinks or in other places where leaks are most likely to occur and, in the event of detection, send an alert to the user’s smart home app. It’s also possible to integrate the smart lights with the water leak sensors and have them flash or turn a certain color if a leak is detected. Lighting color or brightness can, of course, be easily selected during typical day-to-day use.
For more information please visit: www.intel.com
