Smart Home World Magazine |Jan 2022 by Smart Home World Magazine

AN EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE FOR THE SMART HOME INDUSTRY.

SMARTHOME WORLD

VOL 1 • No 9 JANUARY 2022

www.smarthomeworld.in

On the features, functionalities and applications of smart curtains and blinds

10 INSIDE Featured Interview

In conversation with

Rafał Siemiński,

Industry Overview

Sales Director, Fibaro, speaks on the company’s experience with the Indian market and opens up about the Yubii App.

Ar. Sarabjit Singh

Thillai Kumaran

26 34

A detailed analysis of smart toilet seats and the market for these.

Global Sales Manager, Loewe Technology GmbH, on the global market for premium AV industry and latest innovations

Case Studies JANUARY 2022

explains how smart homes can save energy and time, while offering a convenient and hassle-free life.

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CONTENTS

Cover Story

Featured Interviews

On smart curtains and blinds

Conversations with the eminent personalities, immensely contributing to the smart home industry

Industry Story

Trending Tech

Case Studies

News

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A detailed overview on the smart toilet seats industry

A glimpse of the trending technologies for home owners

Detailed illustrations of smart projects

Latest updates on the global smart home industry

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FROM THE EDITOR

Waking up with the first ray of the sun! SNEHA KANRAR SOM

There are innumerable elements of an interior that enhances the aesthetics of a house while serving certain purposes and offering the dweller visual pleasure along with conveniences. Can you guess which of all the elements, solely, can spruce up a room’s lookand-feel? The answer is “curtains or blinds”! These are the primary component of any interior, that a designer can never exclude, irrespective of the diverse design theme he/she is following. To thrive in the market, constant up-gradation is necessary. Curtains and blinds, which were once mere pieces of window coverings and put up just for decorative and sunlight-blocking purposes are now backed with smart technology. Smart curtains and blinds bring forth a plethora of control options to enable the users to operate these locally or remotely through smartphones or tablets, making the lives of the busy urban working professionals easier. Also, the technology-aided smart curtains and blinds, with heat and light sensors, can be scheduled to get automatically pulled up at sunrise to let the first ray of the sun wake you up. The energy-conserving aspect of the products makes them even more desirable!

Editor: Sneha Kanrar Som sneha@smarthomeworld.in

Marketing Head: Sandeep Singh sandeep@smarthomeworld.in

Associate Editor: Adora D’mello adora@smarthomeworld.in

Assistant Manager - Sales: Monika Agnihotri monika@smarthomeworld.in

Published by: WORLD MEDIA & EXPO LLP. WORLD MEDIA & EXPO LLP

505, D-Definity, Jay Prakash Road no.1, Goregaon(East), Mumbai- 400063 | www.smarthomeworld.in

Smart Home World thanks the various companies that have submitted information. For any editorial submissions, please contact Ms. Sneha Kanrar Som, Editor, at sneha@smarthomeworld.in. The information published in News, Ongoing Trends and Product Gallery is as per the details furnished by the respective manufacturer/distributor. It does not reflect the views of Smart Home World or of the management of WORLD MEDIA & EXPO LLP.

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COVER STORY

Curtains Up! The curtains and blinds industry enormously contributed to the “smart revolution”, by integrating technology with the regular window coverings.

Curtains and blinds have always been one of the primary and crucial design elements for interiors of all kinds, be it residential, commercial, hospitality or even educational. The reason behind their significance is not just the aesthetics, but also the whole range of conveniences these offer the users. In the generation of rapidly evolving technology, changing work culture and priorities, people look for convenience in almost all aspects of life. From wearables like watches, sunglasses, to appliances and electronic items like televisions, air conditioners, fans, refrigerators, ovens, coffee makers and water purifiers, everything is getting backed with smart technology to precisely define the word “luxury” and “accessibility” to the consumers. “Smart blinds, shades and curtains are window coverings that can be opened and closed not just by a remote control, but also by a smartphone app or with voice commands. They can also typically be configured with various levels of automation. 10

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Weather sensors can detect temperature and determine whether smart shades should be opened to let in the sun and the heat, or closed to help keep a room cooler, and automatically execute those commands. Smart window treatments can also be grouped (usually per room) and configured to open and close on automated schedules (such as sunrise or sunset) for added convenience”, says David Parrett, Product Marketing Director, Somfy, North America. “Also, there can be a degree of energy savings when using smart window treatments. For example, keeping them closed during the summer can help reduce heat gain (limiting use of HVAC systems), and keeping them open during sunny winter days can assist in keeping a room more comfortable”, adds David Parrett.

Smart Blinds or Curtains: You Choose! Where curtains can perfectly create an ambient

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COVER STORY

By: Somfy

David Parrett, Product Marketing Director, Somfy, North America.

By: Somfy requirements – Curtains (Regular pleated curtain, ripple) and Blinds (Roller Blinds, Venetian Blinds, Zebra Blinds, Honeycomb blinds etc)”.

