EDITOR’S NOTE
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE IN SMART HOME In the first half 2014, mergers and acquisitions were sizzling in the smart home sector. The limelight thief among them was “Nest bought dropcam two months after Google’s acquisition.” This gives a hint of Google's ambition to play a significant role in smart home. In June, another giant, Apple, announced HomeKit at its WWDC. Microsoft also plans to put its Kinect motion sensor at the center of its connected home initiative, allowing users to turn lights and devices on and off with a simple hand gesture. Amazon has not made the smart home push yet at this moment, but it would not be surprising if Amazon made a move with its Kindle platform and new smartphone. These four large tech ecosystem providers are currently vying for tech partners--and for the global smart home market. There are also other players clamming for a piece of the massive smart home pie. Smart TV manufacturers such as Samsung, communication service providers like telcos, cable/satellite TV companies, and alarm monitoring companies are also competing with each other to provide to end users solutions comprising hardware, software and online services, not just the individual pieces. It's too early to tell if any of these companies can "win" the smart home battle, but the ones that do succeed in the long run will most definitely have found a way to differentiate their offerings and have a clear definition of their role in the smart home market. Instead of merely being a third-party partner within the supply chain, some Asian brands are about to emerge. A company with a well-established brand usually carries total solutions. D-Link provides a perfect example (on page20) of navigating the waters with a practical solution rather than mere pieces of the puzzle. It was hugely inspirational to hear the company's take. Another inspirational brand in this issue is smanos. The company was founded by a 14-year Chinese intruder alarm manufacturer, with a mission to pursue humancentric smart home solutions. No matter what role you play in the smart home market, this issue is, as always, stacked with ideas and inspiration to help you run and grow your smart home business.
Until our next issue,
Veronica Chen Editor in chief veronica.chen@newera.messefrankfurt.com
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Security, Monitoring, and Automation Solutions for Homes
ISSUE 03 JULY 2014
MESSE FRANKFURT NEW ERA BUSINESS MEDIA Taiwan Branch: 2F, No. 8, Lane 360, Sec. 1, Nei-Hu Rd.,Taipei 114, Taiwan Phone/886 2 2659 9080 Fax/886 2 2659 9069 Website/www.mfnewera.com a&S SMAhome magazine is published bi-monthly, 6 times a year on every odd month, by Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Taiwan Branch. It is a professional trade magazine for smart home professionals in the worldwide smart home industry since 2014. a&s SMAhome magazine and mySMAhome. com are the authoritative sourcing guides to provide comprehensive coverage of significant trends, latest technologies, innovations and successful business models on the smart home industry.
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CONTENTS
Issue: 3 | July/August 2014 | mysmahome.com
COVER STORY
EDITOR'S NOTE WHAT IS YOUR ROLE IN SMART HOME
1
SPOTLIGHT SPOTCAM HD
39
The reasons for buying a home camera
TALK
DREAM BIG, LIVE SMART WITH SMANOS 6 Harnessing cuttingedge design and DIY usability concepts and ergonomics, smanos brings the ultimate simplicity in wireless smart home and home security user experience to households worldwide.
EXPLORATION
D-LINK
20
D-Link's Quenton Miao talks about the company's foray into the smart home market.
ICONTROL NETWORK’S CONNECTED HOME
UNLOCKING A SMARTER, MORE SECURE HOME
14
For millennia, the relationship between people, doors and door locks have not changed: person + key = entry. Will smart locks change this?
52
iControl's Greg Roberts talks with us about the company's vision.
REPORT BEST CHOICE AWARD
40
COMPANY SMARTTHINGS
56
IoT: Innovation over tradition
OPLINK
58
PHILIPS LIGHTLINK
4 mySMAhome.com July/August 2014
19
A list of smart lock providers.
One platform, multi-dimensional assurance
Wireless lighting market lit up by open standards
SMART LOCK PROVIDERS
59
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REPORT
FEATURE
COMPUTEX 2014 REVIEW
32
Smart Home: The Next Big Thing for Taiwan’s ICT Industry
KEY COMPONENTS: CAMERA PERFORMANCE IS SET IN SILICON 26
TAIWAN MANUFACTURERS TESTING THE SMART HOME WATERS
36
Taiwan’s opportunistic manufacturers see smart home as the next gold rush, making Computex Taipei 2014 a bubbling cauldron for innovative smart home solutions.
SHOW CALENDAR 2014 WORLDWIDE EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS RELATED TO SMART HOME
60
PREVIEW
FOCUS
WIRELESS ALARM KITS
A home security camera’s performance is largely determined by its three pillars: image sensor, system on chip (SoC) and networking chips.
44
The home alarm system acts as an invisible safeguard, providing not only effective deterrents but also peace of mind.
IFA 2014
62
NEWS WHAT HAPPENED
74
PRODUCT ENERGY MANAGEMENT
70
GATEWAY / INTEGRATED SYSTEM
70
DOOR SOLUTION
71
HOME CAMERAS
72
OTHERS
73
CHINA BEST BUY 13 WELL-DESIGNED WIRELESS ALARM KITS We pick up 13 welldesigned wireless intruder alarm kits from Taiwan, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
46
MUST-KNOW PRODUCTS FROM CHINA 86
STATS & FIGURE OFFERING COMPREHENSIVE RESEARCH AND STATISTIC CHARTS ON THE SMART HOME MARKETS, APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL OUTLOOK 76
July/August 2014 mySMAhome.com 5
COVER STORY
Brian Borghardt We go to great lengths to seamlessly blend security, monitoring and automation capabilities into end users’everyday appliances.
6 mySMAhome.com July/August 2014
DREAM BIG, LIVE SMART WITH
In 2013, smart home technology brand smanos was incepted in Hoofddorp, which sits in the picturesque outskirts of Amsterdam. Harnessing cutting-edge design and DIY usability concepts and ergonomics, smanos brings the ultimate simplicity in wireless smart home and home security user experience to households worldwide. Delivering more than just a sense of security, smanos also ensures user-definable comfort and convenience, along with mobile accessibility. In its pursuit for perfection in human-centric research and design, smanos invests heavily in product and market development, and partners with top-notch hardware and software developers and industrial designers in Europe and the U.S. for greater smart home integration.
July/August 2014 mySMAhome.com 7
COVER STORY
The European headquarters
IT FACILITATES THE INTEGRATION AND OPTIMIZATION OF RESOURCES, OPERATIONS AND COMPETITIVENESS, AND HELPS DRIVE GLOBAL BRANDING AND MARKETING EFFORTS OF SMANOS.
Hayden Hsu Director of Global While smanos is a relatively new smart home Brand Development for technology brand on the market, the forces behind Chuango and smanos, and General Manager of it are anything but. A brainchild between Chuango Chuango Taiwan Security Technology and Chuango Europe, smanos embodies a decade-long commitment to minimalistic design and system reliability. Marketed and serviced from Amsterdam, smanos is Chuango’s security, monitoring and Chuango family in 2013 as General automation solution portfolio for the global market, targeting Manager for Chuango and smanos Europe, especially retail channels that carry premium consumer electronics after having distributed Chuango products and connected devices. in the Benelux market for a few years. “I am really excited to be part of a dynamic, creative, design-centric team,” Borghardt WHERE IT ALL BEGAN said. “In joining hands with Chuango’s The mother company Chuango was established in 2001 by global product and business development Ken Li and his late father Lee. It specializes in radio frequency teams, Chuango Europe is committed to technology and wireless smart home systems, ranging from DIY serving our OEM partners in the region, security and home automation to energy and health management. and is looking to grow our smanos brand The company is rapidly expanding its solution portfolio and business with compatible distributors global partner network, with products and systems researched and retailers.” His team is complete with and developed in Fuzhou and Taipei, designed in Shenzhen and experienced sales and marketing, technical Amsterdam, manufactured and packaged in Dongguan, and support and logistics personnel from the brought to life worldwide. consumer electronics and IT industries. Since 2010, the company has experienced triple-digit sales The European headquarters—a US$1.4growth year-on-year. Europe and the U.S. have been the most million, multifunctional facility—is a significant contributors, but the momentum is also picking up in design, sales and marketing, technical many other markets. Then came another stepping stone—IFSEC support and logistics center aimed International 2013; Chuango outperformed other multinational to serve Chuango’s existing and new conglomerates in the alarm industry and went home with Product partners and clients in the EMEA region. of the Year in the Intruder Alarm or Exterior Deterrent category. The investment not only facilitates the After winning that award, Li had the ambition, vision and plans integration and optimization of resources, to build Chuango’s own brand, so he recruited long-term business operations and competitiveness, but also partner Brian Borghardt to further pursue that development path. helps drive global branding and marketing A born entrepreneur, Borghardt eagerly joined the fast expanding
8 mySMAhome.com July/August 2014
efforts, said Hayden Hsu, Director of Global Brand Development for Chuango and smanos, and General Manager of Chuango Taiwan. The logistics center is located in Hoofddorp, just outside of Amsterdam and a five-minute drive from Schiphol Airport. “The Netherlands is the hub of Europe, and an open and accommodating country. The superior conditions in talent, taxation and logistics make it an ideal place for investment,” Li said. The assistance and highquality services from the Dutch Foreign Investment Agency and Amsterdam in Business have not gone unnoticed. “They have guided us with courtesy and efficiency. We really appreciate their input.”
WHAT MAKES SMANOS TICK What sets smanos apart from the competition is the total package. Traditional alarm systems are associated with tedious wire installation, hefty monthly fees and false alarm fines. smanos puts the smarts of smart home and smart security back in users’ hands and enables them to regain control and privacy from guards and monitoring stations. The complete smanos smart home portfolio speaks self-install, or DIY. “From wireless, app-enabled alarm systems to remote security, energy and health management, our solutions cater to today’s homeowners’ mobile lifestyles, and ensure they have complete control, comfort and visual confirmation right at their fingertips within a few short minutes and easy steps,” Borghardt said. “We go to great lengths to seamlessly blend security, monitoring and automation capabilities into end users’ everyday appliances. They can focus on more precious things or significant others in life, while smanos stands on guard for them 24/7 in the backdrop.” To deliver what the market needs and what the average homeowner really demands, smanos works with multiple development teams in China, the Netherlands, Singapore, Taiwan and the U.S., in addition to Chuango resources, to make sure the latest hardware and software designs and reliable wireless transmission technologies are embodied
in each solution, “to make the lives of our channel customers and their end customers easy, secured and environmentally friendly,” Hsu explained. User experience and quality assurance are also tried and tested across continents so that most household and daily operation requirements are met with flying colors. “It goes way beyond designing cool-looking GUIs. It’s about truly understanding people’s lives and empowering them with the ability to easily safeguard and automate their properties.” For example, the IR cut filter and pan/tilt stepping motor of the latest smanos home IP camera under development have gone through strenuous tests to ensure a minimum non-stop operation time of five years. “‘Set it and forget it’ is one of the benchmarks that we measure ourselves against,” Hsu identified. In sales and marketing, the smart, sleek-looking and simpleto-use smanos systems sell themselves. “Our dedicated team is with our channel and retail partners every step of the way and throughout the product lifecycle to ensure ease, flexibility and intelligence can be palpated and realized in hardware and software engineering, sales and marketing, and distribution and installation,” Borghardt explained. “We also have a local European team ready to serve and listen to what’s demanded in the region, so we can adapt quickly and accordingly.” A similar setup will be established in the U.S. in the second half of 2014 to better address needs arising from the Americas market, Hsu added. Compared to any other traditional, wired system that requires professional installation and monthly monitoring fees, the ROI of any smanos system for end customers becomes crystal clear—in just three to six months. “We have joint marketing programs and budgets in place to help our distributors and retailers get noticed in various physical and digital media, and help engage end customers through special in-store or seasonal events and online/social media interactions,” Hsu detailed. Dedicated and experienced channel marketing personnel are in place as well to provide necessary ammunitions to make a splash where- and whenever needed. “All these investments result in added benefits, ensuring fast and open feedback for product optimization and solution development.”
H400 family smanos H400 Home Cloud system is a brand new smart home command center, capable of controlling various security alarm and camera devices as well as energy-saving plugs via either WiFi or GSM signals.
July/August 2014 mySMAhome.com 9
COVER STORY
SMANOS SHINES IN THE LIKES OF APPLE STORE, COOL BLUE, FNAC, IKEA, AND MANY MORE PREMIUM CONSUMERFRIENDLY OUTLET TYPES.
CHANGING LANDSCAPE & REDEFINING SMART HOME The news of Apple and Google, along with countless startups and kickstarters, entering the smart home market obviously caught everyone’s eye. smanos has the upper hand in being armed with knowledge of detailed, evolving user requirements over the last 15 years, thanks to Chuango’s unwavering support. “We are not competing with Chuango’s clients, who generally have a stronger foothold in the DIY building material segments. In fact, we are bringing some of them to where smanos really shines – the likes of Apple Store, Cool Blue, FNAC, IKEA, MediaMarkt, Newegg and many more premium consumer-friendly outlet types that are looking for smart, simple, sleek, mobile yet compact and integrated ingenuity for home users,” Borghardt explained. “Cross-competition should be of no concern as we only appoint a select few partners in each market and do everything we can to help them achieve and outperform their P&L goals. We are a global smart home technology enabler with local team members, always endeavoring to bring the latest and most reliable innovations to market in a timely and affordable manner.” “While we respect our existing and potential competitors, we are more focused on developing and delivering innovative, comprehensive and easy-to-use smart home solutions, and continue to observe and cater to our end customers’ evolving residential needs while helping our distribution and retail partners outstrip average market and profit growth,” Hsu highlighted. “Our channel partners are our eyes and ears in the market. In everything that we do and invest in, we make sure we mutually help each other grow. 10 mySMAhome.com July/August 2014
In 2014, we will continue to cultivate and develop our retail, IT/mobile and consumer electronic channels, while exploring other possibilities in the audio/visual, home décor and hospitality/health segments.” For competitive reasons, detailed product development plans could not be disclosed, but a glimpse into the current and future smanos pipelines is rather exciting. The X300/X500 systems come in sleek, award-winning form factors and work at 868 MHz for higher reliability and interoperability, while supporting GSM and smartphone app operation and remote firmware upgrades. Another cool innovation is the G310, which combines and disguises GSM alarm and Bluetooth speaker functions in a radio alarm clock form factor. Additionally, “the H400 Home Cloud system is our brand new smart home command center which can control your security alarm and camera devices and energy-saving plugs via WiFi while maintaining smanos’ renowned cellular capability; whereas the W100 WiFi/PSTN dual-mode alarm system doubles the protection with system redundancy, so that preprogrammed numbers always get the call or smartphone push notification when an alarm is triggered,” Borghardt said. It also comes with an unobtrusive touch keypad, with a much longer lifespan than wired systems and mechanical keys, and a pre-set arm/disarm schedule that can easily blend into your daily routine, Hsu added. Worldwide, smanos has garnered phenomenal recognition over the past several months, and growth momentum is still accelerating. Building on its mother company’s strong foundation, smanos will continue to steamroll ahead with even more consolidated app control over inhouse security, monitoring and automation devices, and explore and mix and match all possible wireless protocols—such as Bluetooth, GSM/3G/4G LTE, WiFi, ZigBee and Z-Wave—for even more user convenience. “We are pushing the limits of the ultimate smart and simple home to include total security and safety, energy/ health/wellness monitoring, baby and elderly care, and many more surprises. So, you’d better stay tuned!” Li shared excitingly.
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EXPLORATION
Smart Lock Unlocking a Smarter, More Secure Home By The Editorial Team
According to a survey by Consumer Reports, 67 percent of Americans rely on deadbolt locks as the primary mean to secure their homes. However, the survey also revealed that 20 percent of Americans leave the front door unlocked at least occasionally. Another problem is that door keys are small infrequently used objects that are easily misplaced. Smart locks set out to solve these problems, with some extra twists.
W
ith the Internet of Things picking up momentum, its residential applications allow device makers to cheaply add wireless connectivity to everything in a home. Wireless connectivity, in conjunction with a strong focus on user experience, sets the stage for new types of residential access control systems. According to a recent report by NextMarket Insights, the global smart lock market will grow from $261 million today to $3.6 billion by 2019. “The mainstreaming of the smart home is driving innovation in previously forgotten categories of home hardware and systems,” said Michael Wolf, Chief Analyst with NextMarket Insights. “Established security and home hardware companies increasingly face competition from upstarts who are introducing a new breed of smart and connected locks into the market.”
14 mySMAhome.com July/August 2014
What is a smart lock? A new type of wireless door lock that allows a user to use mobile devices to remotely lock or unlock the door, send permanent or temporary virtual keys to guests to grant access, and receive push notifications when the door is accessed. Some also integrate with smart home systems. These locks are generally affordable, rather than luxury items.
July/August 2014 mySMAhome.com 15
EXPLORATION
“THE MAIN THEME IS TO MAKE SMARTPHONES THE PRIMARY KEY TO THE DOOR, AND A KEY FOB, MECHANICAL KEY OR PIN CODE AS BACKUP PLAN.” (photo courtesy of August)
CURRENT OFFERINGS
designer Yves Behar. Users can control and manage the lock with an iOS, Android, or web app. Guests who have received a virtual key are able to unlock the August Smart Lock with their smartphones. Users can set the duration for which a virtual key is active, or manually disable them at any time. In addition to recording a visitation log, the lock also send a push notification to a user’s smartphone when guests go in or come out of the house. Lockitron was the first smart lock to be successfully crowdfunded, although multiple design and manufacturing problems have delayed its shipping date long past its originally scheduled one, during which multiple competitors have sprung up and some have beat them to the market. It is a simple smart lock that fits directly over an existing deadbolt on the back of a door and is unlocked with a smartphone.
At the moment, six smart locks have garnered the most media attention because they show the potential of a reimagined residential access control system that can be easy to install and use, and provides additional convenience compared to conventional deadbolt locks like remote access and integration with smart home systems. Push notifications and visitor logs also help boost security. The main theme is to make smartphones the primary key to the door, and a key fob, mechanical key or PIN code as backup plan. However, each company took a different approach with their smart lock designs. Earlier smart locks, such as those made by Schlage and Yale were based on Z-Wave and Zigbee and were integrated into smart home platforms. However, multiple newer types of smart locks began appearing in 2013, offering direct control and user authentication from a smartphone app. These locks use Bluetooth Smart and WiFi connectivity to make the authentication process more convenient; the protocols are supported by most smartphones, which makes it easier to detect proximity with users carrying key-replacement devices. The August Smart Lock was funded by angels and designed by Swiss
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Company: August
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16 mySMAhome.com July/August 2014
IS NFC BECOMING A NONFACTOR IN THE SMART HOME?