By: Somfy atmosphere at homes, blinds have always been a part of rooms that require a complete obstruction of sunlight for certain reasons. Many offices with most people working on computers, modern-day classrooms with projectors and today, home cinema rooms prefer complete blackout blinds. Speaking about the disparity between curtains and blinds, Jaspreet Singh Bhatia, Vice President, Hogar Controls, explains, “Curtains are mainly found in homes whereas blinds’ applications are mainly in commercial or office spaces. Curtains are automated horizontally (left and right) whereas blinds operate vertically (up and down motion). The motor and setup changes in these applications. There are various kinds of different applications of curtain and blinds to choose from according to your space 12

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“This is mostly a case of style, home decor and personal preference! Smart curtains and smart blinds/shades have similar functionality but different looks. Smart curtains open from side-to-side while smart shades move up and down and smart blinds tilt open or closed. Sometimes homeowners actually layer smart curtains over smart blinds or shades for a multi-faceted look. The choice between smart curtains and blinds/shades is all about the homeowner’s preference”, conveyed David Parrett. Further differentiating smart blinds and curtains, Venkatesh V, Executive Director, WCP Business – India, Hunter Douglas India Pvt. Ltd says, “curtains are traditional Window Covering Products due to lack of full functionality. Smart blinds have the functionality of light control and privacy control both at the same time. Today customers expect to have all the home gadgets connected to the internet for ultimate comfort, customized as per the needs. All these qualities can be sufficed by a smart window covering blind compared to a curtain”.

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COVER STORY

Jaspreet Singh Bhatia, Vice President, Hogar Controls

Attributes & Flaws Like all smart devices, smart curtains and blinds are, fundamentally, energy-efficient and convenient. “Any kind of smart control of electronic devices is friendly in terms of energy savings as it helps control (switch on/off) your devices from anywhere in the world. Suppose you have left any normal switch ON and left home for office only to come back home in the evening (an entire day’s energy wasted on the switch) vs switching off the smart switch remotely which helps saving time and energy”, concedes Jaspreet Singh Bhatia. “Smart blinds can be programmed in a way that they get the perfect light and heat to maintain the temperatures resulting in proper utilisation of artificial lights and cooling devices. Hunter Douglas Window Covering Blinds with the above-mentioned functionality helps the consumers to conserve sufficient energy”, explains Venkatesh V. These can be locally or remotely controlled via smartphones, tablets or voice-bots, like Alexa and Google Assistant, with voice commands or scheduled to open or close during specific times like after sunrise/sunset or as per the user’s wish. Also, smart curtains can be set up to be in motion at the user’s absence, to deceive the trespassers by indicating the presence of someone at home. With heat and light-sensing capacity, these can move automatically as temperature and daylight change, leading to a sufficient amount of energy conservation. Smart curtains and blinds seamlessly 14

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By: Hogar

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COVER STORY

blend with one’s lifestyle and offer a harmonious life by waking him/her up with the soft morning rays of the sun and retaining his/her privacy at night. Numerous apps are available for both Android and iOS users that enable the users to create scenes and set timers to their smart curtains and blinds. Automation has become a common terminology for home décor these days. However, specialised automation protocol for window covering products is still a unique concept in the industry. “Imagine your window shades automatically open with the rising sun and make you wake up naturally instead of the blaring alarm which rattles you out of sleep grumpily. In the evening as it gets darker, the shades close magically letting you enjoy complete privacy. The craving for a perfect ambience throughout the day is the idea that led to the creation of PowerView Automation. You only need to program PowerView once and set preferred scene settings which will allow you to enjoy the desired morning, afternoon, evening or night positioning of your window shades. With the integrated PowerView Automation mobile App you can remotely operate the window shades and create customized scenes by setting the positions for your window shades. Once the settings are saved, the system can automatically repeat them every day. It offers an option of operating the blinds through voice commands as well. Hunter Douglas window covering blinds with PowerView Automation is an epitome of modern technology. It creates a magical experience for your home through the advanced automation features and is the perfect hands-free way to control the flow of natural light into your house”, adds Venkatesh V. “The initial cost of ownership for smart window

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coverings is higher than manual versions due to the motors and smart components that provide increased functionality and convenience. However, for those homeowners wanting to create a smarter, more convenient home, the benefits are more than worth the investment”, adds David Parrett.

Technology innovations

Used

and

the

Latest

“The typical architecture consists of a connection (either wired or wireless) between the motorized shades and a gateway device. The gateway device connects the control system for the shades with third party smart home automation systems to enable “smart” controls such as voice commands and automated schedules”, explains Parrett. “The industry is creating an increased number of connection points between motorized window coverings and smart home automation systems to create smarter, more comfortable homes. Tying motorized shades to third party systems enables motorized blinds and shades to become a true component of the automated smart home.In addition, more products are now available with battery options, including lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. This enables more consumers to implement motorized window coverings with minor retrofitting rather than going through the hassle of major renovations”, adds David Parrett.

Summary Essentially, these comprise built-in motors that allow one to add remote lifting or lowering

COVER STORY

By: Hunter Douglas

Venkatesh V, Executive Director, WCP Business – India, Hunter Douglas India Pvt. Ltd

capabilities, as per the schedules set. “Smart Curtains are not exactly mean curtains that have a mind of their own, but it means curtains that are automated and controlled by smart motors either with Wi-Fi or Z-Wave technology protocol”, affirms Jaspreet Singh Bhatia. “In today’s COVID world, where most people are working from home, stay indoors for the maximum time, and hence want to upgrade their homes to feel luxurious and good about themselves. Hence “smartifying” homes is the new trend”, adds Jaspreet Singh Bhatia. Today, any kind of application of curtains or blinds can now be automated, whether it is regular curtains, ripple fold, Roller Blinds, Venetian Blinds, Zebra Blinds, Honeycomb blinds etc. With the advancement of technology, even sunroof shades can be turned smart these days. “There is no better way than to completely indulge in the technological boons for smart homes. The new smart home concept is the latest buzz in the home decor world. With all the hype around smart homes, why not utilize technology in every aspect of your house decor, including window blinds. Automated Window Covering Blind is one such smart invention that can make your life easier and more relaxed. In addition to functionality smart window covering blinds can enhance the aesthetic appeal of the home décor”, says Venkatesh V. Speaking about the integrity of smart window coverings, David Parrett says, “the initial cost of ownership for smart window coverings is higher than manual versions due to the motors and smart components that provide increased functionality and convenience. For those homeowners wanting to create a smarter, more convenient home, the benefits are more than worth the investment”.

By: Hunter Douglas

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INTERVIEW

In conversation with Ajay Arya, Founder & Interior Designer, A Square Designers “Artificial Intelligence Will Take Home Automation To Another Level In The Future. Smart Homes Would Start Understanding The Emotions Of The Residents And Their Needs With AI” The concept of smart home benefits the owners in numerous ways, ranging from offering the option of opening and closing the curtains and blinds, sitting on a couch, to the privilege of switching on/off lights, ACs, fans, etc., and controlling music systems using a smartphone or tablet. Besides, one can make the bathroom water bath-ready by heating it before coming home, just with a touch of a button. Since smart appliances can be easily switched off when not in use or can be used optimally, a lot of energysaving takes place. “Gen-next nuclear families, especially, where both the husband and wife are working and are hard-pressed for time, are opting for smart homes”, says Ajay Arya, Founder & Interior Designer, A Square Designers.

What according to you are the musthave smart home products in today’s contemporary homes? Today, smart security systems, music systems, automated control of lights, fans, ACs, electric gadgets and appliances are quite crucial for

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INTERVIEW

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What role does system integrators play when it comes to designing a smart home? How important is their role? System integrators make the entire process of smart home installation easy and systematic. Their role is extremely important, as they can guide the architects/designers accordingly, and make the workflow smooth.

Products of which category (lighting, security, entertainment etc.) witness maximum demand when it comes to integrating smart home devices while doing the interiors? Why? The lighting category witnesses the maximum demand, as it allows the client to create the mood they want. Also, the rapidly growing requirement for home entertainment is stimulating the home cinema market. Music systems, today, can easily transform an ambience and hence, they are rapidly becoming a part of numerous houses. Besides, smart security systems are also being considered a necessity these days.

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INTERVIEW

What according to you are the major benefits of Smart & connected homes in the current “techsavvy-era”?

and techniques are getting rapidly displaced to make room for smart devices and systems, aided with the latest technologies? And why?

Today people lead busy lives, managing multiple tasks, and smart/connected homes offer numerous time and effort-saving solutions.

The sectors which are rapidly switching to smart solutions are the high-end hospitality sector and residential sector, where multiple lights, powerconsuming appliances, and the entire security of the premise need to be managed.

In which sector(hospitality, commercial, residential), according to you, traditional devices

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In what ways do you think the concept of smart homes has contributed to the lifestyles of working professionals? Smart Homes have definitely made certain tasks easy, like the controlling of lights, music systems, etc. After a busy day at work, one can, now, just relax and use certain buttons to control things all over the house. Also, the smart home security systems are extremely

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diligent and allow the dwellers to get rid of securityrelated stress while away from home. Do you see any challenging factor(economic, social, environmental etc.) that has a strong potentiality to restrain the smart home industry? What, according to you, are the possible solutions? I think the cost of the services and their integration in old and existing homes can be a deterrent.

INTERVIEW

In conversation with Rafał Sieminski, Sales Director, Fibaro “India Has Been A Great Market For Fibaro For Several Years Now” The need for smart security systems in India has only been continuously increasing. “We have a very interesting line-up of products in the security category, right from the simple yet classy FIBARO motion sensor to the sophisticated FIBARO Carbon-Monoxide sensor and FIBARO Flood sensor”, says Rafał Sieminski, Sales Director, Fibaro. “Apart from this, we have always strived to provide maximum value to our users. This is the reason why we had launched the FIBARO Smart implant through which an installer can integrate any sensor from the market, say a beam sensor or a gas meter and integrate it with our system. Since our systems are connected to the cloud as well as available offline, the user is always notified whatever the security event maybe”, adds Sieminski.

Which cities or zones, in India, witness the maximum sale of smart home systems/ devices and why? People of which segment are the primary buyers of Fibaro smart home solutions? The metro cities have been the primary revenue contributors for our products. But the demand in tier-2 cities has been steadily rising year on year and this is a very positive JANUARY 2022

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trend for the home automation industry. Our products are aimed at the mid to luxury segment users for both retrofit and new installations

What was the idea behind devising the smart hub, Home Centre 3 Lite? What makes it ideal for apartments? The Home Center 3 Lite is the perfect way to start your adventure with a smart home. The device is priced at an attractive value that allows you to experience the possibilities of the FIBARO system. The most common perception in the user’s mind is that whole-home automation is expensive, and we wanted to break this idea and that’s why we designed the Home Center 3 Lite to be a very attractive option for the budgetconscious customer. It is also a great value proposition for customers who want to expand the system with additional gateways or new smaller locations (e.g. a summer house)

How does the Yubii App aim to take smart home management to a different level? Our Yubii smart home app is packed with Smart Home Management features. It features a clean and intuitive dashboard designed to the finest detail to view your home’s summary with just a glimpse. It presents a very convenient way of managing all the scenes that you use at home. Monitor them, change the settings and switch on and off within one click. It also has AI machine learning built within to learn your habits and preferences. It suggests which actions you 24

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want to take based on your previous behaviours. Of course, you can manage your home with your iPhone/smartphone or the Alexa/Google Home/ Google Assistant/Apple Siri voice assistant. The app is compatible with all these devices so you can switch on/off devices and scenes with one voice command.