Dirk Wyckoff, VP of Sales and Marketing, UniKey Technologies
Users can also grant access to friends, family and guests through the app. The lock itself connects to a home network using WiFi, so it can send you notifications no matter where you are. Users with smartphones supporting Bluetooth Smart will see the door unlock automatically when an authorized device is in its range of detection. Goji was successfully crowdfunded on Indiegogo. When released, it will offer an additional option to open one’s door through customer service representatives, who will be available 24/7. Aside from sending virtual keys, proximity-based unlocking and smartphonecontrolled operations, the smart lock can also snap a photo whenever someone is at the door and sends photo and text alerts to a user’s smartphone; it also records all activities and makes the logs available through the Goji smartphone or web app. The Goji Smart lock replaces an existing deadbolt rather than retrofit onto one and has high-tech-looking units on both the interior and exterior sides of the door. The exterior-facing unit can display text and be opened to reveal a keyhole for physical keys. Kwikset Kevo debuted on the American reality competition series Shark Tank. Powered by UniKey and back by lock incumbent Kwikset, Kevo was the first of newer types of smart locks on the market. Kevo detects ekeys through Bluetooth, and its tap-to-open feature is a convenient way to open doors. Users do not receive notifications each time the door is unlocked, but can look up the lock’s complete access history on the smartphone app. “A simple touch of the lock initiates verification between the smart device and the lock, unlocking or locking as a result. The user is no longer required to fish for keys, unload packages, pizzas
NFC technology is highly secure and has a better overall power management profile than low energy Bluetooth, and there are clear use cases for the technology in a variety of security, access control, authentication and identification. A few years ago, it seemed like NFC was a serious technology to watch across a number of different segments. The most obvious was retail and payments, where Google threw its support behind NFC as a key technology for contactless payments. As a result, many retailers installed thousands of contactless payment systems with NFC technology over the last five years. While Google was supportive, the other half of today’s modern mobile duopoly has not been. Apple hasn’t integrated the technology, at least not yet, and hasn’t made clear whether they have any plans to do so anytime soon. Big retailers have been cautious about the technology without Apple’s support, and some retailers, like Starbucks, have opted for alternatives like Square card readers. New alternatives and Apple’s lack of support has led to waning interest in NFC as a retail payment technology, and recently some retailers who had installed it have actually started to disable the NFC capabilities. In 2011 Yale, one of the big-three lock makers, announced they would integrate NFC into one their electronic locks and even demoed it at CES 2013, but they never released a NFC-integrated lock and based on my conversations with the company, it doesn’t look like one is imminent. Lockitron, a smart lock startup does have NFC in its forthcoming smart lock, but this is the only one of the new-generation smart locks that I know of with NFC integrated. However, the company is struggling to get locks out to its crowdfunded backers, and even if they do its not clear that this will give any momentum to NFC as an authentication technology for smart locks. Still, even with these few bright spots, it doesn’t look to me like we’re seeing significant interest in NFC in today’s smart home. News in January that Apple had filed a patent for an NFC/Bluetooth LE/Wi-Fi usage in unified mobile payment implementation is a dim sparkle of hope on the horizon, because I think if Apple moves into NFC it could revive the technology. And, by extension, widespread adoption of NFC into iOS devices could give some much needed momentum to NFC in the smart home as well.
Source: NextMarket Insights
July/August 2014 mySMAhome.com 17
EXPLORATION
“OVER THE PAST FEW THOUSAND YEARS, THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PEOPLE, DOORS AND DOOR LOCKS HAVE NOT CHANGED: PERSON + KEY = ENTRY.” (photo courtesy of Dynalock, Poly-control)
or children from arms, said Dirk Wyckoff, VP of Sales and Marketing of UniKey Technologies. “On top of that, an administrator of the lock can send and delete additional eKeys for access to other people, determine the parameters of usage for those people (time or day, etc.), all without ever surrendering a physical key.” Smart locks released by two other lock giants Schlage and Yale take a more conservative approach, but then they have been offering these locks for a much longer time. Both feature touchscreen number pads that look bulky and old-school, and do not provide flashy features like the other smart locks do. Both companies offer ZigBee and Z-Wave versions of their locks, which work well with many smart home systems. “We believe that while the smart and connected lock market today is largely Z-Wave and Zigbee based,” said Wolf. “There will be strong demand in coming years for newer direct-connect smart and cloud-connected locks using other radio interfaces."
the masses. When addressing the mass market, we must respect what their front door looks like; in North America, it’s a traditional door with a deadbolt cylindrical tubular lock. That door may swell with the seasons. That door may not quite latch properly and the deadbolt may even be used to simply hold it shut from a gentle breeze.” “If I had a lot of extra money, there are materials and craftspeople that could install a very fancy entry system for me,” Wyckoff continued. “That system may not have UniKey’s touch-to-open entry making it simple, but I bet it would be nice; I may just need to take out a second mortgage in order to pay for it. One of my kids may even have to forego college.”
CONSTRAINTS
MOVING FORWARD
While advances in mechanical door locks have made them more secure over the past few thousand years, the relationship between people, doors and door locks have not changed: person + key = entry. With residential doors locks now incorporating IT and wireless connectivity, it seems possible that this relationship can be more convenient, efficient and secure. Perhaps locks can even be built-in to the doors, removing the need for a door knob. However, even though locks are no longer constrained by the complications of mechanical designs, it will be a while before radical changes will be affordable to most people. The idea of futuristic doors that automatically open and close are nothing new; they can be seen in retail stores, hospitals, office buildings and more. The problem is they are still too expensive for most homeowners, more so when security is added into the mix. “An automated system of your front door opening automatically on your approach in the manner you live your life with the affordable technology present today is not reality,” Wyckoff said. There are also other problems that have yet to be solved in products that cater to the average consumer. “Can every front door be aligned and insulated properly? What are suitable jams and thresholds? How about power availability?” Wyckoff asked. “Yes, but not at an acceptable cost to
The trade-off between what is possible and its cost of implementation places a limit at the front door, so it is safe to assume that the door itself will not go through any radical changes in the near future. However, the locks that are fitted onto the doors will see some interesting developments over the next few years. The standard key has worked for hundreds of years and is based on mature technology and manufacturing processes, making them cheap to produce and easy to replace. Smartphones, on the other hand, are much more expensive to replace—although opening the front door would probably be the least of a user’s worries if the smartphone is misplaced. While it is unlikely that smartphones will replace mechanical keys in the near future, the introduction of smart locks show a glimmer of hope for better residential access control systems going mainstream.
18 mySMAhome.com July/August 2014
Smart Lock Providers Company
Protocols
Country
URL
Alarm Lock
WiFi
U.S.A.
www.alarmlock.com
Apigy
BLE, NFC, WiFi
U.S.A.
www.apigy.com
August
BLE, WiFi
U.S.A.
www.august.com
Baldwin (an HHI company)
ZigBee, Z-Wave
U.S.A.
www.baldwinhardware.com
EMX Industries
BLE
U.S.A.
www.emxinc.com
Bielet
BLE, WiFi
U.S.A.
www.gojiaccess.com
KISI
WiFi
Germany
www.getkisi.com
Kwikset (an HHI company)
BLE, Z-Wave
U.S.A.
www.kwikset.com
LockState
Wi-Fi
U.S.A.
www.lockstate.com
Morning Industry
RF
U.S.A.
www.morningindustry.com
Nanjing Iot Sensor Technology
SmartRoom, ZigBee
China
www.wulian.cc
Okidokeys (an OpenWays company)
BLE, RFID, WiFi
U.S.A.
www.okidokeys.com
Poly-Control
BLE, Z-Wave
Denmark
www.poly-control.com
Queenlock
Z-wave
Taiwan
www.queenlock.com
Salto Systems
ZigBee
U.S.A.
www.salto.us
Sargent (an Assa Abloy company)
WiFi
U.S.A.
www.sargentlock.com
Schlage (an Allegion company)
Z-Wave, ZigBee
U.S.A.
www.schlage.com
Unikey Technologies
BLE, WiFi
U.S.A.
www.unikey.com
Waferlock
Z-Wave, ZigBee
Taiwan
www.waferlock.com
Yale (an Assa Abloy company)
Z-Wave, ZigBee
U.S.A.
www.yaleresidential.com
Video Doorphones Move Beyond Access Control Video doorphones, or video intercoms, have evolved from mere entry management systems into into multifunctional devices that support network connectivity and home automation features. Video doorphones for smart home serve as the core of a smart home, integrating security, communication and home automation features. Video door phone systems generally comprises control monitors and and door stations with built-in megapixel cameras. Popular features consist of inter-building and remote communication, access control and guest monitoring. However, manufacturers have a hard time differentiating their products from those of competitors because the industrial design needs to be conservative to be compatible with many types of decor and cannot follow design trends because
product life is often tens of years. New features are also difficult to introduce because the system needs to be reliable. According to Amroad, “when functions are very similar, establishing a positive emotional connection with users is the key. Hence, design and quality are an important driver to differentiate a brand from another. Making durable products, from the aesthetical and material point of view, is essential. “Deployment is another big differentiation factor. Right now, installing these products is difficult, time-consuming, expensive. It is a task that can be completed only by highly trained technicians. However, in the next few months well designed systems will allow for quick and reliable installations in a matter of minutes, resulting in lower prices for clients and more efficient maintenance.”
July/August 2014 mySMAhome.com 19
TALK
D-LINK: HOME IS WHERE THE SMART IS D-Link is a leading global networking solutions provider for enterprise and consumer markets. With 189 sales offices in 66 countries, the company’s next mission is to find its way “home.” D-Link’s Head of Global Marketing Quenton Miao sat down with us to talk about the company’s plan to become a global designer, developer, and manufacturer of smart home solutions. By Veronica Chen
20 mySMAhome.com July/August 2014
In May 2014, D-Link made its first foray into the smart home market with the launch of its WiFicontrolled smart plug, the aptly named WiFi Smart Plug. Shortly after, D-Link announced its WiFi Motion Sensor and the mydlink Home app, a home management app for iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. These three elements form the basis of the company’s smart home strategy. Users can pair their D-Link Smart Plugs with WiFi Motion Sensors to make home appliances respond to motion, such as setting the lights to turn on when someone walks in a room, or a fan to keep the living room cool while a person is present, or music to play when a user steps on the treadmill. The mydlink Home app provides a simple way for users to set and manage automation rules and schedules, as well as view live feeds from D-Link home security cameras. D-Link’s stream of announcements in the first half of 2014 is only the beginning of its Connected Home Initiative. “The home is becoming increasingly ‘IP-cized’. This is D-Link’s strength, so it is a very logical step for us to capitalized on the growing interest in smart home,” said Quenton Miao, Global Marketing Head at D-Link. “With more than 27 years of experience developing networking and communication solutions, we have all the ingredients to build a compelling smart home offering.”
What sparked D-Link’s interest in smart home? About 15 years ago, I was Factory Director at D-Link. Telephones were analog at the time, and the transition to digital was picking up momentum. I didn’t even know how to test the keypad on an IP phone. But, it was a necessary for us to adjust, and it was a logical step for telephones to turn digital. D-Link has always been a pioneer in IP (Internet protocol) data communication. With advances in communication technology and the transition to digital and IP, many industries have become relevant to us; factories, industrial facilities, retail businesses, office buildings—they have all taken a similar path. Now it’s finally making its way into residences. So, smart home is actually coming to D-Link, not the other way around. We’re not taking a leap of faith into the market; we’re taking another logical step.
What role does D-Link hope to play in a smart home? Our mission is to become the core of a smart home, which we believe is the smart home hub or gateway. All smart home services and features, be it security, safety or automation, rely on the hub. Everything is on the hub, and the performance of software and services are highly dependent on it. Think about your home computer. Over the past 20 years, we have gone through at least five or six generations of PCs. Why do we upgrade? We want new features, more powerful performance, new applications, better aesthetics, convenience and more. We think smart home hubs will take a similar route, where users will continually upgrade to get a better experience. That’s why we see the hub as a tasty cake in the smart home market. Sensors, on the other hand, is icing on the cake. They are essential, but they also have a longer product life; users won’t upgrade sensors—they will replace them when they cease to function. Another cake is the home camera. Adoption of home cameras is picking up not just because of security concerns, but because the camera is the ‘window’ to the ‘soul’ of connected home. There are so many ways you can apply what the camera captures to achieve a high level of
BEING A BRAND MEANS WE HAVE TO LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE AND WORK ON SOLUTIONS.
home control.
Does that make D-Link an equipment/device supplier or a solution provider? D-Link has always been a solution provider. We are very different from most Taiwan and China makers. While others are more OEM/ ODM-oriented hardware suppliers, D-Link’s DNA is the brand. Being a brand means we have to look at the big picture and work on solutions. But, what is a smart home “solution”? We think some essential components are mobile apps, software and a cloud platform. We have done this for 10 years with mydlink. Our plan is to bond D-Link’s connected devices with the platform. The cloud platform allows users to easily install and pair the products and monitor or control them from anywhere with an Internet connection. For example, with our home cameras, no matter how far away you are, mydlink can lead you to your video footage.
In terms of revenue, does solution reflect a higher portion than hardware? As a brand, all of our hardware comes with a solution, software and platform. For example, D-Link’s smart devices are not mandatorily tied into mydlink, but the platform is a free service that provides extra benefits and additional July/August 2014 mySMAhome.com 21
features for each user. In this sense, D-Link has always been a solution provider, and this is one of our strengths. At the moment, we have almost 2 million registered accounts. A recent report said D-Link has the highest shipping volume among consumer network cameras. Our market share is around 40 percent in the retail market. Solutions brought us not only a high market share but also a group of very loyalty fans. To answer your question, “Yes,” Solutions are definitely more profitable than hardware.
What kinds of distribution partners do you work with? Our three main partners for smart home products are retailers, installers (SI), and telcos. Retailers are interested in this territory because it’s another way they can provide service. For example, if you buy water filter at B&Q, Home Depot, or some other home improvement retailer, they’ll help you install it. In our case, we partner with many tier-1 CE shops and home installation SI’s around the world. Telcos are also eager to enter the connected home market. They are similar to retailers in the sense that they have retail stores that sell mobile phones and accessories, but they also offer home security and other service packages. Their services also help promote network routers, smart home hubs, sensors and cameras.
A CONNECTED HOME MEANS FOUR THINGS: COMMUNICATION, CONTROL, COMFORT AND VERY, VERY COOL.
How does D-Link approach the different markets around the world? D-Link www.dlink.com General Inquiries: 1.800.326.1688 Sales: sales@dlink.com Technical Support: Home Customers: 1.877.453.5465
Each market is unique. In emerging markets like India, UAE and others, users look for traditional installers because DIY has not caught on yet. For these markets, smart home is a nicety rather than a necessity, so we have to educate the market on the benefits of home automation and security. We approach these markets with our cameras, introducing them to the merits of remote monitoring and control. If users enjoy the experience, they might adopt some of our other offerings. In mature markets, such as Australia, the
22 mySMAhome.com July/August 2014
U.K. and U.S., acceptance and adoption of smart home is also very high. DIY is also very common. However, they do have different needs for smart home solutions due to different housing structures and cultures. For example, European housing is generally narrower and deeper, while US houses are wide and have basements. Our solutions need to cater to those differences.
What can we expect from D-Link’s next launch? At D-Link, we currently have four main areas of focus: network cameras, 802.11ac network routers, portable 4G routers and connected home solutions. Our mydlink platform synergizes all these product lines to form a practical solution. We already have cameras, sensors, sirens, CO and PIR detectors. We have doorbells arriving soon. Aside from those, future product development strategies will depend on how the market develops and what it wants. We listen carefully to our 189 global sales points; they inform us of customer needs and wants in different markets, and we discuss with them which products to develop and launch.
What is D-Link’s vision for smart home? An essential requirement for smart home to materialize is connectivity, so we actually prefer the term, “connected home.” This happens to be our core competency. For example, D-Link cameras are designed as a networking device rather than just a camera, so it provides much more than visualization. The cameras also serve as a wireless repeater or sound detector. Most camera manufacturers do not know how to embed these functions into a camera. The designing mindset is totally different. We believe the traditional view of home automation, where people set different scenes for their homes and change them at the push of a button, has gone very basic. It is also no longer a toy for the wealthy—it is affordable and provides numerous tangible benefits stemming from connectivity. To me, a connected home means four things: Communication, Control, Comfort and very, very Cool.
ADVERTORIAL
THE FUTURE OF VIDEO SURVEILLANCE IS IN THE By ioteo
CLOUD
The global market for cloud-based video surveillance, also known as Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS), will continue to grow in the coming years due to an increasing demand for simple and affordable solutions that provide exceptional safety and security features.
L
arge companies are already making big bets on this burgeoning market through acquisitions and other initiatives. Recent acquisitions show that the market is indeed moving toward fee-based premium services and products, while mediocre “free” solutions that offer minimal value propositions to end users are becoming increasingly unviable from both a business model perspective and a customer retention perspective. “The IP video surveillance market has to evolve its business model to better adapt to changing market dynamics. Remember Kodak? Your children won’t. It dismissed digital photography as a passing fad, and its arrogance prevented it from seeing a world where photographic films was becoming increasingly irrelevant; as a result, the company itself became irrelevant,” said Luc Deleu, President of ioteo. “Hardware prices are dropping with each passing day, and camera manufacturers need to devise new strategies to ship more units and build recurring revenue. In mature markets like the EU and U.S.A., consumers welcome new technologies
24 mySMAhome.com July/August 2014
that can improve their lives and are willing to pay for superior service—this represents a huge opportunity for camera manufacturers.” “We offer an innovative cloud-based video surveillance solution that can help camera manufacturers capitalize on their strengths and take advantage of this opportunity. Our firmware empowers an IP camera with more efficient bandwith optimization, enhanced security and more reliable motion detection, not to mention 30 days of continuous recording stored in a highly secured environment,” added Henry Ho, VP Asia of ioteo. “It is easy to install and even simpler to use. In fact, installation is so simple that even analog surveillance installers love it! The much lower acquisition cost also means more sales to endusers.” ioteo is a leading provider of IoT solutions in Europe. Beginning 2014, ioteo will further strengthen its relationship with camera manufacturers around the world. A new office in Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan, will support the
Henry Ho
Luc Deleu
VP of Asia, ioteo SA henry.ho@ioteo.com +886 2 8729 2193 11F, No.1 Songzhi Rd., Xinyi Dist., Taipei City 110, Taiwan (ROC)
President of ioteo SA luc.deleu@ioteo.com +32 (0) 69 254 180 Negundo 1 Innovation Center, rue du Progrès 13, 7503 Froyennes, Belgium
▲ Luc Deleu, President (right) and Henry Ho, VP Asia (left) of ioteo
company’s expansion strategies; the company also has plans to upgrade its infrastructure in major European markets to support a larger user base—up to 150,000 cameras. Furthermore, the company is constantly establishing stable distribution channels to drive business growth and has recently rolled out a multilingual web portal and call center to more effectively support professional installers.