Would you like to elaborate on Fibaro’s range of motion sensors? How does it stand apart in the market? The FIBARO Motion sensor is not simply that. It is the most beautiful and compact motion sensor that you can find today in the smart home industry. The FIBARO Motion Sensor is a 4-in-1 multipurpose sensor, which can determine temperature, ambient lights, detect an earthquake and much more. The FIBARO motion sensor is compatible with both Z-Wave and Z-Wave Plus controllers. A separate variant is available for the Apple HomeKit users too. Designed on the concept of the cat’s eye, this is a battery-operated and wireless device, so you can change the location of the device at any time for ultimate comfort and convenience. It integrates perfectly with the FIBARO alarm panel, so you are guaranteed your safety at all times.

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INTERVIEW

In conversation with Thillai Kumaran, Global Sales Manager, Loewe Technology GmbH “There Are Currently Lots Of Unexplored Designs And Concepts In Our Library, Which We Intend To Bring To Life By Improvising Them To Suit The Trends Of Not Only The Current But Future Market As Well” One of the best-known traditional German premium brands, Loewe, holds an industry experience of almost 100 years. “We benefit greatly from our many years of experience. At the 8th Berlin Radio Exhibition in 1931, Radio AG D.S. Loewe presented the world’s first electronic film transmission. A sensation! Since then, we have been using our expertise and constantly improving the picture performance of our sets. We want to remain synonymous with quality, design and innovation from Germany. That is why we combine our longstanding tradition with innovations, technologies and approaches”, stated Thillai Kumaran, Global Sales Manager, Loewe Technology GmbH. Kumaran continued, “We pursue a strategy of internationalisation, create something new, but remain true to our values in terms of products. We continue to focus on a noble premium design, maximum ease of use and a perfect TV and audio experience. Therefore, we do not have to change anything in the positioning of the premium brand”.

What are the USPs of the company and who are the primary buyers? First and foremost, we intend to re-establish our relationship with our loyal Loewe customers. We

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INTERVIEW

still have a huge loyal customer base who keep contacting us for information on new products & their availability. Besides, we will also be working with Interior Designers & Architects. Custom Installers & the B2B segment will be also reignited with the help of Savvy India to increase the visibility of our products.

Aesthetics Vs Functionality! According to you, how important is the aesthetics part, when it comes to electronic products? This is very subjective. There are still consumers who value form or Aesthetics over Functionality as there are consumers who purely value Functionality over Aesthetics. However, at Loewe, we believe that both are equally important. The Loewe AV products are more of a showpiece or statement item as our designers & engineers fight to implement their best. We are very proud of our product design & performance as this is evident with the various design & performance awards received for most of our products. i.e. Red Dot & IF awards.

According to you, how important is space management for city-dwellers, because apartments have almost wiped out the concept of villas and bungalows in big cities all over

the world? What solution does Loewe offer customers for effective space management to make an apartment look spacious yet aesthetically appealing? Specifically, to target this issue with space management, we have a new model, which offers full flexibility. Available in 32 & 43-inch sizes, the Smart TV Loewe Bild c fits perfectly into any living environment and scores particularly in smaller rooms such as bedrooms, guest rooms or conservatory. Thanks to the new Loewe SL7 chassis, the new Loewe os7 software and the new Loewe Home screen in combination with the Smart System, the Loewe Bild c guarantees maximum functionality and offers a wide range of possible applications.

Which are the biggest markets, all over the world, for Loewe televisions? Would you like to run us through the company’s distribution chain in India? Of course, Europe remains our foothold & is by far the main market for us. Our CEO, Mr Aslan Khabliev, however, has a bigger vision for the brand. Hence, the whole Loewe team is synchronized towards continuously expanding with new markets. We always refer to our partners as “Brand Guardians” as we expect them to take care and nurture the

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INTERVIEW

brand to its optimal best in their respective regions. In India, Savvy India is a perfect match for us given their more personal approach as well as their able reach in the Indian premium market.

now acquired a more refined taste for the design & performance of the products they select. Hence, this “ dissimilarity” that you mentioned is more and more disappearing.

How would you differentiate the Indian and Global markets for premium TVs and audio systems? What, according to you, are the primary reason/reasons behind the dissimilarity?

Which are the currently untapped markets by Loewe? What are your plans for further extension of the product lines and an overall company expansion?

Traditionally, I believe the Indian consumer was more driven towards the “bigger is better “ idea for both Audio & Video as well. On the contrary, the western consumer is more selective in details such as design & performance. In recent times, this “ dissimilarity” has changed given the more robust exposure to the western market & media. This is widely showcased in India’s mainstream cinema. A good example would be Bollywood. The Indian consumer has

We are entering new markets and expanding in Africa. Also, we are currently working on the US market, but the American market seems to be quite tough a nut to crack. We are cautiously evaluating our opportunities there. As mentioned before, we always look for “Brand Guardians” rather than simply distributors. Hence, we will review and move with the right partner once decided. That would be our current expansion target as set out by our CEO.