BECOME OUR PARTNER Is there real business value in cloud-based video surveillance services? In short, yes. Many manufacturers have already
integrated ioteo’s firmware into their cameras to support the use of ioteoCloud . With ioteo’s solution and an optional ioteoCloud subscription, IP cameras can incorporate cloud-based features and services that replace expensive video surveillance systems and all the troubles that come with them, such as the use of NVRs and complicated installation processes. “We are continuously looking for new hardware and channel partners,” Luc said. “Our technologies provide our partners with access to cloud-based services free of charge, while revenue sharing opportunities create a win-win situation where everyone can benefit from this transitioning market.” Ƴ
July/August 2014 mySMAhome.com 25
KEY COMPONENTS FEATURE
CAMERA PERFORMANCE Key components are a primary factor in determining the performance of electronic and digital devices. Smart home products—especially home security cameras—are no exception. A home security camera’s performance is largely determined by its three pillars: image sensor, system on chip (SoC) and networking chips. The image sensor converts light into electrical signals. Major suppliers of CMOS sensors include Aptina, Himax Imaging, OmniVision, PixArt and SONY. The SoC contains the CPU core, codec
26 mySMAhome.com July/August 2014
engine, DDR DRAM memory and peripheral controllers. Major players are Ambarella, Grain Media, Hisilicon, NXP , Service & Quality Technology (SQ), Sonix, TI and VATICS. The networking chip enables Ethernet, WiFi, and power line communication (PLC) connectivity. WiFi is a must-have communication protocol for home security cameras, and major WiFi chip suppliers include MediaTek, Realtek and Qualcomm Atheros.
IS SET IN SILICON Manufacturers carefully balance performance and cost to deliver compelling products for each market segment, as one size fits none when it comes to smart home products. These three components alone account for more than 50 percent of bill of material (BOM) costs. To provide better priceperformance ratios, chip
suppliers are pouring significant R&D resources to incorporate more features onto the chip. Active Asian key component providers try to further differentiate their offerings by providing total solutions rather than mere components. For this issue’s Feature segment, we asked industry insiders to shed light on market and technology development trends for home security cameras.
July/August 2014 mySMAhome.com 27
KEY COMPONENTS FEATURE
MARKET TRENDS:
HOME CAMERA MARKET By Weili Lin
With IT leaders Apple, Google, Samsung and Xiaomi battling to dominate the connected home battlefield, 2014 has truly turned out to be the year of the smart home. Camera component suppliers expect the home camera market to grow rapidly over the next few years. According to them, the home camera market will see even stronger momentum in 2015, driven by cable operators, cloud service providers, and telcos. Growing interest in the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart home applications are also two motivating forces behind the growth. Besides, Hisilicon thinks the prevalence of mobile devices and 4G networks will play a significant role in the booming market.VATICS Director of Sales Marketing Joseph Wei believes that big cloud service players like Amazon, Google and Microsoft, along with cable operators and telcos, will be pivotal in driving demand for home camera. "Internet giants and system integrators will drive the global home camera market to grow at least 50 percent in both 2014 and 2015," said Alan Hsieh, VP of Sales of Grain Media. Grain Media projects its SoC shipments to double in 2014 and 2015. Sonix Senior Manager Roger Huang believes that improved network infrastructures will boost the smart home market, including the home camera industry. “Also, the involvement of Chinese companies like Internet giant Baidu, video surveillance solutions provider Hikvision and the telcos will push forward the industry,“ he added. SQ Sales Manager Arthur Lee said improvements in hardware manufacturing processes and software platforms are two more driving factors for industry growth and market adoption. More advanced chip manufacturing processes reduce hardware costs, while cloud-based infrastructures and platforms simplify product development and enhance user experience.
STAYING COMPETITIVE Having the capacity to develop intellectual property (IP) is crucial for manufacturing cameras, since it helps reduce license fees and allows for more flexible product designs, which in turn helps lower costs and boost time-to-market.
IP has become in the tech world a powerful weapon to protect key differentiators and maintain competitiveness. Hisilicon offers solutions that combine its SoCs and SDKs, including self-designed IPs. Grain Media is backed by its parent company Faraday Technology, which specializes in IP and back-end integrated design services. VATICS boasts a self-designed core-IP, which powers its domainspecific optimizations and integration, resulting in better product differentiations and improved video quality. As a latecomer to the home camera party, Huang believes Sonix benefits from a shorter learning curve, since the first movers have already smoothed out many obstacles. Second-mover advantages include lower R&D costs and faster product delivery with minimized efforts and investments. Forging strategic partnership is another approach. Companies like Himax Imaging keeps close relationship with leading CMOS Image Sensor (CIS) foundries to ensure product quality; it also allows them to score tailor-made services like front-end integrated circuit (IC) engineering. Purely providing hardware is no longer a competitive core competency, so it is vital to keep close relationship with downstream customers to offer a flexible platform and accelerate product development processes, Huang added. For example, Sonix’s SN98600 embeds 64MB DDR memory to reduce design complexity of substrates and avoid the affects of price fluctuations for DDR2 memory. In addition, the Sonix SDK Build Code Environment simplifies the originally complicated SDK setup and operation process, while the modular software structure enables customers to customize their software design and setup.
Key Component Providers of Home Cameras CMOS image sensor
SoC
Network chips
Aptina, Galaxycore, Himax Imaging, Omnivision, PixArt, Sony, Superpix
Ambarella, Grain Media, Hisilicon, Mars Semiconductor, NXP, Service & Quality (SQ) Technology, Sonix, TI, VATICS
Ralink, Realtek, MediaTek, Qualcomm Atheros
28 mySMAhome.com July/August 2014
ON THE RISE
Antonio Tsai, Deputy Director of Marketing Div., Himax Imaging AlanH sieh, VP of Sales, Grain Media TonyH o, Marketing Manager, Mars Semiconductor Roger Huang, Senior Manager, Sonix ArthurL ee, Sales Manager, SQ Joseph Wei, Director of Sales Marketing, VACTICS
CATERING TO THE CUSTOMER
that are also capable of capturing 5M or 8M still images.” China, Korea and Taiwan suppliers dominate home In response to increasing time-to-market and time-tocamera manufacturing. These suppliers, clustered in volume pressures and to reduce R&D expenditure, the Asia, each have their own strengths and strategies. Hsieh demand for turkey solutions is on the rise. of Grain Media indicated that Taiwanese and Korean Grain Media and Sonix both offer turnkey solutions. companies emphasize on product stability, SDK and Turnkey hardware and software solutions help customers strong local supports; aside from a few top players, most expedite product design and development. Grain Chinese customers prefer turnkey solutions that help Media set up a support team in Shenzhen, China to reduce R&D costs and shorten production time. Lee of provide customers with real-time technical support SQ noted that China and Taiwan suppliers require the and customization services. To differentiate from latest product features, while Japan and Korea companies other turnkey solutions, flexibility and compatibility put more emphasis on quality and stability. are imperative. Sonix said its SoCs support multiple interfaces and functions for flexible and tailor-made solutions, which stand out among the competition. Flexible designs and services are also noteworthy for image sensors. For the price-sensitive Himax Imaging Himax Imaging, a Taiwan-based leading CMOS image sensor supplier for cameras in laptop computers and mobile phones, offers market, Himax Imaging offers CMOS image sensors for home security cameras. versatile solutions leveraged by Hisilicon provides ASICs and solutions for communication network the manufacturing and supply Hisilicon and digital media. Hisilicon provides SoCs and solutions for network chain experiences it gained from surveillance, videophone, DVB and IPTV. Hisilicon possesses the making image sensors for laptop IPRs of more than 100 types of self-developed chips. computers and mobile phones. Mars Semiconductor offers SoCs of baby monitors, home network Mars In a sense, home surveillance IP wireless cameras and video doorphone cameras based on the Semiconductor cameras have become consumer 2.4GHz FHSS wireless standard. Its customers are primarily based in China and Taiwan. electronic devices, said Antonio Tsai, Deputy Director of Marketing MediaTek is a fabless semiconductor company, offering chips for MediaTek wireless communications, Blu-ray, DVD and HDTV. Division of Himax Imaging. “We see the trend of leveraging the Sonix, a leading webcam chipset supplier, stepped into the home Sonix security industry three years ago by offering SoCs for baby sensors used in mobile device for monitors. The company started to offer home IP cameras last year. better cost and performance value. Its customer base is mainly in China. We have customers using our 1/6inch CMOS sensor instead of 1/4SQ Technology SQ provides multimedia chip solutions and SoCs for WiFi baby monitors and IP cameras. The company has experience in image inch one, which is 30 percent more processing algorithms and focuses on professional image back-end expensive. For customers who design. In addition to hardware, the company also built its own require higher resolutions, we can P2P-based cloud services and app development capability. The company’s customers come from China, Taiwan, Japan and Korea. offer the 1/4-inch 5 Megapixel and 1/3-inch 8 Megapixel sensors used VATICS, a Taiwan-based multimedia communication SoC solution VATICS provider, offers SoCs to professional and consumer IP camera in mobile phones. Customer can makers. Its customers are mainly based in China, Korea and develop HD/FHD video cameras
Company intro
Taiwan.
July/August 2014 mySMAhome.com 29
KEY COMPONENTS FEATURE
TECHNOLOGY TRENDS:
TIGHTER BUDGETS, TIGHTER By Weili Lin
Video compression algorithms and CPU performance highly affect the performance of a home network camera, but chipmakers are also focusing their efforts on developing energy-efficient, small-footprint, and easy-to-manufacture platforms. Asian key component providers indicate that cross-device support is another trend. Technical support and video compression rate are also two deciding factors for SoC procurement.
Product development in the smart home industry is leaning toward tighter integration on all levels. Tight integration between devices in a system, as well as on the components level, create a better user experience, lowers manufacturing costs and shortens development cycles. The consumer network camera industry is especially market-driven and price-sensitive, so platforms and solutions that are highly integrated and reduce time-to-market are in high demand. To meet these demands, SoC suppliers integrate codec and DDR DRAM memory onto their chips to reduce size and cost. The adoption of System-in-Package (SiP) technology simplifies the PCB design process, and enables compact and lightweight cameras. The smart home industry is currently divided by multiple factions and wireless communication standards. Chipmakers overcome this inconvenience by designing their solutions to be more flexible. For example, Grain Media preserves interfaces and provides a SDK API to allow customers to easily add wireless connectivity. In addition, Grain Media offers network camera SoCs with comprehensive ports for customers to connect to alarm and temperature sensors, as well as Bluetooth, WiFi or ZigBee chips. Hisilicon indicated that integrating the temperature sensor, POR, RTC and audio codec directly onto the chip contributes to considerable cost reduction of engineering bill of materials (EBOM). In addition to interfaces, support for cloud platforms is also paramount. Currently, SoCs support different cloud platforms, including MyDlink, TUTK, Tricloud, Seedonk and Danale. Besides working with third-party companies to support cloud services, companies like Sonix and SQ also develop their own cloud platforms. Sonix builds its own platform for customers who are particularly concerned about security. To ensure product stability, 40nm manufacturing processes and power management technology is widely used to reduce power consumption and operating temperatures for SoCs. Grain Media indicated that the design helps customers simplify thermal design, thus reducing design costs. Hisilicon thinks the SoCs manufactured by 40LP process is an effective power-saving solution. SoCs supporting voltage adjustment SVB and Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS) technologies feature low power consumption. CMOS image sensors edge out CCD counterparts with lower cost and lower power consumption. Containing all the logics 30 mySMAhome.com July/August 2014
needed for cameras, CMOS sensors enable a small form factor that the typical home network camera requires. 1/4-inch is the mainstream size for home security cameras. Integration can also be an important trend for CMOS image sensors. Himax Imaging offers a 1/4-inch 1.3-Megapixel SoC that combines the CMOS image sensor with an ISP.
QUALITY AND SUPPORTABILITY MATTER For most home network camera makers, product stability and image quality matter more than cost. Stable wireless data transmission, low power consumption and noise reduction are highly emphasized. Tony Ho, Marketing Manager at Mars Semiconductor, indicated that 2.4GHz FHSS features stronger anti-interference transmission and longer transmission distances than WiFi technology. However, ubiquitous support of WiFi by mobile devices has made the technology the de facto standard for wireless data transmission, which is a problem because WiFi chips are infamously power hungry. MediaTek recently released its MT7688 chip, a WiFi SoC that integrates MIPS24KEc/580MHz CPU, 256MB DDR1/2 RAM and AES128/256 encryption engine, enabling it to power more complicated and data-intensive smart home appliances like network cameras and home surveillance systems. The Linuxbased WiFi SoC supports 802.11n, and the chipmaker claims the chip consumes just 60 percent of energy compared to its predecessor. The Linux-based design provides the SoC with a comprehensive protocol stack that allows rapid development of applications. Low-light performance is important for a security camera and is decided by quality of the image sensor. However, some lowcost solutions do not perform well under low-light conditions and need to be compensated by LED bulbs. WDR can be a value-added feature for home security cameras. Himax Imaging boasts high performance in low-light conditions and is set to release in 2015 a new image senor that emphasizes WDR and low-light performance for both automotive and home security cameras. Advanced manufacturing processes help improve quality, too. SiP packaging is used to reduce noise. For example, Grain Media uses SiP packaging to embed DDR DRAM memory that helps
INTEGRATION Products SN986
Sonix SN986 series is an integrated SoC that features 32bit ARM Base, built-in H.264/MJPEG Codec, embedded 64MB DDR2 memory, Audio ADC/DAC, USB 2.0 Host/PHY, SDHC, Ethernet MAC and Sonix ISP. The SoC supports real-time FHD@30fps compression.
GM8138S Grain Media GM8138S is a cost-effective SoC for H.264 network camera, supporting 1080P/720P video resolution. Embedded with DDR DRAM memory, GM8138S adopts 12x12mm BGA packaging to simplify system design and reduce PCB size. It enables flexibility of ID design. GM8138S is embedded with an optimum ARM CPU core and a comprehensive kind of peripheral controllers, targeted on high-range surveillance network Camera, DVS and Car DVR system applications. The video codec engine of GM8138S provides H.264 HP/MP/BL encoder; it delivers high-quality and low-bandwidth requirement video performance. The wide range of system peripheral elements, including the H.264 codec, video capture, display controller, encryption controller, serial I/F controllers, USB 2.0 OTG, and Ethernet GMAC controller.
HM1375 & HM1055 Himax Imaging HM1375 is an image sensor that features 1.3M resolution, 1/4-inch optical format, 1280x1024 array size, 30fps frame rate, 27-degree CRA, parallel interface, and NeoPac package. Himax Imaging HM1055 is an image sensor that features 720P resolution, 1/6-inch optical format, 1280x720 array size, 30fps frame rate, 31-degree CRA, MIPI/parallel interface, and CSP/COB package.
reduce noise. Also, its network camera SoC supports various CMOS image sensors with MIPI, HiSpi and sub-LVDS interfaces that help to increase energy efficiency and reduce noise. BGA soldering is another widely used packaging method that simplifies system design and reduces the PCB size. Sonix Senior Manager Roger Huang says LQFP hand-soldering is another common manufacturing process. Visual performance is also significant. To ensure stable ISP performance, Sonix built an internal lab to adjust for best performance under different scenes, such as low-light environments. The image processing algorithm is decisive for image quality; Hisilicon has a team that assesses the performance of video capture, encoding, decoding and display features for its solutions. Huang added that both hardware and software improvements are important to maintain reliable product quality. Regarding software stability, Sonix utilizes Hudson Continuous Integration system as the auto-build system for Software Development Kit (SDK) testing.
H.265 TO PREVAIL IN 2017
consumes just half the bandwidth. Professional surveillance cameras will support it initially, but it will eventually trickle down to consumer-grade products in the coming years. Despite the fact that no home camera makers plan to offer network cameras supporting H.265 this year, Asian chipmakers think it is only a matter of time before it becomes widely adopted; some new smartphones and tablets already tout H.265 support. For example, beginning this year, MTK will make smartphone and tablet SoCs that support the new video format. Hisilicon stated that the support by smart home end products and platforms is a major indicator for the new video format’s pervasiveness. Alan Hsieh, VP of Sales of Grain Media, thinks home cameras will begin to support H.265 when 1080P becomes the standard resolution for smartphones and tablets; newer devices will need to support H.265 to reduce bandwidth consumption for such high resolutions. Hisilicon predicts the first home cameras supporting H.265 standard will be available in 2016 and become mainstream in 2017. SQ also agreed with this timeframe.
High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), also known as H.265, delivers the same video quality of H.264, but July/August 2014 mySMAhome.com 31
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32 mySMAhome.com July/August 2014
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July/August 2014 mySMAhome.com 33
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Computex Taipei, the world’s second largest ICT show, lures international visitors with technological innovations. According to the organizer, Taipei Computer Association, the show attracted buyers from 166 countries, most of which hail from China, Germany, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, and the U.S.A. Total visitor count was around 130,000, with a notable increase in visitors from China (15 percent growth), U.A.E. (22 percent growth) and the Philippines (19 percent growth). “Smart Life,” a new theme at Computex 2014, capitalizes on the growing interest in IoT. The show set up a SmarTech Area for the first time to showcase a broad scope of innovative products and solutions in this space, including energy management, cloud solutions, security, wearables and other IoT applications. Roughly 60 suppliers showcased their smart home products at Computex. The majority of exhibitors are Taiwan companies, either major suppliers of global brands or manufactures that wish to promote their own brands. Many Taiwan and China companies enter the smart home market with a single product line as contract manufacturers—more than half of them provide home security cameras, with others offering intelligent access control, home automation and energy management systems. Their competitiveness comes from aggressive pricing strategies, reliable quality and timely support. However, once product specifications are standardized and business models are
established, profitability b e c o m e s impacted by price wars. At this point, traditional ICT players become challenged by low-cost competition. To ensure the business to remain profitable, they need to seek new markets and develop value-added products. For the next round, they are placing their bets on the smart home market. Most manufacturers hold an optimistic but somewhat uncertain attitude toward the smart home industry, but companies like MediaTek are moving fast. MediaTek released WiFi SoCs that can be easily embedded into small and simple home appliances, such as smart light bulbs, door locks and plugs.
ONE SMART HOME, MANY ANGLES There are two groups of smart home advocators. One comes from the security industry, offering home security cameras and alarm systems. The other comes from the ICT industry, including “FOR THESE networking solution providers and computer peripheral SMART HOME APPLIANCES TO manufacturers. TRULY WORK, Taiwan ICT makers see smart home as a system that contains THEY HAVE TO a main control hub and sensors, which together enable home CONSUME LOW automation, entertainment, health care and energy management POWER, BE applications. Some exhibitors at the show were testing the waters EXCEPTIONALLY with products that integrate home automation, security and ENERGY energy management features. For example, Carry Technology EFFICIENT released a smart home system that comprises a home media AND HIGHLY center, Bluetooth smart plugs and baby monitors. INTEGRATED.” While Taiwan manufacturers generally focus on hardwareoriented design, a few companies—like Throughtek (TUTK) and MediaTek–aim to boost the industry by building industrial ecosystems with proprietary software and cloud platforms.
INTEGRATED AND CONNECTED Gartner predicts there are more than 2.5 billion connected devices today, and more than 30 billion expected by 2020. However, the lack of a universal standard can be a hurdle for rapid user adoption. According to the research firm, the challenge is that there are currently several competing wireless communications protocols for IoT, and they are not interoperable with end user devices out-of-the-box. At this year’s Computex, smart home solutions showed a convergence of product functionality and standards. Integration is an important design direction for smart home products. “For these smart home appliances to truly work, they have to consume low power, be exceptionally
34 mySMAhome.com July/August 2014
energy efficient and highly integrated,” said SR Tsai, General Manager of Connectivity Business Unit at MediaTek. Standalone devices are increasingly becoming connected; mesh networks and peer-to-peer connectivity will facilitate the realization of the Internet of Everything. Freescale Semiconductor, a leading ZigBee chip supplier, debuted a dual personal area network (PAN) solution to support smart energy and home automation. The compatible system can simultaneously participate in two networks, eliminating the need for multiple radios.
NOW AND BEYOND The heart of a smart home system is the hub. “One gateway controls the future smart home via local automation and remote cloud processing,” said Sun Dong, Senior Regional Marketing and BD Manager, APAC at Freescale during his talk, “Connecting Your World.” While it is unclear if any single platform can control the smart home industry, surely in-home displays and home gateways will control connected devices in the home. New home and health care applications are emerging with new product launches. An abundant supply of security cameras is available to facilitate caring for babies, the elderly and pets. Accessories like panic buttons and alarm devices are also included in some smart home kits to boost personal safety.
Cloud services, which are integral to smart home, were also touted at the show. Cloud storage for surveillance videos and multimedia is particularly important, since it helps improve user experience and enables new applications. However, privacy concerns are creating a growing demand for local and personal cloud storage, and Apacer’s president CK Chang believes local storage devices will be an important component for home security cameras. Both smart home users and home security camera makers are looking for reliable and secure storage solutions. “Smart home” promises a connected lifestyle, making homes significantly more secure, comfortable and energy-efficient. ICT makers are taking baby steps toward the smart home industry, but current home security makers expect to see notable growth contributed by their integrated solutions. The smart home market is thriving this year with massive possibilities and opportunities for manufacturers. If they can break free from the constraints of hardware-oriented product designs, sustainable and profitable business models await.
July/August 2014 mySMAhome.com 35
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g n i t s e T s r e r u t c a f u t n a a s r M e t n a a Taiw Smart Home W 4 1 0 e 2 th ipei
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According to a recent study released by Icontrol Networks, 100 percent of US consumers believe home security is a musthave feature for smart home solutions. This is a huge opportunity for Taiwan makers, which have for many years been a major global source of security products. Many manufacturers are crossing over from professional video surveillance and networking into the DIY home security and automation space. Companies like Beseye, Compro Technology, Gemtek Technology, Sapido, Quadrant Components have released either home security kits or cameras, mainly touting easy installation, simple operation, cloud-based storage and remote monitoring features. They are trying to translate years of experience making professional security and networking products into smart home solutions that cater to the consumer market through enhanced user experiences and more affordable pricing. MediaTek also announced two SoCs targeting the smart home market segment: MT7688 and MT7681. MT7688 is powered by Linux and supports 802.11n and boasts the “industry’s lowest power consumption SoC of its kind.” MT7681, on the other hand, “has the smallest package size, and is designed for easy embedding into small and simple home appliances such as smart lighting, door locks and plugs.” Hopefully, these chips will facilitate the creation of even more innovative products. Taiwan makers are well-positioned to tackle the burgeoning smart home market, since they 36 mySMAhome.com July/August 2014
can utilize their technology and manufacturing capability to reinvent everyday household objects to solve actual problems. “We have had a lot of experience in making security cameras and other household products, which gives us the advantage of being able to integrate a number of unique features into our cameras,” said Bruce Liu, Marketing Manager at Compro Technology.
EYES ON THE GLOBAL MARKET Home security cameras are distributed all over the world primarily by branded companies, SIs, telcos and distributors. "TAIWAN Most Taiwan manufacturers rely on SIs, value-added resellers MAKERS (VAR), dealers and distributors to distribute products overseas. ARE WELLNorth America is still the largest export market for POSITIONED TO TACKLE Taiwan manufacturers. Not only is there a mature network THE infrastructure and a large mobile user base, consumers BURGEONING are generally more accepting toward new products and SMART HOME technologies. For some exhibitors, exports to the US market MARKET." account for more than 50 percent of total sales revenue. While China is a big and fast-growing market, it is mostly dominated by domestic brands. In the U.S., where there is a big market for DIY products, many Taiwan manufacturers use online stores as a primary distribution channel for their own-brand products. Retail giants like Amazon, Lowe’s, Sears and Staples are also setting up online or offline stores for smart home products. The European market is the second largest export market for many exhibitors. However, it is fragmented, and in general does not have a high acceptance for new products and concepts. Entering the European market requires forging partnerships with distributors that are familiar with the various markets in the
region. Many Taiwan manufacturers partner with distributors to offer own-brand products to European customers through online shops and retailers. Exhibitors also see a lot of potential in emerging markets like Latin America, Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia. Brazil and Russia are two countries that are expected to see strong growth over the next two to three years. Russian consumers are beginning to show stronger buying power, and the country’s transition from analog to digital, improved network infrastructure, and expanding mobile coverage will create demand for connected devices, Liu said.
RUSHING TOWARD THE NEXT GOLD RUSH Taiwan manufacturers see opportunity in the budding smart home market, but many of the products and solutions showcased exhibited a misguided understanding of user needs and wants. This may be due to a hardwired culture of using a top-down perspective when developing products, creating first the products and then trying to find applications for them. While this approach certainly has its merits, it may be fundamentally flawed when it comes to the smart home market, since the best products in this space seek to solve specific problems that many people encounter daily— consumers may not notice the problem until a solution arrives, but a compelling solution resonates strongly nonetheless. Companies like Dropcam, GoPro and Nest present a value proposition that consumers can identify with and offer products they can fall in love with. However, Chicony Sales Manager Baker Lu says these companies are difficult to mimic in Taiwan because of a risk-adverse culture that does not encourage large companies to tackle problems with new approaches, nor does it foster startup companies that can focus on innovative ideas. Venture capitalist money is also less abundant compared to western markets. While many Taiwan manufacturers have strong ambitions for own-brand products, they are not as adept as western companies are at communicating to users an attractive value proposition, Liu added. Furthermore, many smart home products that are thriving
DXG's home cameras look sleek and friendly.
in US and European markets cannot be widely adopted in Taiwan. For example, thermostats are useless for most homes in Taiwan because Seedonk's software powers Quadrant the majority have window-mounted air conditioners installed rather than central heating Components' cameras. and cooling systems. Smart locks are also less practical than in western markets because a vast majority of the population lives in MDUs rather Beseye's camera than houses, and the building’s entrance will won the 2014 Computex d&i require a key anyway. Most homes do not have Award. a garage or a lawn, which make those types of products somewhat pointless. Home security is also less essential because the crime rate is much Gemtek's smart lower than it is in the US and many European home kit is a complete suite of countries. common smart These types of differences make it even more home features. difficult for Taiwan manufacturers to develop products that will excite western consumers. Sapido's home And yet, Taiwan manufacturers need to cater to security kit won western markets because the domestic market multiple awards is so small. All this leads to the current situation this year. where many manufacturers see massive opportunity in connected devices and smart Compro's camera home solutions, but are almost clueless as to doubles as a how they should enter the space. universal IR remote Another factor is the herd mentality of Taiwan control. manufacturers, which almost compels them to blindly follow market trends without a comprehensive understanding of underlying meaning or a thoughtful roadmap. Some exhibitors were only able to talk about specs and gimmicks, because their products are simply slight modifications of competing products. Although exhibitors were eager to communicate the value of their product or systems, the truth is there were few compelling use cases for the products showcased at this year’s Computex. Innovation ran amuck, but it July/August 2014 mySMAhome.com 37
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seems that few companies actually sat down to study consumer behavior and how their products would fit into the lives of their users seamlessly while providing tangible benefits.
REFINING THE PHYSICAL WORLD While companies are rushing into this space, there seems to be a lack of agreement on what smart home is. Many products showcased at Computex 2014 claimed to be “smart� by allowing remote controlling through a smartphone app. The market is still experimenting with different product categories and features, but there needs to be a certain level of automation and intelligence in addition to connectivity for a product to be considered smart—or, at least, be able to hook into other smart home ecosystems to facilitate that functionality—otherwise, it is just less dumb. Smart home and residential applications of IoT are really about creating and implementing compelling solutions that truly enhance
"NO SINGLE COMPANY CAN PROVIDE A COMPELLING SOLUTION THAT WILL SUIT EVERY USER."
quality of life or, at the very least, eliminating inefficiencies and annoyances. It’s an opportunity to recreate the physical world using technologies that have emerged and matured over the past decade. “The Internet of Things is about challenging the status quo. It’s about rethinking, reexamining and reinventing how the physical world works,� said SmartThings CTO Jeff Hagins during a presentation. Furthermore, most Taiwan manufacturers seem to insist on keeping users locked in a walled garden of own-brand products. This approach is too limiting for the creation of a robust, customized smart home solution. Since each home is different, Taiwan companies will eventually need to realize that smart home is about customization, and that no single company can provide a compelling solution that will suit every user. Taiwan manufacturers will ultimately need to reexamine their approach to developing products to cater to actual needs and wants of consumers, rather than mindlessly pursuing gold rush after gold rush. When they do start to come around, as they always do, the smart home market will flourish with the backing of Taiwan’s manufacturing prowess.
The easiest way to
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38 mySMAhome.com July/August 2014
SPOTLIGHT
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AMASS MEMORY OF BELOVED ONES With the SpotCam and its proprietary cloud platform MySpotCam.com, users can stay connected with what or who they care anytime anywhere. What make the camera special are the smart motion and audio event detection along with instant message notification. Once the camera detects any movement or sound made by a burglar, it will send an instant alert by email or message to users’ mobile devices or computers. Users can access the cloud platform to view the real-time HD videos in details to confirm property loss on the go. Moreover, they can scare off unwanted intruders through the built-in speaker. No doubt, what’s the most important is not the property but every moment of the beloved ones. When parents go out for work, they can check if their kids are doing homework or safe at home. When their kids playing the pianos, the sound can trigger the video recording and the notification will be delivered. Users can watch their kids and talk with them even away from home.
SIMPLE AND SECURE SpotCam offers Cloud NVR plan to avoid a bulky server in the house and allow access on the go. Users never need to worry about losing their videos for server crash. Unlike enterprises, home users are more vulnerable to be
SPOTCAM HD Features:
1. Instant setup can be done with PC, laptop, mobile phone, tablet 2. HD 720P resolution in low bandwidth 3. 12 IR LEDs to deliver low-light sensitivity 4. Free standing or wall mounting 5. Smart motion / audio event detection 6. Up to110° wide viewing angle (diagonal) 7. Instant alert notification by email or sending messages to the mobile phone and tablet 8. Two-way audio with built-in MIC and speaker 9. One click share via Facebook/ Youtube/Twitter
Four steps to set up: 1. Sign up an account and click an icon to add SpotCam 2. Setup Wi-Fi network and connect SpotCam to the cloud server 3. Placement: place SpotCam where you want 4. Name each SpotCam and set up time zone
hacked and require secured cloud recording services. SpotCam provides protected video streaming and storage with bank-level SSL encryption for data transmission. The videos can only be seen when a user shares them to the public. The SpotCam supports cross-platform setup, viewing and video playback with HD video quality. The camera features easy setup with mobile phone, tablet, laptop, PC within a minute. Users can set up their SpotCams as what they do with their computers at home. First of all, what a user needs to do is to sign up an account and click an icon to add SpotCam. After that, making connection with the Wi-Fi network at home is essential. All you need to do is just to input the account name and password to finish the Wi-Fi network setup. After the setup, the camera would automatically link to your Wi-Fi AP or router at home, and connect to the cloud server as well. The last step is simply to place the SpotCam at wherever you want. The camera features free standing and flat wall mounting bracket to be put on any surface or on the wall. The camera supports angleadjustable mounting bracket, and wide views up to 110-degree.
July/August 2014 mySMAhome.com 39
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THE HOT LIST
Event: Best Choice Award 2014 Jury: Research, government and academia professionals Organizer: Taipei Computer Association (TCA) & Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA)
Best Choice Award 2014 chose 40 products from 477 products and 183 global exhibitors, including five smart home related products. It was organized by Taipei Computer Association during Computex 2014. The three judging guidelines for BC Award are functionality, innovation and market potential. Technological creativity, product function, application usage, exterior design, and operating interface are critical in selection process.
Sapido SH107x Sapido SH107x Smart Home Solution comprises Cloud Security, Cloud Automation and Digital Convergence based on ZigBee wireless standard. With the smart repeater, users can easily connect many networking devices and extend the coverage. The main station detects temperature, light and sound, and receives the signals from ZigBee motion and door/window sensors. It alarms to deter intruders when detecting any abnormal movement or sound. The H.264 webcam comes with four infrared LEDs for clear surveillance area up to 5 meters under low light condition.
Jury’s comments Sapido Smart Home Solution wins the prize with innovative IoT design in addition to good market potential and strategies. The product features well-designed product outlook and user-friendly interfaces, providing high coverage and reliable wireless communication functions. It provides cloud security, automatic control, and smart home applications.
Sapido IPJC2n IPJC2n Smart Cloud Night Vision Camera with Audio Wireless Router is a multifunctional router. It is an app-enabled 3-in-1 wireless router that works as a H.264 night-vision camera, and an audio speaker for airplay and two-way communication. Its Motion & Sound Detection function takes a sequence of 5 shots when any abnormal movement or sound is detected. It also features voice alarm to broadcast your voice to deter intruders.
Sapido Sapido stated that its strength includes innovation, and integration capabilities to cater for consumers’ needs. Dedicated to the wireless home integrated system, Sapido would like to introduce health care features into its smart home systems.
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Jury’s comments Though makers are extending wireless routers into the surveillance field, the multifunctional innovation differentiates itself from other products. It outperforms traditional surveillance systems with entertaining and real-time communicating functions.
Unitech Smart Home Controller King Kruger, a smart embedded device targets Smart Home application in TASHI product family. The IP-based 10-inch household control panel serves as a home gateway and master control panel that performs smart-home control, video intercom, surveillance, and alarm services via the unique 3D user interface of Elfin system.
Jury’s comments
Unitech Unitech makes its smart home controller a multi-functional master control panel and home gateway to work as a family host controller, providing intercom communication, remote home appliance and scenario control, energy saving and home care. Unitech will extend supportability of its family host controllers with mobile and cloud platforms.
It is a Web-based system management solution, supporting remote access via cloud-based SIP Proxy. The good market potential is also an important reason to win the prize.
Amaryllo Smart-home wireless video security sensor iSensor HD is a Skype-certified video sensor, and features Skype’s 256-bit encryption, video recording, touchless remote pan with a 240° viewing capability, audio/motion alerts, and up to 1280 x 720 HD video resolution at 30 fps.
Jury’s comments Amaryllo’s wireless video surveillance camera is the first camera to be certified by Skype, and provides advanced security password coding technology. It integrates wireless communications and Google cloud technologies.
Amaryllo iBabi HD iBabi HD is a Skype-certified camera that features Skype’s 256-bit encryption, audio/motion alerts, and up to 1280 x 720 HD video resolution at 30 fps. It comes with a 100° lens, two-way audio, an embedded MP3 player, as well as 280° panning and 50° tilting. This provides the user with an effective 360° view of the room. Its no-touch remote pan/tilt technology simplifies the control mechanism by allowing the user to wave their smartphone in order to pan/tilt the camera.
Jury’s comments iBabi HD stands out with stunning design. The camera features friendly appearance and user interface that help to reduce the beginners’ vulnerability. It is easy to fit in most home areas.
Amaryllo Amaryllo commented its privacy protection based on Microsoft Skype’s 256-bit encryption is what attracted the judges primarily. Its cameras can run video encoders with 256-bit encryption while ensuring the video latency is less than 0.5 seconds. Amaryllo thinks technological innovation, affordable price and ease of use are key elements to stand out like one-minute quick installation, privacy mode protection, infrared light protection and touchless remote-control on camera. Amaryllo plans to offer more free cloud storage and more advanced features only available to professional surveillance products next year.
Contact Info Amaryllo the Netherlands jacob.h@amaryllo.eu
Sapido Taiwan winnie_0503@sapido.com.tw
Unitech Taiwan EdmonY@tw.ute.com
July/August 2014 mySMAhome.com 41
April 28-30, 2015 Taipei, Taiwan Taipei
NOW! D N A T OUR S Y K O BO
Join The World’s Only Exhibition and Conference Dedicated to Smart Home Equipment & Devices • Choice of 200+ world’s manufacturing elites in the smart home field, ranging from key components inside, home cameras, wireless alarm kits, door solutions, to integrated systems • Reaching out 2,000 global professionals from 91 regions. • Top product inquiries from buyers: home cameras, burglar alarm, intercom, control panel/pad 2014 show facts & figures
www.secutech.com/SMAhome
Reap Your Benefits by Exhibiting at SMAhome 2015 1. Meet senior decision-makers • From global brands to local dealers and everyone in between, who source & purchase smart home gadgets and gizmos • E-commerce retailers • Home automation brands & distributors • Purchasing managers for home electronic devices • Procurement specialists looking for ODM/OEM partners
2. Present innovative solutions across the smart home industry spectrum Home Security
Home Camera, Alarm System, Door Locks & Access Control, Video Door Phone
Home Automation
Intelligent Control Panel, Gateway/Hubs, Software & Platform
Energy Thermostats & Sensor, HVAC control, HEMS, Smart Management Grid… HealthCare
Nursing Care, Exercise and Health Monitoring…
Multimedia
Speaker, A/V system, Home Theater…
Key Component
SoC/ISP, Networking IC/Chips
Accessory & Socket, Switch, Cable, Structured Wiring Others
3. Generate new networks by face-to-face events Highly-qualified OEM buyer delegations, business matching events,and live product demos offer the opportunities to develop new sales leads.