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INTERVIEW

In conversation with

Ar. Sarabjit Singh

“We Lead A Far More Convenient And Hassle-Free Life With Smart Homes, While Saving On Time And Energy” Today, all homeowners are leaning towards smart homes. Also, architects, these days, suggest it to their clientele early on in the projects that they undertake, thereby creating awareness of the same in the market. “Technology has taken over every aspect of our lives. With every passing day, we are moving towards energy-efficient solutions that are not only better for the environment, but also equally effective in reducing expenses. For example, LED lights used predominantly today have increased the number of units per square footage; thus, with automation, we significantly reduce the wiring, making the space decluttered and more manageable”, says Ar. Sarabjit Singh, Founder and Architectural Designer, Villa Ortiga.

What, according to you, are the musthave smart home products in today’s contemporary homes? While there are a lot of great products out there and a plethora of options to choose from, there are some basic services that should be automated in every home- a residence’s interior and exterior light fixtures, air conditioning and heating systems, fans, curtains and air purification systems.

What role does a system integrator play in designing a smart home? A system integrator is someone responsible for bringing together all the various subsystems to ensure that they JANUARY 2022

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work well together. Almost all brands now have system integrators to merge all the various components into a single automated platform. Products of which category (lighting, security, entertainment etc.) witness maximum demand when it comes to integrating smart home devices while doing the interiors? What I have observed in our practice is that automation in lighting controls is the most important and most indemand service.

What, according to you, are the major benefits of Smart & connected homes in the current “techsavvy-era”? Smart homes are built on the principles of energy efficiency, which also reduces overall costs. By integrating this technology into our homes and thus, our everyday lives, we save on time, energy and effort, thereby living lives that are more convenient and environment-friendly. Smart homes do away with the disarray of having multiple switches and wires, thus simplifying spaces both visually and experientially.

How would you define the current demand for smart home integrations? Although the demand for automation is steadily growing, it still has a long way to go. However, people need to become more acquainted with this transformative technology and begin to view it as an eventual convenience in daily lives, instead of an initial inconvenience of integrating it into their spaces- the more the market will expand further.

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In which sector(hospitality, commercial, residential), according to you, traditional devices and techniques are getting rapidly displaced to make room for smart devices and systems, aided with the latest technologies? And why? The market for smart devices and systems is rapidly

INTERVIEW

growing in both the residential as well as commercial sectors. The opportunity to reduce energy consumption while saving costs is a win-win for both sectors, and that is drawing people’s attention to it.

In what ways do you think the concept of smart homes has contributed to the lifestyles of working professionals?

How do you foresee the Smart home industry five years down the line? The Smart-home industry will become more mainstream with time, and it will be expected of all spaces, be it interior or exterior, to have integrated automated systems to deliver a smooth and hasslefree functioning experience. Eventually, smart homes will not be viewed as a luxury, but an embodiment of ‘smart living’ in the new age.

As of now, it is mostly the high-end villas and luxury developments that integrate smart technologies. Currently, working professionals do not benefit from it in any way. It is because the prices for such technologies are quite high at the moment, and only once they’ve been reduced can they be made accessible for all the different types and scales of buildings.

Do you see any challenging factor(economic, social, environmental etc.) that has a strong potentiality to restrain the smart home industry? What, according to you, are the possible solutions? Challenges for the smart home industry will evolve with time, as will our expectations from commercial and residential spaces. With time, innovation and technology will always help make possible what was previously perceived as impossible and similarly, the challenges faced for the same will also evolve. Reducing the costs of products to make them more accessible is one of the ways through which we can get more people to embrace smart homes and smart technologies.

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INTERVIEW

In conversation with Sharad Kapoor, Director & Head of Smart Residential, ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions SAARC “Our Smart Solutions Are Built To Create Seamless Experience, Making Life Easy And Simple For Consumers”

Yale, a part of ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions SAARC, has been addressing the needs of the consumers for the last 181 years and hence, the brand has closely observed the transformation in the security needs of consumers for nearly 2 centuries now. “Yale is thriving in today’s competitive market by constantly evolving and upgrading itself with the rapidly advancing technology, while keeping closer to consumers and considering their needs and wants, by innovating thoughtfully”, discloses Sharad Kapoor, Director & Head of Smart Residential, ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions SAARC.

How does the Yale smart door locks keep our home and belongings safe? We have worked on products which has convenience factor for the users. The smart locks are developed and tested as per the environmental conditions, at the same time can be integrated easily with various smart home solutions to provide users feel secure and convenient. Also, the smart locks can be easily 32

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monitored and controlled remotely through the mobile app, Yale Access. So physically wherever you may be, you will have control over any activity happening at your door. Yale Access account is protected by 2-factor authentication meaning that on top of your password, you will be required to verify your identity with either an email or phone number. Our Yale Smart Lock uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology encryption. On top of the security offered by Bluetooth, we use AES 128 and TLS encryption commonly referred to as banklevel security. If you lose your phone, you can disable your Yale Access app and all virtual keys at any time.

Why is Yale a leader in the future of smart security systems? Yale is focused on providing its consumers with a feeling of security while they are in or away from home while keeping ease of usage and convenience at the core.