More individual solution or turnkey packages, Immediate contact: Veronica Chen Veronica.Chen@newera.messefrankfurt.com www.secutech.com/SMAhome
Runs concurrently with
FOCUS
WIRELESS ALARM KITS The home alarm system is like an insurance; you don’t need it all the time. Once you need it, it has to serve your needs. High reliability and low false alarm rate are necessary considerations before the purchase. The home alarm system acts as an invisible safeguard, providing not only effective deterrents but also peace of mind. By Weili Lin
Home security cameras and alarm systems are two pillars of smart home security. The residential intruder alarm market is predicted to have a mild growth in the coming years. The report of IMS Research, an IHS company, revealed that the residential sector accounted for 40.7% of the $2.7 billion global intruder alarm market, and is forecasted to be one of the fastest-growing verticals with a fiveyear CAGR of 5.3% from 2012 to 2017. From interviews of Asian manufacturers like Jing Hualong (JHL), 20 to 30 percent of annual growth can be expected. The connected home features are predicted to push the whole market upward. For smart home consumers, especially DIY users, the wireless alarm kits feature easy installation with minimal hassle and installation expense. The wireless intruder alarm kit for the smart home generally consists of a central control unit, PIR motion detectors, door/window contact sensors and remotes, available with WiFi/PSTN, WiFi/GSM and GSM/SMS alarm systems. Sirens and panic buttons are important add-ons. Smoke, gas leak, flood, glassbreak detectors are optional accessories. At present, major wireless standards for home alarm kits are composed of RF proprietary systems based on 315MHz, 433MHz and 44 mySMAhome.com July/August 2014
868MHz radio frequencies in addition to WiFi, Z-Wave and ZigBee. The proprietary systems ensure signal transmissions in a stable and interference-free way. To avoid false alarms, it is a trend to integrate network cameras for visual verification. Visual verification is believed to prevent false alarms bringing about constant annoyance from traditional alarm systems. It enables more effective police response, and reduces false alarm fines. The current solutions include motion sensors with built-in camera modules or the alarm systems connecting with external network cameras.
INTERACTION AND INTEGRATION Interaction and integration are two themes of smart home designs, no exception to wireless alarm kits. We can see solutions featuring connectivity with mobile devices to achieve
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4-in-1 sensor that functions as PIR, door/window, illumination and temperature sensors. More and more home automation devices and network security cameras linking with alarm sensors. The network camera becomes a control host and connects to gas, smoke, door and IR detectors. Some of the cameras even have built-in sensors and sirens. The offerings are believed to stimulate the existing alarm market, and drive alarm makers to offer extended and value-added functions besides security features. The research firm IHS indicated that the intruder alarms market is poised to enter a period of change with new entrants offering advanced wireless communication technology and remote access that are to increase the penetration of intrusion equipment in European and North American homes. IHS observed that self-monitoring and integration are influencing the traditional intrusion market. Adi Pavlovic, the Analyst of IHS pointed out integrating home automation, energy management, remote monitoring, and intrusion security into a single home management system will become the industry norm, and a much needed change to an intrusion industry that is in desperate need of a makeover. interactive home security. Remote system control can be done via SMS text messages or smartphone app commands. ZigBee and Z-Wave sytems tend to integrate home automation features. ZigBee-enabled systems can pair with lights. Users away from home can deter intruders by turning on lights when the alarm is triggered. Or users can make it look as if someone’s home by randomly turning on and off lights throughout the house. In addition, the multi-sensor based on Z-Wave technology is available off the shelf. There is a
SAFETY GAINING ATTENTION In the US, fire safety is one of major reasons to purchase a home alarm system. The fire alarm system consists of a central control panel, smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide (CO) detector. According to Parks Associates research on US broadband households, more than 40 percent of respondents are interested in smoke/gas/water leak detectors, and in motion and door/window sensors regarding appeal of smart home equipment. Personal and medical alarm is gaining attention. The panic button or wearable tag is used not only for emergency notification but also for child and aged care. They are also used as medical alert systems. July/August 2014 mySMAhome.com 45
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GLOBAL WELL-DESIGNED WIRELESS ALARM KITS We pick up 13 well-designed wireless intruder alarm kits from Taiwan, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. The wireless intruder alarm kit consists of a control panel, wireless door/window contact, PIR motion detector, siren and remote control. The home wireless alarm kits can be functionally expanded with smoke, water and gas leak, temperature and humidity detectors for enhanced home safety and comfort. Personal and medical alarms as well as home automation features are integrated as new value-added designs.
ESSENCE WER@HOME WeR@Home is a DIY, cloud-based home management solution that offers home security along with home safety and automation capabilities. The wireless alarm system is easy to install within 15 minutes. Powered by AA Alkaline batteries, the devices feature simple maintenance and long batteries life up to 3 years. Supporting proprietary RF protocol, the operation distance reaches up to 600 meters (open-air). With a Z-Wave dongle, the systems can connect to wireless home automation devices, such as door locks, lighting and plugs. Web portal and mobile app with simple and intuitive interface allow users to control and monitor their homes even from afar. They can watch live video, retrieve videos from the past, arm and disarm the system, and set scenarios and rules for home automation. SUPPLIER/ ESSENCE COUNTRY / ISRAEL EMAIL/ AMITKR@ESSENCE-GRP.COM
ELDES EPIR3 EPIR3 is a standalone GSM alarm system that supports up to 16 wireless devices. The system can be applied in apartments, summer houses, garages, small shops, campers and boats. The user-friendly system is compact and easily installed in less than 5 minutes. Supporting Contact ID protocol, the EPIR3 is compatible with global security protocol standard, allowing output to any monitoring station. The product features integrated GSM module, RF 868MHz wireless connectivity, Ni-Mh backup battery life of 24 hours, and a SIM card holder. The product supports voice calls or SMS to 10 authorized users. It also supports security control via internet and smart phone app powered by Eldes Smart Security, a cloud-based platform. SUPPLIER/ELDES COUNTRY/LITHUANIA EMAIL/ INFO@ELDES.LT
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JABLOTRON AZOR
WOLF-GUARD YL-007M2FX
Azor is a wireless burglar alarm sytem. It is designed for small houses, flats, offices and shops. It can also be supplemented with an optical smoke detector. Guarding can be simply set or unset using an RFID tag. Users just need to press the switch at the door and use the RFID tag. The system can also be controlled with a telephone – via voice menu options. When an alarm is triggered, Azor can call a security agency (Alarm Receiving Centre), or report events by SMS messages and phone calls. Users can define which information they are interested in (alarms, power supply failure, who set or unset the system and when, etc.). Users can adjust Azor’s behavior to suit their needs by connecting it to a PC and using ALink software. The system contains GSM control unit, RFID tag and reader, motion detector, door-opening detector, AC adapter and backup battery.
YL-007M2FX is an auto-dial SMS alarm system with a LCD display. The display features touch keypad and 128x64 lattice LCD screen with clock display. The system supports 2 wired and 10 wireless defense zones, and each wireless zone supports maximum 10 sensors. Besides, it supports maximum 8 remote controls and 10 RFID cards. With a built-in high-volume speaker, and the system can be used as an intelligent digital voice announcer. Besides, the system can be used as a wireless telephone. Users can preset 6 phone numbers for alarm notification by auto dialing, and preset 3 SMS numbers for SMS alerts. The system features ease of use with one-key control by the remote controller or telephone to set up away arm, home arm, delay arm, timely arm and disarm functions. The system can be armed by the panel keypad, remote controller, remote call and RFID card. Moreover, the device can store 30 alarm records, and support a 10-second voice message recording.
SUPPLIER/ JABLOTRON COUNTRY/CZECH REPUBLIC EMAIL/MEDIA@JABLOTRON.CZ
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SUPPLIER/ CHITONGDA COUNTRY/CHINA EMAIL/ SECURITY@YL007.COM
CHUANGO G3S The G3S is a GSM/SMS alarm system with a built-in Bluetooth speaker that can play audio on the user’s smartphone. Simply insert a regular SIM card with credit, and the user can remotely control the system via SMS text messages or smartphone app commands. The G3S can also work as a radio alarm clock. The wireless alarm kit operates on 315MHz or 433MHz radio frequency. The kit consists of a wireless PIR motion detector, wireless door/window contact, two wireless remote controls, and one mini strobe siren. The system supports 10 remote controls and 50 wireless sensors. Also, it features a built-in rechargeable lithium battery as the backup battery. SUPPLIER/ CHUANGO COUNTRY / CHINA EMAIL/ SALES@CHUANGO.COM
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INNOPRO EP210-GSM INNOPRO EP210-GSM is an intelligent wireless alarm kit that supports wireless coding and alarm zone extendable feature, advanced code with million addressable codes, and auto sensor type identify. Living sensing, customizable alarm tone and volume for best moment fit, home living monitoring of humidity, temperature and noise, siren sound adjustment for best ambient level. The system features code protection and scheduling, code mechanism for prevention of mis-operation, scheduling dual-timer for auto-arm and auto-disarm, calendar system inside. It supports Bluetooth Smart enabling paring with a smartphone. SUPPLIER/INNOPRO (JING HUA LONG) COUNTRY/CHINA EMAIL/SALES3@1999JHL.COM
HOMELUX HX-GSM02 Homelux HX-GSM02 is a wireless GSM alarm system supporting GSM900/1800/1900 bands and full duplex communication. It runs on RF433 MHz frequency band to connect to alarm sensors and remotes. Voice and message alerts are supported. Users can set alarm on or off by the remote controller. Besides, they can call in and send SMS to set on, off and monitor functions. The system supports 3 zones for wired detectors and 16 zones for wireless detectors. It can connect to the camera and home appliances like lamp and air conditioner. SUPPLIER/ HOMELUX COUNTRY / CHINA EMAIL/ SALE3@SZHOMELUX.COM
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NETVOX ZB11C
ÂŤTAIW Netvox ZB11C, working ANÂŤ with Netvox Cloud-based Wireless Smart Home system, is a ZigBee-based wireless infrared motion detector with on-off light switch and temperature sensor, based on ZigBee wireless technology. When ZB11C detects an intrusion, it reports the message to the security command center. The siren will generate the alarm sound and lighting alert for warning notifications. Once the burglary happens, it sends the alert notification to your mobile device. Via Netvox intelligent Cloud services and exclusive app, users are able to receive the warning messages. ZB11C is equipped with on-off light switch function as well. It can be assigned specific On/Off task to its paired devices such as lights or lamps. When ZB11C senses the motion under the low-light condition, it will report a light-on message, and then lights or lamps would be turned on. Furthermore, the built-in temperature sensor reports the temperature periodically, and the reporting interval is configurable. SUPPLIER/ NETVOX COUNTRY / TAIWAN EMAIL/ SALES@NETVOX.COM.TW
VISION AUTOMOBILE ELECTRONICS (VAE) HS 514 is a GSM-based home security and medical help system that features two way communication, easy installation and full tamper protection. The system supports GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz system. The system also features a built-in loud siren and backup battery. It’s an upgradeable security system by adding more wireless devices. It supports 15 wireless zones, and each zone supports 8 wireless sensors. User can pre-set 3 phone numbers for sending SMS text and another 3 phone numbers for emergency callout. Besides, the system features One-Touch emergency button and auto-dialing pre-set phone number, working as a Personal Emergency Response System (PERS). In addition, the system supports remote control wireless ON/OFF module for home automation application. SUPPLIER/ VISION AUTOMOBILE ELECTRONICS COUNTRY / TAIWAN EMAIL/ BUSINESS@VISIONSECURITY.COM.TW
CLIMAX HPGW-G SERIES Climax’s HPGW-G Series is a smart home alarm system that supports alarm and home automation features. It can connect to PIR sensor, door contacts, smoke detectors and remote controls. HPGW-G features optional 3G, DECT, and Z-Wave connectivity in addition to its built-in IP, RF, and ZigBee modules. It supports RF, ZigBee, and Z-Wave sensors. The Alarm reporting formats include CID/SIA reporting over TCP/IP, SMS reporting and visual reporting. It works with IP cameras and camera PIR sensors for visual verification and real-time monitoring. The system is remotely controllable via the Vesta Home App on a mobile device. Supporting Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), the system can be used as an emergency intercom system for senior care. It features Climax’s Security@2km technology that delivers robust RF communication range of 2 kilometers (1.5 miles), fast signal transmission, and enhanced installation flexibility. SUPPLIER/ CLIMAX COUNTRY / TAIWAN EMAIL/ SALES@CLIMAX.COM.TW
SUPPLIER/ EVERSPRING COUNTRY / TAIWAN EMAIL/ SALES@EVERSPRING.COM
EVERSPRING UVR681 The system consists of a touch screen control for system operation. n. With the 7-inch touch control panel, users can view live images with cameras ameras and control the operation of all alarm devices on the screen. The panel el can also link up with smart plugs and lighting fixtures, enabling users to wirelessly set the lighting of their residence. Smartphone APP is also available for remote monitoring. When a trigger eventt occurs, the system will notify you via email alerts or APP push messages. After expansion, there can be 4 cameras that monitor the surroundings of your residence, 8 wireless sensors that provide de perimeter and interior intruder protection, and up to 8 lighting fixtures. The system is suitable for guarding properties of small- to middle-sized areas. -sized areas
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NUZON HG-2500 HG-2500 DIY wireless intruder alarm system consists of a main panel, PIR motion detector, door/window detector, remote control handset, wired external siren with strobe light, and AC power adapter for burglary, fire and medical alarms. Optional accessories include wireless siren, door keypad, gas detector and smoke detector. It features ease of use, two-way communication and built-in auto dialler. It supports up to 63 sensors, hopping and rolling digital code, and can be controlled by the telephone. Besides, it has a "Help" button for emergency notification. The main console can be used as a hand-free speaker phone. It also features anti-tamper protection, and Entry / Exit / Alarm time programmable design, and different voice messages identified by events. SUPPLIER/ NUZON COUNTRY / TAIWAN EMAIL/ SALES@NUZON.COM.TW
UNISVR UNIGATE IOT CONTROLLER UniSVR’s UniGate connects to web cameras, IP cameras, sensors, alarms, and switches to the Internet, and enables users to control those devices with their smartphones, notebooks, or desktop PCs. It supports alarming systems integrated with I/ O controllers. The device connects to wireless alarm sensors, including emergency buttons, door/window magnets, smoke and CO sensors at RF433MHz frequency. Users will get realtime notifications via SMS, email and Skype messages when the event is triggered. Also, the connected IP camera takes snapshots, records videos and displays real-time videos automatically when the alarm is triggered. Events are recorded in logs which are retrievable. It also connects to thermometers, doorbells, and light sensors for home automation. SUPPLIER/ UNISVR COUNTRY / TAIWAN EMAIL/ SERVICE@UNISVR.NET
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TALK
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CONNECTED HOME SOLUTION FOR By Gary Tang
EVERY HOUSEHOLD IN THE WORLD Icontrol Networks is a smart home platform provider, enabling telcos, home security companies and broadband service providers to offer smart home solutions to consumers. Icontrol’s recent acquisition of Blacksumac adds a direct-to-consumer facet to its business through Piper, an all-in-one home security and automation solution. We spoke to Icontrol’s VP of Marketing Greg Roberts about the acquisition and a recent study released by the company.
Can you elaborate more on the reasoning behind the acquisition of Blacksumac? The vision of Icontrol Networks is to have a connected home solution for every household in the world. From our perspective, the beginning stage was building platform solutions that we offer to companies that can promote mass market solutions in their own brand name to drive awareness in the marketplace. Our customers began mass market adoption of smart home solutions through their organizations, including their marketing power, backend infrastructure and customer support. That has proven to be a very successful adventure for us and for our deployment customers. We then looked at the connected home space in North America and internationally and found that our smart home offerings were fulfilling a big need in the marketplace for smart home solutions that could be deployed b y s e r v i c e p ro v i d e r s a n d h o m e security companies. We also saw an opportunity in the smart home space for renters and those living in multifamily dwelling units (MDU). One of our interest points was having a direct52 mySMAhome.com July/August 2014
to-consumer solution because we didn’t feel like that market was being addressed by any solution available in the marketplace. As we learned more about Piper and its feature set, we determined that it was a perfect fit for that audience. The other part, from our perspective, is how well Piper fits in the international marketplace. The platform solutions that we offer that are deployed by service providers and home security companies in North America are primarily driving mass market adoption of smart home through home security offerings or by having some level of peace of mind as part of that smart home deliverable. However, once you get out of North America, the consumer education and adoption of home security is much lower; for example, Japan and some other Asian markets see less than 5 percent penetration for home security. The international market needs a vastly different solution that doesn’t necessarily key in on home security, but includes a peace of mind value proposition in addition to a host of other features and functionality that deliver smart home benefits.
What kinds of acquisitions will Icontrol be looking at in the future? We’re very pleased with our portfolio of offerings for today’s smart home marketplace, but the smart home industry is evolving and changing every day. New players are coming into the marketplace, and there will be many more—both big and small— entering this space in some way, shape or form over a very short period of time. We think the market is going to consistently change for the foreseeable future. We’ll continuously look at the market holistically and determine if there are any gaps that emerge from this changing industry. That will guide us to how we address it, either from an acquisition perspective or from a product roadmap perspective. For example, Piper has some technologies that not only are a good fit for today’s marketplace, but will apply to some platform solutions that we offer to service providers and home security companies. We’re looking at the industry from the perspective of both further developing technology ourselves and also acquiring new
technologies and utilizing those technologies holistically to make all of our solutions better.
So Piper not only addresses the renter and MDU market, it’s also your first step into the international marketplace?
Greg Roberts VP of Marketing, Icontrol Networks
Icontrol already has a lot of business development activity internationally and is constantly looking to expand. We already launched with Swisscom in Switzerland, and they’ve put forth a solution called Quing Home, which is powered by an Icontrol software platform. You’ll see a lot of those types of solutions emerging in the marketplace in the next 6 to 12 months.
About the 2014 State of the Smart Home Report.Why did you conduct the study? While building mass market adoption for smart home services in North America over the past five to seven years, we watched our deployments and the industry grow, but we wanted to take a step back and evaluate the direction we were headed and whether our features and functionalities for smart home solutions were meeting consumer demand. So, at the end of last year we embarked on this national quantitative study and we dissected the feature sets of today’s connected home. We really wanted to get consumer input on each of those feature sets and see if they are meeting consumer expectations. Is there value in those? Do people want better features and functionalities than what is delivered today? What could help drive the next level of consumer adoption? We tested a host of features and functionalities that are part of today’s connected home deployments. We really wanted to get a good understanding of consumer mindsets as to what they like and dislike. When we got all of that information back, the item that really jumped out to us was the fact that family security and family protection continue to be paramount to smart home solutions in the North American marketplace. Remarkably, 100 percent of the 900 to 1,000 participants surveyed for the July/August 2014 mySMAhome.com 53
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study said that smart home systems without personal safety or security were unacceptable. This gave us an idea about the level of importance for that feature, and we thought this was worth sharing.
But the importance of security features wasn’t all that surprising, was it? I suppose it was the level of significance that really stood out? When we were engineering new solutions six or seven years ago, the research we did at the time showed there was an appreciation for the peace-of-mind value proposition in smart home solutions, and we were very confident that the right way to deliver smart home solutions to the marketplace was through home security. But, I’m pretty confident by saying that the level of importance for family security or personal security as part of smart home solutions back then is nowhere near how strong those feature sets are to drive mass market adoption for smart home solutions today. We think it’s a significant shift in the market.
Was there anything else surprising about the results of the study? I ’ m n o t s u re t h a t I w o u l d s a y surprising, but certainly reaffirming. Asset protection continue to be a big part of smart home solutions, as 86 percent ranked property loss protection as one of the top reasons for using a smart home solution or for interest in a smart home solution. We’ve also always considered energy management a key deliverable in smart home solutions because of the multiple benefits that it offers to consumers. It was refreshing to see that energy management continues to rank so high from a consumer benefit perspective. 78 percent of those responding to the survey ranked energy management as 54 mySMAhome.com July/August 2014
"100 PERCENT OF THE 900 TO 1,000 PARTICIPANTS SURVEYED FOR THE STUDY SAID THAT SMART HOME SYSTEMS WITHOUT PERSONAL SAFETY OR SECURITY WERE UNACCEPTABLE." one of the top features. There’s just so many consumer benefits with energy management: the convenience factor of having the home manage itself so you don’t have to worry about managing your energy usage, as well as the ability to save on your utility bill. So it makes sense that it was rated very high, but it also reaffirmed that that is going to be a driving feature of smart home solutions moving forward.
One thing that surprised me was the demand for pet monitoring. Was that surprising to you? As a pet owner, it was in no way surprising to me. One of the key features that I personally use for a smart home system is not just monitoring my pet and making sure that she’s doing OK throughout the day; I have a dog walker that comes in everyday, and I have the ability to know when she arrives at my house, when she left with my dog, when she comes back with my dog, and when she left the premises. T h e re ’s a p e a c e - o f - m i n d v a l u e proposition in a smart home solution with pet monitoring that I think a lot of people very much embrace. It’s not all about video monitoring and just making sure their pet is OK. It’s about making sure their pet is taken care of, that they’re being maintained in the way that they should be—and it’s always fun to show your pet off from a live video feed. That said, I think it’s surprising to the industry, but as pet owners become more and more aware of smart home solutions and how video plays a role
in them, these features will help drive consumer adoption.
Aside from these type of studies, what are other tools you use to determine end users’ needs and wants? Do you analyze usage data? Do you simply ask them? We do all of the above. One of the beauties of being a platform provider and having a direct-to-consumer platform is that you have access to the data. While we never expose that data in any way, we can use that data to help us further develop our software platforms. Understanding which features consumers are using and how often they use them helps us reformulate our software architectures to better accommodate those use cases. It also helps us determine other use cases that consumers may not be thinking of. We’re constantly learning from consumer usage of smart home solutions, but we’re also going out and talking to non-users to better understand what their wants and needs are in a smart home solution and make sure that our roadmap better caters to not just the needs that they are articulating, but those that we think will help them embrace a smart home solution in the future. Besides studying non-users and the data from users, we also do user interface testing to continue to make sure that the consumer experience is intuitive and easy to use. At the end of the day, people will not adopt our solution if it isn’t, so that’s very important to us.
In your experience, is there a discrepancy between what service providers and end users want? There is not a discrepancy. There is a challenge where we all feel there are drivers in the marketplace; while we want to deliver on all of those drivers, in the marketplace you can only do so much in so much time to deliver those solutions. We collectively determine with our customers which core mass market use cases will drive a significant amount of consumer adoption versus others, and we prioritize each one of those features and technologies for each platform to ensure that we’re meeting their end users’ expectations. Each quarter, we build roadmaps that way with our customers. It’s a collaborative process; we’ve learned from the marketplace, we’ve learned from users, and we eventually work together to determine the right technologies and features to launch to take advantage of the growing marketplace.
Do needs and wants for smart home solutions vary between customers of different types of service providers, such as customers of cable companies vs. customers of home security companies? I think a lot of smart companies are targeting the use cases that really drive today’s consumer into the smart home. As the smart home report identified, the key driver is safety and security. If you look at it from that framework, every solution deployed that is driving mass market adoption and is catering to the mass audience has a safety and security component. That will evolve, and a lot of differentiation will happen in the marketplace over time. I think it’s not a stretch to say that everybody is doing consumer research in this space, and everybody is learning about what’s driving mass market adoption. But from a consumer needs
Icontrol now has three business units in North America. They have different roadmaps and embrace different technologies, and they are separated for strategic purposes. The business units deploy different software platforms to different industries, and Icontrol has a strong walled garden in-between the business units to ensure that there is no sharing of information or roadmaps or technologies that the other business units should not know about. • Redwood City, U.S.A.: Home to the executive team and the Icontrol Connect business unit, which caters to home security companies and telcos. • Austin, U.S.A.: The Austin office develops two software platforms that are specifically catered to the North America cable industry: Icontrol Converge and Icontrol Touchstone. • Ottowa, Canada: Home to the Piper team. This business unit develops direct-to-consumer solutions; not just devices, but also technology that can be integrated into the other platforms.
perspective, I think there’s a general set of use cases that have to be part of a smart home solution. Most, if not all, service providers are delivering those types of solutions.
Can you tell me a bit about the hardware certification program and the process of obtaining that certification? How would manufacturers benefit from the program? Icontrol powers many of North America’s leading home security, cable and telecommunications companies’ smart home solutions. The Icontrol OpenHome Partner Program allows device and application developers to develop to Icontrol’s open architecture software platform. Once certified, these developers can market their offerings to millions of homes via service providers. They can also leverage Icontrol’s inter national expansion, giving them a world of new distribution opportunities.
Do you accept all applications, or do limit the number of suppliers for each product category, similar to how a franchise
would limit the number of chain stores in a certain area? In what circumstances would you approach manufacturers proactively to invite them into the program? Our goal is to continue to offer the largest connected home ecosystem possible. We accept all partners who are interested in our program, and as long as they follow the program’s prescribed criteria, their devices and applications can be OpenHome certified. Our OpenHome program is one of the most important aspects of our business, since it helps eliminate silos among connected devices. We are constantly reaching out to manufacturers and developers, who are critical to the growth of the smart home. We also plan to more aggressively market the program in the coming months.
What percentage of your partners are Asian manufacturers? Roughly 40% of our current partners reside in Asia. July/August 2014 mySMAhome.com 55
COMPANY
SMARTTHINGS: INNOVATION OVER TRADITION The Internet of Things (IoT) is not so much about connecting Things to the Internet, but applying technology to solve everyday problems in innovative ways.
CTO Jeff Hagins
SmartThings CTO Jeff Hagins argues that the Internet of Things (IoT) is not so much about connecting Things to the Internet, but using technology to solve problems that are so engrained in everyday life that the problems pass off as common sense. Enabling Internet connectivity in everyday devices is not meaningful in and of itself, Hagins said during his talk “Moving from Cloud Computing to Fog Computing,” at Computex 2014’s Technology Disruption Forum. “The Internet of Things is about challenging the status quo. It’s about rethinking, reexamining and reinventing how the physical world works; in order to do that, we have to connect things to the Internet.”
THE INTERNET OF THINGS IS ABOUT CHALLENGING THE STATUS QUO. IT’S ABOUT RETHINKING, REEXAMINING AND REINVENTING HOW THE PHYSICAL WORLD WORKS; IN ORDER TO DO THAT, WE HAVE TO CONNECT THINGS TO THE INTERNET.
CHALLENGING THE STATUS QUO Hagins challenged the audience with various questions he said his company spends a lot of time examining, such as: “Why are lights controlled by a switch on the wall?” Flipping a switch on the wall is the way people have controlled lights for decades, but why hasn’t that changed as new technologies became available? Instead of a switch, the home could understand that the lights should go on when a person walks into a dark room. Why do we need a thermostat on the wall to control the temperature in our home? “You’re not controlling the thermostat—the thermostat is controlling something else,” Hagins said. Hagins suggests that we might not actually need a thermostat on the wall since there are technologies available that allow us to wirelessly control the boiler, fans or furnace. Why do doors have keys? Why do cars have steering wheels? Why are packages delivered by people? Why can’t office buildings turn off the lights when everyone has left? Why can’t a house detect when water is leaking out of the pipes or
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sink and simply turn the water off to prevent damages or disasters? Why does 33 percent of the food on this planet go to waste? “People don’t necessarily think of these things as problems for IoT, but they are,” Hagins stressed. IoT will allow us to reinvent the physical world to solve problems like the aforementioned ones.
WHY IS IOT HAPPENING NOW? Hagins gives four main reasons as to why IoT is happening now: ubiquitous smartphones, lower manufacturing costs, cloud computing and big data analytics. The ubiquity of smartphones is a main driver for IoT because it gives us a way to control our homes from anywhere. 15 years ago, if somebody came to the front door and pushed the doorbell, no one would have run to the home computer and logged into AOL to unlock the front door. Now it is possible for the homeowner to see who is at the front door and unlock it with a smartphone. “It has unlocked a use case that previously would not be possible,” he said. Lower manufacturing costs allow device makers to put connectivity into objects where it was previously was not feasible. Cloud computing makes it feasible to decouple intelligence from devices. Big data analytics enables the processing of massive amounts of data to discover patterns. All of these are making now the right time to start reinventing the physical world.
LINGERING PROBLEMS However, Hagins sees missing pieces that are preventing IoT from becoming a reality. He thinks software developers need better tools, networks need to have lower latency and the process of connecting devices needs to be simplified. The key ingredient to reinventing the way the
world works is software, Hagins said. “The way that we’re going to reinvent the way the world works is by applying software to help us change our physical world, to help us modify the physical behaviors and help us solve real problems.” Software engineers need to be able to work with devices on a higher level for innovation to take place at a rapid pace. Controlling devices and radios and enabling connectivity has historically been in the hands of firmware engineers; software engineers to be able to achieve that level of control over devices without worrying about the mechanics of how the devices actually work. “As a software engineer, I just want to say, ‘turn on the lights,’ and it should happen. I want to say, ‘unlock the door,’ and it should happen. It needs to be that easy,” he said. “In the IoT world, we have to do something that has never been done before, which is to allow software engineers to control the physical world without having to understand how it’s working,” he continued. “When I want to turn on the lights as a software engineer, I need to be able to say, ‘switch.on,’ and have the light turn on. It shouldn’t matter to me whether that light is connected with ZigBee or Z-Wave or Bluetooth or Wi-Fi or 6LoWPAN or any other technologies for connecting devices.” Hagins also agrees with Cisco’s view that cloud computing will eventually transform into “fog computing.” This is will enable device makers to decouple intelligence from devices by making them only as smart as they need to be while placing intelligence “in the fog” so it is as close to end devices as possible. “We need to keep the intelligence and the applications separate from the devices. If we do that, we make the system more flexible and allow the devices to be reused for lots and lots of different purposes,” Hagins said. Latency, the time a user has to wait for a response, is important in the IoT world. It limits how far away from devices can the intelligence actually be. Fog computing will put computing power and computing infrastructure close to the end devices: It could sit in a home appliances or a router; it could be in a car. By utilizing the computing infrastructure that will eventually grow around us, dumb devices can contribute to the overall intelligence of a system. On the other hand, a big problem of connected devices is actually connecting them. “We have to reduce friction for connecting devices and create a specialized network with dedicated spectrum,” Hagins said. “If you have ever tried to connect a device to your home network that doesn’t have a display on it—things like the Belkin WeMo or Philips Hue light bulbs—the process that you go through to connect these devices is very painful.” An
CHALLENGE EVERYTHING YOU SEE AND THINK ABOUT WHAT CAN BE REINVENTED AND DONE IN A WAY THAT’S BETTER, IN A WAY THAT’S MORE EFFICIENT, IN A WAY THAT’S BETTER FOR PEOPLE.
inhibiting factor is spectrum, which needs to be completely reinvented by considering how devices connect. “We ought to be living in a world where when I walk into a store and buy a connected device, I take it out of the package and turn it on and it’s just connected. It’s already online.” However, while Hagins thinks our networks are not yet engineered to handle the number or type of devices that IoT will enable, he also says that it’s hard to see what the network should be like because the devices we’ll see in the next ten years have not even been invented yet.
FOGGY ROAD AHEAD Hagins believes IoT is about problem solving, and that the problems should be solved from a discovery perspective, allowing users to figure out what they can do with these new types of devices. They also need to be solved from a setup perspective and an “inlife experience” perspective. “If I can get my 75-year-old mother to make use of a solution like ours, we’ve solved it,” he said. “We would challenge all of you, while we’re focusing at SmartThings on turning every home into a smart home, all of you should be thinking about how to reinvent the physical world and how to challenge all of those status quos,” Hagins concluded. “Challenge the way things work. Challenge everything you see and think about what can be reinvented and done in a way that’s better, in a way that’s more efficient, in a way that’s better for people.”
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COMPANY
OPLINK: ONE PLATFORM, MULTI-DIMENSIONAL ASSURANCE Oplink’s connected home integrates security, safety, medical alert and automation for child, senior and home cares from the solution side.
CEO Joe Liu
Joe Liu, CEO of Oplink Communications, Inc. gave the keynote address at e21FOURM 2014 during COMPUTEX Taipei regarding end-to-end connected home solutions with multi-dimensional assurances. Headquartered in Freemont, CA, Oplink is one of the largest providers of component and subsystem of optical communications. The company sees the growing connected home market due to ubiquitous connectivity of wireless mobile devices. The industry seems to be on an upward and fast-moving trend after Google's and Apple's new product launches regarding the connected home. The speech illustrates how to link objects and people to meet the concept of Internet of Things (IoT). Seeing the growing connected living market amounting to US$730 billion by 2020, Oplink joined the market with its Connected-Living solutions that feature one platform, one app, multidomains and multi-dimensional assurances. Users can just work with one device and one app for simple home control. Liu said, “With one app, you can perform the security, safety and medical care.“ Liu stressed that what’s important is to offer consumers control, convenience and assurance at the
58 mySMAhome.com July/August 2014
same time. Emergency notification is part of what Oplink mentioned about assurance. Liu said, “We are focusing more on security, safety and medical alert sides like emergency communication with integration of sensors and cameras.” Positioned as a one-stop-shop solution provider, Oplink integrates the mobile platform and cloudcomputing into the home security systems with its smartphone-centric mobility solutions and smart mobile cloud platform to deliver multi-dimensional services. Oplink constructs a connected ecosystem that allows access of multi-users like owner, family members and emergency contacts. It also enables multi-tier hierarchical authorization for access management. The multi-tiers design lets owners to grant access to certain contents like videos for easy authorization management. Also, the solution offers multicasting service to connect multiple sirens, video alarms and alerts with multiple users. Liu said, “Multi-casing capability is different from traditional alarm and security.” Ease-of-use is also essential. Liu explained that ease-of-use includes plug-and-play, no-pairing, zero configuration and system-in-a-box design. Easy setup of IP cameras is a great example. Users just find out a Service Set Identifier (SSID) and input the password to complete setup with ease. About the security, its OPU connected to a home router acts as a second firewall for more secured videos. Its solution also provides the private protocol and access code for added protection. Oplink illustrated its connected cloud platform connects to alarm sensors, smart plug, alert button, siren, and IP cameras for convenient and assured monitoring in intrusion, water leak, smoke detection and medical alerts via a smartphone app. All IP devices can access the cloud platform through IP network.
PHILIPS: WIRELESS LIGHTING MARKET LIT UP BY OPEN STANDARDS Wilma Su, Director of Standardization at Philips, explained during her talk, “ZigBee Light Link - the Smart Lighting in Home,” the market potential for wireless lighting applications and explained why Philips decided to base the Hue line on ZigBee Light Link.
Director of Standardization Wilma Su
"A COMMON OPEN STANDARD ENHANCES MARKET ADOPTION, DRIVES COST DOWN THROUGH ECONOMY OF SCALE."
Philips is arguably ahead of the game in the wireless lighting race into consumers’ homes. Its Hue line of smart bulbs introduced consumers to the limitless possibilities of lighting in conjunction with home automation—lights can be switched on/ off, dimmed, or set to any color, at any time of the day, or from any location. It product line is constant expanding, now including multiple types of bulbs and is available in more than 30 countries around the world. Su cited an ON World report, saying global shipments of wireless chipsets for lighting controls 2012–2017 are forecasted to grow from 5.5 million in 2012 to 44 million in 2017. Global wireless lighting revenues are expected to grow to $2.4 billion in 2017, with 79 percent of the revenues generated in North America and Europe. Consumer demand is leading the shift towards wireless connectivity. In fact, the residential wireless lighting connectivity market is growing faster than professional market, according to ON World. “Retail sales of several smart wireless lighting products such as RF enabled LED light bulbs increased by more than 200 percent over the past 12 months and
hundreds of wireless lighting control products are currently for sale through retail and online channels.” Standards and technology that can handle wholehouse lighting systems are now available, affordable and mature, as are innovations like smart LED drivers, RF-enabled light bulbs and cloud services. Dozens of wireless lighting control systems have been launched, and multiple new wireless lighting industry groups are emerging. There is, however, a problem. While the industry is reacting to consumer demand for wireless lighting systems, market fragmentation is causing consumer dissatisfaction. When Philips set out to create Hue, it wanted to offer users a modernized lighting solution that promised a fresh perspective on lighting. To do this, it required easy installation, low cost and low energy consumption. The system needed to cover all rooms in a home. It needed to be robust and reliable, and able to function even without an Internet connection. Finally, it should be based on an open standard, allowing any manufacturer to join and enrich the ecosystem and allow multiple suppliers to offer solutions. Philips evaluated multiple standards on the market, including 6LowPan, Bluetooth Smart, WiFi, WiFi LP, ZigBee and Z-Wave. ZigBee Light Link emerged as the optimal choice for Philips requirements, since the open, global standard offered low power consumption, mesh networks and energy harvesting. It also allowed multiple suppliers to complete and complement each other, while the certification process and logo eliminates consumer confusion. According to Su, a common open standard enhances market adoption, drives cost down through economy of scale, ultimately resulting in the realization of mass-market solutions that become increasingly affordable for consumers.
July/August 2014 mySMAhome.com 59
SHOW CALENDAR
2014 WORLDWIDE EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS RELATED TO SMART HOME a&s SMAhome magazine has bonus distribution at the ticked shows.
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL
BERLIN, GERMANY
AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
The Latin American home automation event has been to 13 engaged in demonstrating exhibitors' products and services, focusing on automation, audio and video sector. It is also concurrent with ExpoElevador.
IFA is a global tradeshow for consumer electronics and home appliances, to 10 presenting the latest products and innovations in the heart of Europe. It's one of the main meeting places for key retailers, buyers and experts from the industry.
IBC (International Broadcasting Convention) is the essential global to 16 meeting place for everyone engaged in creating, managing and delivering the future of electronic media and entertainment technology and content.
• +49 30 4799 7484 • b2b.ifa-berlin.com
• +44 20 7832 4100 • www.ibc.org
EXPOPREDIALTEC AUG
11
• +55 22 2648 9751 • www.predialtec.com
IFA
IBC
SEP
5
SEP
12
DENVER, USA
HONG KONG, CHINA
CEDIA EXPO is a leading tradeshow in the residential electronic systems industry. With training on home to 13 tech fundamentals and emerging trends, certification opportunities, and a wealth of new ideas and products, CEDIA EXPO is the one tradeshow that serves every home technology professional. Technologies represented at CEDIA EXPO include home entertainment, security, lighting control, energy management, home health, system integration and environmental control.