INTERVIEW

We are not only focusing on smart locks but also providing a seamless cohesive experience with our range of smart home alarms, smart home Wi-Fi cameras, smart cabinet locks. Keeping our focus on interoperability, ASSA ABLOY has also entered a partnership to expand its Connectivity Ecosystem. As partners in the Connectivity Ecosystem, we are putting our expertise and data at the service of solutions to help consumers feel safer and more comfortable at home. We are also addressing specific touchpoints like door handles, access code panels and door entry systems, which with the newest Yale Smart Locks a completely touch-free solution is possible.

Why do so many existing Yale customers commend this solution for your home needs?

We are one of the most trusted brands globally and we offer a wide range of smart products giving consumers the freedom to choose the right solutions based on their needs. Be it product features, aesthetics, functionality or most importantly customer experience with post-purchase support- we encompass all the requirements from the wish, want & need i.e. the three levels of customer desire. Another key differentiator is the 3-year warranty cover that we provide for our range of Smart Locks which further inspires the confidence and trust of consumers in the adoption of Yale products. All these products/solutions are supported strongly with our service network available pan India. We provide free installation services of our products and at the same, our skilled engineers are available for any emergency breakdown round the clock.

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INDUSTRY STORY

“Key To Wellness” Technology ensuring hygiene with Smart Toilet Seats devised to offer the consumers a favourable, sterile and gratifying toilet experience

Hygiene, synonymous with cleanliness, is often referred to as an array of practices performed to conserve health and has become even more important since the pandemic hit the world. It comprises certain habit choices like how frequently to wash hands, clothes, clean toilets and most importantly toilet seats. Besides entertainment, security and lighting, smart technology is now being used to reinforce hygiene. “The evolving aspirations when it comes to interiors are changing across the globe. Connected living is the next big thing, especially with the user-friendly products that are constantly innovated in the market. In India, home automation has gained massive traction. It is now paving its path towards a life where humans control technology with a click of a button.With the rise in technological advancement and the increasing options in smart solutions, smart toilets are not far behind. Smart toilet solutions, whether it is to have smart showers or hygienic toilet seats in the bathroom, are growing with the number of customer aspirations. Panasonic Life Solutions India has introduced the electric toilet seat (ETS)

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that promises better safety, comfort and most significantly hygiene in the homes”, says Rahul Thakkar, General Manager- Housing Business- India Operations, Panasonic Life Solutions India Pvt.Ltd. The development of the concept of smart toilets and the formulation of smart toilet seats is done to offer the consumers a more convenient, hygienic and eco-friendly toilet fitting that comes with a plethora of features like a night light, heated seats, front and rear cleanse mode, air dryer, deodoriser, automated cleaning functions and energy-saving mode. Also, smart toilet seats feature UV bacteria killing light nozzles and anti-bacterial seats. “The primary role of a smart toilet seat is to provide uncompromised hygiene. Secondly, a smart toilet can improve sanitation and increase safety with features like self-cleaning. Many also have the ability to clean themselves and close the lids before flushing, reducing the number of bacteria that become airborne after each use. However, products like the smart toilet seat help decrease the risk of bacteria through their improved safety features. In addition to offering an enhanced bathroom experience,

INDUSTRY STORY

smart toilets often use less water compared to conventional toilets. This makes a great choice for the hygiene and eco-conscious consumer. The evolving aspirations when it comes to home interiors have drastically changed. Therefore, the most important addition to existing toilet seats is that it provides enhanced safety, convenience, and hygiene which is crucial for today”, adds Thakkar. Numerous countries and cities all over the world face water shortages and reducing water waste is the ideal way for sustaining a healthy and happy livelihood. Today, water efficiency is not just an environmental issue. Smart toilet seats can estimate the amount of water needed to flush every single time, using approximately 0.6 gallons of water compared to about 1.6 gallons, used by a normal toilet seat. Research says that regular toilets are one of the biggest contributors to deforestation. A whopping number of 2,70,000 trees(approximately) are cut down to manufacture paper, which is either flushed or dumped in landfills every single day. Smart toilet seats use adjustable water jets or bidets and omit the requirement of toilet paper for cleaning purposes. “Consumers across continents are reconsidering the archaic use of toilet paper, which is not a sustainable option and simultaneously making the shift to bidets. These useful smart bathroom devices consist of several benefits for personal hygiene and the environment”, says Thakkar. However, due to cultural differences, many people around the globe do not feel comfortable using a bidet. But still, the amount of toilet paper used after being cleaned by a bidet has significantly reduced, these days. For example, Japan is known for accepting smart toilet seats with over 70% of the houses featuring a smart toilet seat. Besides, the manufacture of toilet paper contributes to water waste. It requires 37 gallons of water to create a single roll of toilet paper. Though bidets use water, the volume of water needed by

Rahul Thakkar, General Manager- Housing Business- India Operations, Panasonic Life Solutions India Pvt.Ltd. a bidet is simply not comparable to that of toilet paper production. Today, numerous smart toilet seats come with a built-in sink, at the top, that fills up the cistern. The water used to wash hands gets recycled to flush the toilet. Above everything, smart toilet seats offer certain hygienic benefits, one cannot deny. Using toilet paper and wet wipes can often increase the risk of infection, especially for women, who are more prone to urinary tract infections from spreading bacteria. Rinsing with water instead of wiping sensitive areas with toilet paper is far more hygienic. “Smart toilets introduce a new way of hygiene with a unique feature specially JANUARY 2022

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INDUSTRY STORY

designed for women. Fem helps in hands-free vaginal cleaning. It also helps ease discomfort during menstruation and reduces the risk of UTI. It leaves you feeling fresh at all times. Cleanse function in Smart toilets helps you do away with toilet paper and repeated wiping that often makes haemorrhoids worse and cause irritation. This also leads to numerous skin infections. With built-in dryer, toilet paper is now history”, says Yashita Ballamudi Rao, Director, Ballamudi. Also, elderly people, with mobility problems, immensely benefit from the ease of use a smart toilet seat provides.