It’s one of the world-largest electronics fair, presenting all kinds of electronics products and services such as to 16 audio-visual products, branded electronics, eco-friendly products, i-World, packaging & design, navigation systems, new inventions, telecommunications products and testing, inspection & certification services.
CEDIA EXPO SEP
10
• + 1 317 328 4336 • expo.cedia.net/home-technology-expo
SEOUL, KOREA
KOREA ELECTRONICS SHOW (KES) The show displayed advanced information appliances, information & communication, integration, to 17 semiconductors, and display panels as well as collision avoidance system, 3D display, green internet cafe, 3D endoscopy, digital broadcasting equipment. Visitors can get a glimpse of the future market trend. Also different kinds of convergence solutions will be presented, such as digital kits and digital hospital, wearable computing, and Green IT. OCT
14
HONG KONG ELECTRONICS FAIR (AUTUMN EDITION) OCT
13
• +852 1830 668 • www.hktdc.com/fair/hkelectronicsfairae-tc
AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
BROADBAND WORLD FORUM (BBWF) OCT
The event explores how network innovation is powering
21 the global connected society. It brings senior fixed and to 23
mobile telecoms executives together with global IT, media and government innovators to create an exciting and engaging community which meets, interacts and exchanges ideas on the future of our industry. • +44 20 7017 5506 • www.broadbandworldforum.com
• +82 2 6388 6062 • www.kes.org
List your exhibitions here if they are related to smart home. Email your show profile, website and a 60-word introduction to a&s SMAhome Editor: SMAhome-pr@newera.messefrankfurt.com
60 mySMAhome.com July/August 2014
VERONA, ITALY
HOME & BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES EXHIBITION
AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
EUROPEAN UTILITY WEEK NOV
Italy's innovative exhibition made to generate contacts emphasizing: verticality, training, hospitality and to 29 reasonable and preset costs. Product areas include: home, building, components and services
28
This event covers all major value streams stretching from transmission to the end user and includes dedicated to 6 content on power distribution, renewable integration, smart metering, storage solutions, smart cities, grid security, smart homes and end user engagement.
• +39 255 181 842 • www.expohb.eu
• +31 346 290 789 • www.european-utility-week.com
OCT
4
LONDON, UK
MOSCOW, RUSSIA
The conference allows visitors to analyze all of the current short range wireless technologies and compare how it matures to meet to 12 the evolving needs of the network. Find out how the IoT needs to adapt to meet the different needs of vertical markets, listen to case studies of new and exciting devices and discover how the perceived needs and requirements of the market will change and how you can future-proof your connectivity strategy.
INTERLIGHT MOSCOW has established itself as an important gathering for the lighting industry to 14 in Russia and the CIS states over the past 17 years. This makes the trade fair an ideal platform for international companies who are active in the Russian market or wish to enter it.
INTERLIGHT MOSCOW 2014
IOT CONNECTIVITY NOV
11
• +44 20 7017 5506 • www.iotconnectevent.com
NOV
11
• +7 495 649-8775 • www.interlight.messefrankfurt.ru
More than the above,
SMAhome Magazine also attends the security shows. ISAF Istanbul
18-21/09/2014
Istanbul, Turkey
Security ESSEN 2014
23-26/09/2014
Essen, Germany
ASIS
29/09-02/10/2014
Atlanta, USA
Security China
28-31/10/2014
Beijing, China
Sicurezza
12-14/11/2014
Milan, Italy
Secutech Thailand
26-28/11/2014
Bangkok, Thailand
Photos Clipping
Ƴ 500 copies of SMAhome Magazine were dispatched to high level guests at Computex 2014, Taipei, Taiwan
Ƴ During IFSEC International 2014, we had distributed over 300 copies to smart home relevant visitors.
July/August 2014 mySMAhome.com 61
PREVIEW
IFA SEES CONNECTED HOME AN ONGOING TREND IFA, in Berlin, the global tradeshow for consumer electronics and home appliances, presents the latest products and innovations in Europe. It's one of the main meeting places for key retailers, buyers and experts from the industry. IFA, the world top three consumer electronics tradeshows for consumer electronics products and home appliances, is one of the main meeting places for key retailers, buyers and experts from the industry. The show has double-digit growth annually in the number of trade visitors from 2010. The international trade visitors mainly come from Europe and Asia Pacific regions. The exhibition area measured 145,000 square meters in 2013, and has 1 to 2 percent of growth this year. Orders were placed totaling almost four billion euro from the show, in the run-up to the Christmas season, the most important trading period. IFA offers a comprehensive overview of the internamtional market and attracts the attention of trade visitors each year from more than 100 countries. The show points out the connected home to be an ongoing trend. Interconnected CE devices and their connection to home appliances, the heating system or the lights are a major trend that is set to acquire even greater importance in the coming years. New technology, sensors and control systems
IFA 2014 • Dates: 5- 10 September, 2014 • Locations: Berlin Exhibition Grounds (Berlin Expo Center City) • Website: http://b2b.ifa-berlin.com • Organizers: gfu and Messe Berlin
ensure that they are becoming even more efficient, durable and smarter. An increasing number of cameras and camcorders can transmit their recorded material directly via WLAN to the home network, either to make it available on the internet or to relay it to a TV screen. Also, users can access their home networks while on the move. They can retrieve data stored on the network, or set a timer for recording a TV program. Networking supports a more economical use of energy and also improves security within the home.
ELECTRICAL HOME APPLIANCES WITH BUILT-IN EFFICIENCY AND DIVERSITY Large and small domestic appliances are creating new trends in sustainability and energy efficiency. High quality materials and elegant design are combined with diverse and innovative functionalities, together with simple and easy-touse controls. And smart applications combined with networked home appliances are playing an increasingly important role as well. Easy-to-use apps assist with information (product and status information, tips on preparing meals, food stocks), operation (instructions, manuals, care advice), providing reassurance (servicing, maintenance, remote diagnostics) and promoting efficiency (energy monitoring). For example, smartphones or tablet PCs can be used to control the networked home and, if required, can supply information about the operational status of all the devices. For body care, there is an extensive range of small appliances. There are now small networked appliances for monitoring body functions. Scales can transmit weight readings to a smartphone, and so-called wearables such as bracelets fitted with the appropriate electronics can relay details such as the pulse rate and blood pressure.
62 mySMAhome.com July/August 2014
NEWS
WHAT HAPPENED News, launches and views from the world of smart home in May, June and July 2014
ON YOUR SMART PHONE. Scan the QR code or see mySMAhome.com/news for more info.
TECH
TECH
Android L to include native support for Bluetooth Classic and Bluetooth Smart
Sigma Designs launches turnkey Z-Wave Serial Interface Module
At this year’s Google I/O, Google demonstrated Bluetooth's capacity to enable tap-to-pay, step-by-step recipes, phoneto-watch functionality, a new notification bridge and other features. As part of the L-release, Google provides support for the central and peripheral mode of Bluetooth, giving developers maximum flexibility in their designs for current and future-beacon and smart home--products. This dual support means devices running L can connect to billions of Bluetooth-enabled wearables, beacons, health and fitness sensors, phones, tablets, cars, and PCs in the world today, and those coming soon. The version is also one of the first based on Bluetooth version 4.1, which added the building blocks for IPv6 connectivity and opens the door for the “always-on” hub or gateway – an essential component to the smart home.
Sigma Designs has launched its latest Z-Wave Serial Interface Module with Antenna, the ZM5304, into volume production. The ZM5304 is the company's most easily integrated solution, delivering fast time-to-market for Z-Wave products. The ZM5304 allows developers to focus on their high-level applications without being impacted by low-level programming and RF regulatory approvals. The ZM5304 is a fully selfcontained, turnkey module that includes a Z-Wave modem and built-in antenna designed for easy integration by hardware device manufacturers. The module comes with full FCC modular approval and is pre-scanned for CE approval, allowing companies to go directly to market without additional FCC testing.
TECH
ZigBee Alliance completes testing and development of 920IP 920IP is an update to ZigBee IP, the first open, global standard for an IPv6 based full wireless mesh networking solution to control low power, low cost devices. Alliance members have been developing 920IP in response to Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) designation of 920 MHz for use in HEMS and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) endorsement of ECHONET Lite as a smart home standard. The ZigBee Alliance has entered into agreements with Telecommunications Technology Committee (TTC) and ECHONET Consortium to support the development efforts.920IP provides specific support for ECHONET Lite and the requirements of Japanese Home Energy Management systems (HEMS). It enhances the IEEE 802.15.4 standard by adding network and security layers and an application framework. It offers wireless multi-hop mesh network based on standard Internet protocols, such as 6LoWPAN, IPv6, RPL, and UDP. It also supports security and authentication features such TLS-PSK, EAP and PANA and link layer frame security based on the AES-128-CCM algorithm.
64 mySMAhome.com July/August 2014
TECH
Broadcom releases Bluetooth Smart SoC with increased security and iBeacon support Broadcom Corporation introduced a new Bluetooth Smart system-on-a-chip (SoC) into its Wireless Internet Connectivity for Embedded Devices (WICED) family, adding advanced security features and iBeacon technology support. Broadcom's BCM20737 helps protect sensitive information with its new low-cost, low-power WICED Smart chip. The new SoC includes RSA 4000 bit encryption and decryption support, addressing the most critical security threats and ensuring user data is securely coded during transfer. iBeacon is a technology Apple introduced with iOS 7 that uses Bluetooth Low Energy and geofencing to provide apps a whole new level of microlocation awareness.
CORPORATE
CORPORATE
Nest to acquire Dropcam for $555 million
Nest launches developer program
Nest Labs announced that it has entered into an agreement to buy Dropcam for $555 million in cash, subject to adjustments. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals in the U.S. Once the deal closes, Nest will incorporate Dropcam into Nest in everything from customer support to customer privacy. Like Nest customer data, Dropcam will come under Nest’s privacy policy, which explains that data will not be shared with anyone (including Google) without a customer’s permission.
Nest Labs, Inc. launched the Nest Developer Program, which makes it possible for Nest and the more than 5,000 developers who’ve expressed interest in the program to work together to create meaningful interactions among Nest products and others – both inside and outside of the home. More than just linking and remote controlling the devices in your home, the Nest Developer Program allows everything from lighting to appliances to fitness bands and even cars to securely connect with Nest products, bringing the conscious home to life by making those homes safer, more energy efficient, and more aware. Featured Works with Nest integrations that are available include: IFTTT, Jawbone, LIFX, Logitech, Mercedes-Benz and Whirlpool at this moment.
CORPORATE
Apple brings unification to smart home with HomeKit
Microsoft joins the AllSeen Alliance
During the WWDC 2014 keynote, Apple’s SVP of Software Engineering Craig Federighi announced on stage HomeKit, a software framework aiming to unify the currently fragmented smart home market. HomeKit makes it easier for users to pair and control devices made by different manufacturers, while also allowing software developers to develop hardware-agnostic home automation apps that bring together devices to form a smart home system. What’s even more exciting is the inclusion of Siri integration, which enables voice control functionality.
Microsoft joins Haier, LG, Panasonic, Qualcomm Connected Experiences, Inc., Sharp, Silicon Image, Technicolor and TP-Link as Premier Members of the AllSeen Alliance. With the addition of Microsoft, the AllSeen Alliance now totals 51 members, including heavy hitters in consumer electronics manufacturers, home appliance makers, automotive companies, Internet of Things cloud providers, enterprise technology companies, innovative startups, chipset manufacturers, service providers, retailers and software developers.
* See news followup on Page 68
CORPORATE
CORPORATE
Wink teams up with The Home Depot Wink-enabled products are available for purchase in US The Home Depot stores and on the retailer's online store, marking the retailer's further expansion in the connected home market and its selection of Wink as its signature platform. The Wink platform unites close to 60 devices, creating a broad set of connected home products in one ecosystem, with fifteen leading
manufacturers of home products ranging from dimmers, light bulbs and locks to window shades, irrigation systems, water heaters and air conditioners. Manufacturer partners include Bali, Chamberlain, Dropcam, GE, Honeywell, Kidde, Kwikset, Leviton, Lutron, Philips, Quirky, Rachio, Rheem, Schlage and TCP.
July/August 2014 mySMAhome.com 65
NEWS
CORPORATE
INSTEON's connected home products now in Microsoft retail stores INSTEON announced that its connected home devices are now available in Microsoft retail stores. Previously, INSTEON announced its all-new apps for Windows Phone and Windows 8.1 and product availability on MicrosoftStore.com Microsoft stores will offer three unique INSTEON kits -- a Starter Kit, Home Kit and Business Kit -- and five standalone
devices, including the INSTEON Leak Sensor, Open/Close Sensor, LED Bulb, On/Off Module and Wireless Wi-Fi Camera. Prices will range from $29.99 to $79.99, with kits starting at $199. Microsoft employees will also be trained to help assist customers with questions regarding setup.
CORPORATE
CORPORATE
Icontrol Networks adds 11 devices to growing OpenHome ecosystem
Vivint boosts home intelligence with Vivent Sky
Icontrol Networks has certified eleven new devices through its OpenHome Partner Program. Ranging from connected keyless door locks to thermostats and light switches, the new additions address top consumer needs and bring new depth to Icontrol's growing smart home ecosystem. The newly OpenHome-certified Kwikset® SmartCode™ 910 and 914, as well as the Weiser® SmartCode™ GED1495 and GED 1800 Keyless Entry Door Locks, will bring consumers added peace of mind via remote locking features. Other additions such as the Salus Optima Thermostat and Jasco ZigBee In-Wall ON/OFF Switch 45856 will allow consumers to monitor and manage their energy consumption to keep usage in check.
CORPORATE
Staples Connect adds support with D-Link Smart Home Hub Staples announced a series of major expansions of its home and office automation platform Staples Connect, including a 500 store rollout, new pricing for the Staples Connect Hub, and collaborations with Microsoft, Jawbone, and D-Link. After a limited launch in the fall of 2013, Staples is adding Staples Connect in-store displays to 500 retail locations. Staples also announced new options for its Staples Connect Hub, with a reduced price of $49.99 for the Linksys hub, and a new hub, manufactured by D-Link, available in the fall. The D-Link hub, which will retail for $79.99, adds support for ZigBee and Bluetooth LE (low energy), alongside all the major wireless protocols found in the current Linksys hub which includes WiFi 802.11b/g/n, Z-Wave, and Lutron Clear Connect.
66 mySMAhome.com July/August 2014
Vivint unveiled Vivint Sky. The service introduces cloud technology and smart learning capabilities that Vivint hopes will take the home to the next level of intelligence. Vivint Sky enables customers to control their lights, thermostat and door locks, as well as monitor high-definition video feeds and more from any smartphone, laptop or tablet. At the center of the new system is the Vivint SkyControl panel, which features proprietary cloud technology that learns from homeowners’ behaviors and makes intelligent suggestions to enhance convenience and control over the home. For instance, Vivint’s automatic HVAC control will take cues from homeowners’ daily patterns and make guided decisions to help increase the home’s energy efficiency.
CORPORATE
G4S Denmark selects Essence WeR@Home™ to offer DIY smart home systems G4S Denmark has selected Essence's Smart Living solution - WeR@Home™ to be able to offer its customers a secure, stable smart home solution. WeR@Home™ is a wireless, battery-operated system that lets consumers easily manage their connected homes from anywhere, anytime, on any screen - mobile, desktop, TV, tablet - in real-time via mobile and web applications. With certified Z-Wave capability, WeR@Home™ can be expanded to include automation devices, such as thermostats and lighting.
CORPORATE
Trend Micro and Broadcom collaborate to provide home gateway security solution Trend Micro announced a joint collaboration with Broadcom in the development of an integrated security solution optimized to protect home security networks from cyber threats and improve network visibility without compromising performance. Trend Micro's home security solution utilizes enterpriselevel anti-intrusion, a home gateway configuration integrity check and server reputation services designed to protect Internet connected devices from exploits, safeguarding privacy and valuable information. Broadcom's 5G WiFi XStream technology delivers twice the bandwidth of existing 802.11ac routers and gateways, and provides advanced software to double the performance of today's best-selling Wi-Fi devices for high-definition (HD) streaming and data consumption.
ALLIANCE
Open Interconnect Consortium newly established Atmel, Broadcom, Dell, Intel, Samsung and Wind River are joining forces to establish a new industry consortium focused on improving interoperability and defining the connectivity requirements for the IoT(Internet of Things) devices. The Open Interconnect Consortium (OIC) is focused on defining a common communications framework based on industry standard technologies to wirelessly connect and intelligently manage the flow of information among personal computing and emerging IoT devices, regardless of form factor, operating system or service provider. The first OIC open source code will target the specific requirements of smart home and office solutions. Member companies will contribute software and engineering resources to the development of a protocol specification, open source implementation, and a certification program. The OIC specification will encompass a range of connectivity solutions, utilizing existing and emerging wireless standards and will be designed to be compatible with a variety of operating systems.
Lutron Electronics announced the Lutron Smart Bridge and the Lutron app-its smart, connected home mobile solution for the do-it-yourself or do-it-for-me consumer. It is a wireless bridge and software application that connects Lutron’s Caséta Wireless dimmers, Pico remote controls, Serena remote-controlled shades, and other third-party devices, while providing home control from an iOS or Android-based smartphone or tablet. The Caséta Wireless system gives consumers the ability to control lights and shades inside or outside the home via a remote control or the Lutron app.
Emerson announced its first universal Wi-Fi thermostat. The Sensi thermostat and app give homeowners remote access from smartphones, tablets and PC’s. The Sensi thermostat brings key benefits which solve some basic issues faced by consumers today. Emerson’s power management knowhow in HVAC controls resulted in a Wi-Fi thermostat that can operate on two standard replaceable AA batteries. This means a consumer, in most cases, can use existing wiring in the home and not have to rely on continuous common wire power from the HVAC system to operate.
Resolution Products unveiled the Helix security platform. It is the professional security panel designed from the start to deliver interactive security and home automation services from the consumers’ chosen mobile devices. This not only ensures a more discreet and secure system; it also gives the dealers the cost effective and consistent installation process they need to drive down account creation costs. The Helix platform enables monitoring and control through a partnership with SecureNet Technologies. The combined offering transforms how interactive controls are delivered, providing faster reaction to commands. This is accomplished by processing all in-home connectivity through a Bluetooth® LE connection.