Know-How Smart toilet seats have an electronic readouts feature that enables the user to read the latest information about the position of water in the tank and in what direction the water is flowing. The sensors, integrated with the seats, automatically turn on the water tank’s spigot when it is removed from the toilet. Hence, it helps one get good control over the water’s temperature. “Smart toilet seats have Instant Water heater technology. Within 5 to 6 seconds, water can get heated up

to 45-degree temperature”, says Rao. Smart toilet seats can be flushed without being touched. Each seat has a sensor that activates the flushing mechanism, by sensing when a body has moved away. Also, one can wave a hand in front of the sensor to let the sensor sense it and flush automatically. This futuristic flushing technology restricts germs from getting transferred from hands to toilet seats to hands. These intelligent toilet seats don’t allow one to flush if the toilet is clogged and therefore keep water levels in the bowl low. Today, smart toilet seats come with Bluetooth and MP3 capabilities as well, which enables the users to listen to their favourite tunes while sitting in the toilets. There are primarily two power options available for these. Some use batteries and the others need to be connected to the house’s wiring system, to activate their smart features. The battery option is ideal for those who don’t want to call an electrician and prefer DIY techniques. On the other hand, the wired option suits those who don’t mind calling an electrician but are against changing the toilet’s batteries regularly.

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Global market scenario Research says the global smart toilet seat market size was valued at USD 6.4 billion in 2018(as per grandviewresearch.com). The rapidly increasing requirement for convenient sanitary hygiene products among consumers is anticipated to remain a primary market growth factor in the coming years. Smart toilet products are steadily becoming a style statement in developed nations like the U.S., U.K., Germany, and France. Besides, multiple industry participants have started coming up with innovative hygiene technologies like UV lighting, auto flush, Bluetooth connectivity, and auto open seat covers to offer a better toilet experience to the consumers. “The current market for smart toilet seats in India is low. This is due to a lack of knowledge of the smart toilet. The welcoming of smart toilets is widely accepted in developed countries compared to developing and under-developed countries. However, in India, Delhi and Punjab witness maximum sales due to weather conditions. The highest sales are in the hospitality sector and residential sector”, says Rao.

INDUSTRY STORY

Globally, the need for water conservation has been drastically increasing over the last few years. Therefore, governments of numerous countries are taking initiatives to spread awareness, among the mass, about the importance of water conservation. One of the recent studies says that, in the U.S., approximately 4.8 billion gallons of water are flushed down every day. Smart toilet seats can optimize the water and electrical energy usage in toilets while providing an aesthetic appeal. The rising utilization of smart toilet seats in the residential, commercial real estate and hospitality sectors is extensively contributing to the increasing adoption rate of the product, all over the world. Besides, the growing popularity and acceptance of IoT (the internet of things) technology and voicecontrolled equipment, at the global level, is anticipated to open up a profusion of possibilities and market avenues over the coming years.

Application and distribution channel Insights The residential application segment is expected to expand at a CAGR of 10.7% from 2019 to 2025(as per grandviewresearch.com). The growing popularity of smart homes, due to the rising need for energy preservation and changing lifestyles of working professionals all over the world, is expected to have a positive impact on industry growth. On the other hand, the commercial application segment had generated

a revenue of USD 4.6 billion in 2018, with a considerable number of highend restaurants, bars, hotels, and shopping malls, in the developed and certain developing countries, installing smart toilet seats to assure their customers of hygiene. The offline distribution channel was the largest segment with a revenue of USD 5.3 billion in 2018, as most buyers preferred to purchase only after they get to verify the products physically. However, currently, the online segment is expected to be the fastest-growing distribution channel, expanding at a CAGR of 10.8% from 2019 to 2025(as per grandviewresearch.com). This is because the online channels offer various attractive offers like free cash backs, discounts, delivery services, easy exchange or return options etc. In 2018, Europe was the market leader with a share exceeding 35.0%. But, Asia Pacific is estimated to be the fastestgrowing market, expanding at a CAGR of 12.8% from 2019 to 2025(as per grandviewresearch.com). The total population of metro cities and disposable income of the dwellers are observed to have increased in the last few years. China, India, Bangladesh, and South Korea, are expected to spend more on bathroom equipment and accessories, such as smart toilet seats in the coming years. “In India, the rising population, growing demand for smart toilets in smart homes, and the rising adoption of smart technologies in the commercial, urban household, and corporate buildings have further facilitated the smart toilet market

Yashita Ballamudi Rao, Director, Ballamudi.

growth in India in recent years. The factors driving demand for smart toilets in India are growing awareness, increased spending power, and a higher population. Today, modern customers, especially the younger generation, are looking for more technologically advanced products combined with aesthetics and innovation that define safety. In the coming years these factors will definitely boost the demand for smart toilets in India and be among the Top 3 markets, globally”, adds Thakkar.