Include us in your media list. We want to know what you launch or are involved in smart home. Email your press releases to a&s SMAhome Editor: SMAhome-pr@newera.messefrankfurt.com
July/August 2014 mySMAhome.com 67
NEWS
NEWS FOLLOWUP
Apple to glue together smart home pieces with HomeKit During the WWDC 2014 keynote, Apple’s SVP of Software Engineering Craig Federighi announced on stage HomeKit, a software framework aiming to unify the currently fragmented smart home market. According to Apple’s HomeKit Framework Reference documentation, “HomeKit makes possible a marketplace where the app a user controls their home with doesn’t have to be created by the vendor who made their home automation accessories, and where home automation accessories from multiple vendors can all be integrated into a single coherent whole without those vendors having to coordinate directly with each other.” HomeKit is a big deal—it is a smart home platform supported by a major mobile device manufacturer and runs on an operating system that has a huge, minimallyfragmented user base. At the moment, device makers have their own data transmission and security mechanisms, which makes it difficult for devices to connect and communicate with each other. HomeKit makes it easier for users to pair and control devices made by different manufacturers, while also allowing software developers to develop hardware-agnostic home automation apps that bring together devices to form a smart home system. What’s even more exciting is the inclusion of Siri integration, which enables voice control. HomeKit defines a home as a collection of home automation devices. The data containment hierarchy will
68 mySMAhome.com July/August 2014
be defined as: homes, rooms, accessories, services and zones. These containers are intended to allow end users to assigned to the devices they install meaningful labels and groupings. Homes are the top-level container, where users may have multiple, geographically dispersed homes or multiple facilities on a single location that they consider to be different homes. Rooms are parts of homes that represent different areas in the homes. Accessories are the devices installed in homes and assigned to rooms, such as a lock or a camera. Services represent the functionality of the devices, such as controlling the lights or locking/unlocking a door; a device may have more than one service—a camera may have one for recording video, another for initiating two-way audio, yet another for PTZ and so on. Zones are optional groupings of rooms—for example, “upstairs” and “downstairs. Apple also announced a few hardware partners at the event: iDevices, iHome, Osram Sylvania, Texus Instruments, Cree, Chamberlain, Marvell, Skybell, August, Honeywell, Haier, Schlage, Philips, Kwikset, Broadcom, Netatmo, and Withings. These manufacturers make products like locks, lights, cameras, doors, thermostats, plugs, and switches. With clearly defined containers and voice control via Siri integration, a user can control devices in his or her home by giving commands (or requests, if the user wishes to be polite) like “Siri, unlock the front door and turn on all of the lights downstairs.” It could even be possible to ask questions, such as “Siri, is the mailbox empty?” or “Did anyone press the doorbell during the last two hours?” The possibilities are endless. Again, it is important to keep in mind that the framework is made available to all software developers, which means it is very likely that there will be some truly interesting apps that give fresh perspectives on smart home.
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1. Business Nature (Up to Three Ticks) 쀟 쀟 쀟 쀟 쀟 쀟
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Last Name
01 02 03 04 05 06
Manufacturer Exporter Importer/distributor Dealer/reseller Installer System integrator
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Consultant Planner/designer Security service provider Contractor/engineer Others
2. Job Function & Rank 2.1 Primary job function (Single Tick) 쀟 01 Purchasing 쀟 04 Marketing 쀟 02 R&D 쀟 05 Sales 쀟 03 Executive Management 2.2 Management level (Single Tick) 쀟 01 Owner 쀟 04 Others 쀟 02 CEO/ GM 쀟 05 None 쀟 03 Professional specialist/technician
3. For smart home business, I also read the following media 쀟 01 ____________________ Magazine 쀟 02 ____________________ Magazine 쀟 03 www. ________________________ (Website) 쀟 04 www. ________________________ (Website)
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4. Your purchasing authority (Single Tick) 쀟 01 Final/ crucial decision 쀟 02 Recommend/ evaluate
쀟 03 Specify initial selection 쀟 04 None
5. Products to source or survey (Up to Three Ticks) 쀟 쀟 쀟 쀟 쀟 쀟 쀟 쀟
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Home Camera Cloud Storage Software Burgalr Alarm Home Security Kit Sensors Lightings Gateway
쀟 09 Controller and Panels 쀟 10 Door Solutions(Locks, doorphones, bells, etc.) 쀟 11 Home Care 쀟 12 Home Automation Solutions 쀟 13 Accessories 쀟 14 Others _________________________________
6. I am interested in the products from (Up to Three Ticks) 쀟 01 Taiwan 쀟 02 Korea 쀟 03 China
쀟 4 Japan 쀟 5 Europe 쀟 6 America
7. I learn a&s SMAhome magazine by (Up to Three Ticks) 쀟 쀟 쀟 쀟 쀟 쀟
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mySMAhome.com and/or asmag.com a&s magazine Secutech Shows one of exhibitions Friend or collegaue referral Other
Either one will do. • Fax to + 886 2 8751 8861 • Email the photo of your filled form to mfne-circulation@newera.messefrankfurt.com • Post the filled form to Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media, 2F, No 8, Lane 360, Sec 1, Neihu Road, Taipei 114, Taiwan
PRODUCT
ENERGY MANAGEMENT INAIR
INAIR O2U Website: o2u.io
• • • •
Add as many A/C units as you wish Like button: Set your comfort temperature in one tap Set up daily and weekly temperature preferences Use smart scenarios to lower the electric bill and increase indoor comfort • Wireless Smart Sensor with more than a year of battery life • Temperature and humidity sensors • Motion sensors and Geo Location Service to feel your presence and set the right A/C's mode
sounds and unknown voices • Presence simulation – If you’re away, Neoji can deter the unwanted attention of thieves or vandals by automatically turning on your lights each evening, just as if you were home • Instant alerts – Receive notifications directly to your smart phone • Intelligent learning – It can recognize the typical sounds of your household, regular activities, or the voices of family members and friends • Security and privacy – Your data is secure with SSL and AES-256 bit encryption • Energy and water monitoring • Lighting, temperature, humidity and air quality controls
GATEWAY /
INTEGRATED SYSTEM
HONEYWELL
Honeywell Lyric Website: lyric.honeywell.com
• Learning thermostat • Geofencing automatically regulates temperature when you’re away • Fine Tune considers temperature and humidity • Smart Cues keep you informed • Shortcuts create custom settings for recurring events • Motion-sensing display lights up on approach • Control from anywhere with your smart devices • 3” diameter polished glass face and 1” beveled depth
COMPRO
Compro HG-100 Email: bruce@comprousa.com
• ZigBee Gateway • Communication interface: RJ45 connector for ethernet LAN (10/100 Base-T) • Extension port: RS-232 • Indicator: Power (blue LED), Status x 2 (Red and Green LEDs), buzzer • Buttons: Reset x 1, Pair x 1 • Power: DC5V (adaptor) • Power consumption: approx. 1W • Back up power: Ni-MH AA battery x 3 (3.6V/2000mAh) last for at least 8 hours
OORT
oort Bluetooth smart home hub NEOJI
Neoji
Website: www.neoji.com
• Baby, pet and elderly monitoring • Trigger notification alerts to your phone if it detects unusual
70 mySMAhome.com July/August 2014
Email: hello@oort.in
• Support any Bluetooth Low Energy device with a standard GATT profile • Control smart devices from many manufacturers via iOS, Android with a single app or a web browser • Location tracking and push notifications for users who have
opted-in on their devices • Customizable user settings, from data transmission to eFencing/micro-fencing to presence and access control • Reporting on user’s intelligent devices, including energy consumption, management and measurement, air quality, presence control • A distributed central management system, which enables device control from anywhere • Establish an Internet connection with its built-in Wi-Fi to enable device control from anywhere
ZHUHAI TAICHUAN
Zhuhai Taichuan Mini Gateway
• Two-way audio speaker and microphone • Compatible with Apple HomeKit
GOGOGATE
Gogogate
Email: info@gogogate.com
• Use video and recording to track opening and closing of garage doors via smartphones, computers or tablets • Easily connect to an existing garage door opener • Open and close the garage door or gate via a free app downloaded • Transform the smartphone into a remote control via a secure WiFi connection in the home, or via a cellular Internet link • Send alerts to inform users if they left their garage doors open • Work as part of a home automation system or as a standalone device • Access a calendar of events • Wireless standards: RF 433.92 MHz, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
Email: luoxue@taichuan.com
• • • •
Support RF 868MHz for wireless home appliance control Support RF 315/433 MHz for wireless home security alarm Universal IR Remote control to support 32 IR commands learn Intelligent Home Scenes control: Remotely control the different scenes or set timed sense • Power consumption monitoring with built in current sensor and power sensor • Support cloud service to remote control the home appliance and check alarm record
NUCANO
Nucano doorbell Email: preston@nucano.com
DOOR SOLUTION I-BELL
• Consists of Nucano Smart Door Chime, Nucano Smart Button and Nucano mobile app • Nucano Smart Door Chime--Doubles as home intelligence hub • Nucano Smart Button--Versatile, wireless and battery powered • Nucano mobile app--Control your locks from your phone • Give a voice to your home through the door chime and your smartphone • Send the video to your smartphone when a visitor comes • Upload a custom chime tune from your smartphone • Report inside and outside temperatures
i-Bell Wi-Fi Doorbell Email: info@i-Bell.co.uk
• • • • • •
Video resolution: HD 1080p Camera field of view: 180 degrees Wi-Fi enabled: Yes Internal rechargeable lithium battery IP66 weather proofing system Night vision
July/August 2014 mySMAhome.com 71
PRODUCT
HOME CAMERA NETGEAR, INC.
Netgear Ocuity 500 Wireless IP Camera Email: sales@netgear.com
• HD Camera with 720p resolution (1280 x 720) • Infrared LEDs for clear pictures up to 7 meters in total darkness • 802.11n selectable dual-band (2.4 GHz/5.0 GHz) • 2-hour battery back-up with rechargeable LI battery • 107-degree field of view • Integrated microphone with echo cancellation and built-in speaker • Installs in minutes using Push’N’Connect technology with WPS
BUTTERFLEYE
butterfleye
Email: info@getbutterfleye.com
• • • • •
Share and edit videos through app Human detection with motion detection and thermal sensors Face detection Remote heat sensing for rapid temperature changes and fire. Location and identity sensors with iBeacon and Wi-Fi technologies • Full HD videos (1920 x 1080 pixels) • Built in BLE and Wi-Fi technologies to connect with smart devices • a wide-angle 3MPixel lens in low light environment.
SAMSUNG TECHWIN
Samsung SmartCam SNH-P6410BN Email: ehsunny.lee@samsung.com
• Resolution: 1920x1080, 1280x720, 640x480 • Angular Field of View (D/V/H): 128°/ 111°/ 62° • Low Light Performance: 0.3Lux(Color), 0Lux(Black/White) • WDR (wide dynamic range) function • Day & Night: True D/N • Filter Night vision: IR-LED, 5M • Simple Setup with WiFi direct function
72 mySMAhome.com July/August 2014
DXG
DXG Seeing Cam 109 Email: service@dxgtech.com
• • • • • •
720p (30 fps) video recording to Cloud 2-way audio 128° wide-angle lens 10X zoom IR LED for night vision Smart Motion Detection and push notification • Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) 802. 11 b/g/n • Real-time video monitoring and remote control via iPhone/ e/ Android phone • Easy installation via smartphone ne APP
KYE SYSTEMS
Genius SmartCam 220 Email: sim@geniusnet.com.tw
• Video resolution: HD 1280x720 pixel • Compression rate: H.264 • Motion detection • Audio detection • Two-way voice (built-in microphone and speaker) • IR LED for night vision • Smart phone direct and easy setting via Genius SmartCam app
IOTEO
ioteoCam
Email: support@ioteo.com
• • • • •
See it on iPhone, iPad, Android smartphones PC or Mac High definition and night vision in low light conditions Receive a notification when motion is detected Easy Setup Record videos 24 hours a day on the ioteo servers (Storage of the last 30 days records)
OTHERS GREEN ENERGY OPTIONS (GEO)
GEO Solo II
close your garage door • Know if your garage door opened while you were away • Allow users to easily and quickly set their Nest Learning Thermostat to “Home” and “Away” modes • Receive alerts and notifications from anywhere
Email: cservice@greenenergyoptions.co.uk
• In-home display (IHD) • Support for Pre-Smart meters (using CT clips or an LED reader) or Smart Meters (using ZigBee or Wireless M-Bus radio standards) • Multi-colour fixed character LCD display, with support for multiple currencies • Display of energy load, energy consumption and performance against energy budget • Support for multiple energy tariffs • Internal temperature sensor provides realtime feedback • Powered using a power supply
ADT
ADT Pulse Voice Website: www.adt.com
• • • • • • •
Voice-controlled smart home app Authenticate your voice to sign into or out of the app Arm/Disarm the system remotely with your voice Check overall status with the system status check Lock and unlock doors with a simple voice command Adjust the thermostat by saying the words Turn lights on and off with a word or two to help reduce energy costs • Auditory feedback to confirm actions and system status for all of its connected devices
D-LINK
D-Link Wi-Fi Motion Sensor Email: sales@dlink.com
• Instant Alerts – Sends push or text notifications via the mydlink Home app when motion is detected • Pairs with Wi-Fi Smart Plugs – Works seamlessly with D-Link Wi-Fi Smart Plugs to turn devices on/off in response to motion • Compact Design – One-piece wall-plug design is compact and portable; no additional power cables required • Wi-Fi Protected Setup – Push button setup for easy connection to a wireless network • Wi-Fi Connectivity – Requires no additional hub or device, works with virtually any Wi-Fi network
LINCOGN TECHNOLOGY
Bluegic Bluetooth smart home kit Email: affliate@bluegic.com
• Support Apple and Android phones • Timer, Smart Automation, Away Detection and Password Protection • Bluetooth Bulb Converter -Homeowners can connect any existing bulb they like and still enjoy all of the smart features • Bluetooth Plug - The device can be taken anywhere and simply plug it in to get it working without a router • Bluetooth Wall (Light) Switch - Easy to install, simply replacing normal wall switches • Voltage options of 110V (Suitable for 90V-130V) or 220V (Suitable for 190V-250V)
CHAMBERLAIN
Chamberlain MyQ Website: www.chamberlain.com
• Smartphone app that integrates with Nest through the Nest Developer Program • Control your garage door and your house lights with your smartphone • Get notified if your garage door opens or if you forgot to July/August 2014 mySMAhome.com 73
Ü CHINA BEST BUY NETWORK CAMERA
« Hikvision Digital Technology Co., Ltd. « China « overseasbusiness@hikvision. com Features :
Ü
• • • • • • • • • • • •
Full HD1080p real-time video PIR detection IR LEDs (up to 10m) DWDR & 3D DNR & BLC PoE SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot (up to 64Gb) Wi-Fi optional (WPS connection) ROI codec Face Detection Line Crossing Detection Intrusion Detection Scene Change Detection
HIKVISION 1.0MP MINI IR PT NETWORK CAMERA
Ü
Ü HIKVISION 3MP IR CUBE
« Hikvision Digital Technology Co., Ltd. « China « overseasbusiness@hikvision. com Features : • • • • • • • • • • •
HD720p real-time video PIR detection IR LEDs (up to 10m) DWDR & 3D DNR & BLC Motorized Pan/tilt rotation SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot (up to 64GB) Wi-Fi optional (WPS connection) Built-in Mic & Speaker Line Crossing Detection Intrusion Detection Scene Change Detection
CHUANGO B11 GSM/PSTN DUALNETWORK ALARM SYSTEM « Chuango Security Technology Corporation « China « sales@chuango.com Features : • Insert a SIM card and remotely operate the system with SMS messages or smartphone app commands • Plug in a PSTN landline, dial into the system and follow voice prompts for action • Double the networks, double the security; a built-in LCD for easy operation • Contact ID ready; connects up to 10 remotes and 50 wireless sensors
74 mySMAhome.com July/August 2014
ADVERTORIAL
Ü SMANOS S105 ON-SITE ALARM SYSTEM « smanos Holding « The Netherlands « sales@samnos.com Features : • Plug the S105 into an AC power socket, and it works • Acts as a direct, on-site crime deterrent and draws attention with a 90dB loud siren • Affordable gift idea for college students living in dorm rooms • Color options: blue and orange
Ü
LINGSHI SLD-P3 NETWORK PHONE CAMERA « Shenzhen LingShi Electronic Co., Ltd. « China « info@lingshi-cctv.com Features :
Ü
EALINK VIDEO DOOR PHONE M2604A+D25AC
• 30W pixels CMOS • Main processor : High Performance Embedded Microprocessor Hi3507 • PTz function support (Digital Zoom) • Operating system : Embedded Linux OS • IR night vision • Function : Remote monitor, Wireless alarm, Local video recording
« Shenzhen Ealink Technology Co., Ltd. « China « info@ealink.com.cn Features : • • • • • • •
Ultra-thin design 4.3'' digital LCD Touch buttons 700 TVL CMOS camera "Don't disturb" function Intercom between indoor monitors 25 polyphonic ring-tones switch freely
July/August 2014 mySMAhome.com 75
STATS & FIGURE
ON YOUR SMART PHONE.
Scan the QR code or see mySMAhome.com/market for more info.
DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH IN 3 CONTINENTS FROM 2013 TO 2020
THE GLOBAL INSTALLED BASE OF CLOUD-BASED HOME MANAGEMENT SERVICES
The major drivers for the European smart homes market are the regulatory initiatives and the mandatory measures taken by European Union (EU), and the comfort and the security ensured by the smart homes systems. China leads the market share for APAC smart homes. South East Asia countries are poised for the highest growth followed by China.
Cloud-based home management systems and services, designed for mass-market adoption, allow users to remotely control household features, including home monitoring, energy management, lighting control million and independent-living services. The installed base is predicted to rise eight times from 2013 to 2018.
Smart homes market revenue forecast America $22.4 billion CAGR: 17.62%
Europe $13.81 billion CAGR: double digit
$44.6
APAC $9.23 billion CAGR: 16.73%
Source: RnRMarketResearch.com
$9.1
$5.6
million
Who Dominates the Smart Home Markets North America 1. Security providers 2. Telecommunications companies
EMEA Utility companies
million
Asia-Pacific 1. Multiservice operators (MSO) 2. Device suppliers
Year
Year
Year
2013
2014
2018 Source: IHS
Source: IHS
WHY TO USE SMART HOME SYSTEM
THE HOME ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (HEMS) MARKET
67% of consumers rank personal and family security as the number one reason for using a smart home system.
Top Smart Home Features: 86%
Property loss protection
78%
Energy management 52%
Pet monitoring 29%
Home entertainment Child care
18%
Source: iControl Networks
10 M 1/3 connected appliances in smart homes to be predicted by 2017, rising from 4 million in 2013.
Source: Juniper Research
of smart security users will adopt self-installed solutions by 2020. The total US DIY home security hardware and services market in 2020 will be a $1.5 billion. The US smart security market will increase from nearly 3 million users in 2014 to over 22 million by 2020.
2012 US$
393.8 million
2019
1,909.4 million
US$
The home energy management systems (HEMS) market was valued at US$ 393.8 million in 2012, which is expected to reach US$1,909.4 million by 2019, growing at a CAGR of 25% from 2013 to 2019.
Source: NextMarket Insights Source: Transparency Market Research 76 mySMAhome.com July/August 2014