Way Forward “Today, with innovations taking place constantly, the demand for fully-automated systems and AI features has led to new innovations in the bathroom solutions space. Nowadays most consumers are looking for kitchens and bathroom solutions that are aesthetically appealing, hygienic, and fullyautomated. In the next 1 year, the smart toilet market is estimated to grow at a rate of 20-25% in India. As the products are getting economical, smart toilet seats, available with built-in medical features, will witness a rising demand globally and in India”, concludes Thakkar.

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TRENDING TECH

Trending Tech At CES 2022Smart Homes Brands Due to the evolving Covid-19 pandemic, CES 2022 experienced fewer attendants, but that hasn’t stopped the smart home innovations from flowing in. A mixed bag of high-tech gadgets and smart homes devices shined through CES 2022. As more and more smart home products steal the show, below are a few brands that caught our eye, with their intelligent products.

1. Robo rock Vacuum Roborock presents its S7 MaxV Ultra cleaner at the 2022 CES. This new product can recognize the type of the room and customize the cleaning program accordingly. The Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra is equipped with an RGB camera, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor, and a structured light scanning system. LiDAR is known for its precise mapping capabilities, whereas structured light scanning systems are popular for scanning objects in real-time. With its sensors, this cleaning bot creates a 3D map of the house. Robo rock claims to maneuver without running into obstacles such as wires, shoes, and even pet waste. Having a suction power of up to 5,100Pa, it also comes with “sonic vibration” technology that scrubs the floor up to 3,000 times per minute. For wet mopping, it holds up to 200 ml water. The bot cleaner has a 5,200mAh battery, which powers for 180 minutes on a single charge. The Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra comes with an additional advantage, with its Chat feature, to keep stay connected with your pets while on the go.The bot comes with an optional smart dock, being more than a charging station, it cleans up the S7 MaxV and refills its tank.

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2. Smart Slydr Smart Slydr has introduced an automated sliding window & door, controlled via their mobile app. With voice assistance, users can open or close their windows. It comes with a wireless pet pass catering to different pet sizes, and entry/exit on their own. One can even set a schedule to open/shut windows at various times of the day as well as check the current status of all of them in the app remotely. The SmartSlydr is easy to install & set up without the requirement of any special tools.

3. Noveto Smart Beaming Rewriting history, where there were only two ways to listen to the sound, publicly via speakers or privately while wearing headphones, Noveto presents its new technology that beams sound just outside the user’s ears creating a personal sensory listening area, without the use of headphones and without disturbing others around. Noveto Audio Technology works using non-audible acoustic waves, which are pushed into the air via the Proprietary Noveto Transducer Array which is controlled by Noveto’s patented chipset and software.

TRENDING TECH The bulb can work alone, or multiple bulbs connected via a Bluetooth mesh network work together to create a virtual map that can help detect human behavior. Other new products Sengled announced at CES 2022 include:

With a look of many ultra-small speakers, the proprietary Noveto transducer array places audio just outside of the user’s ears. With the help of a 3D sensing module and a built-in camera, the hardware tracks the position of the user’s ears in real-time. This new technology is also capable of creating 3D spatial sounds and can even place sounds anywhere in space regardless of head movement.

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Wi-Fi Outdoor String Lights

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A full-color, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth-connected Portable LED Lamp.

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A Wi-Fi LED Essential Oil Diffuser Light

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A Zigbee window and door sensor.

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A motion sensor for controlling smart lights.

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Bluetooth Mesh LED recessed ceiling lights.

6. TP-Link Router TP-Link has recently launched the Archer AXE200 Omni Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router. Its mechanically rotating antennas are innovative, and automatically optimize the wireless signal transmissions by the router or via an app. Designed to enhance user experience while redefining the work of networking devices, the Archer AXE200 Omni key features: •

4. Rain Stick

Blazing-Fast 11 Gbps WiFi – 4804 Mbps (6 GHz) + 4804 Mbps (5 GHz) + 1148 Mbps (2.4 GHz).

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RainStick brings forward an innovative way to shower, with a WiFi-enabled shower system, that increases the flow rate by 2x, compared to a traditional shower.

Works on the 6 GHz Band – Minimizes congestion with greenfield spectrum, delivering robust highspeed connections.

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Multi-Gigabit Wired Performance – 1× 10 Gbps port + 1× 2.5 Gbps port + 4× Gigabit ports provide robust connectivity.

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Connect More Devices – Communicate with more devices using OFDMA while simultaneously reducing lag.

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Broader Coverage – Improved algorithms, Beamforming, and high-performance antennas enhance the WiFi coverage performance.

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Parental Controls – Enjoy the most versatile yet accessible parental controls among all routers, including URL blocking, profile management, pausing, and more.

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EasyMeshTM – Works as a whole-home WiFi solution between multiple vendors, providing seamless, stable, and scalable wireless connections covering your whole home without replacing your existing devices.

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Easy Setup – Set up your router in minutes with the powerful TP-Link Tether App.

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Backward Compatible – Supports all previous 802.11 standards WiFi devices.

Long, hot showers are often considered as wasting water and have a negative impact on the shower experience. The Rainstick saves up to 80% energy and 80% of water usage. It is a better way to shower, proving that sustainability can be achieved without sacrifice. RainStick is a recirculating shower that cuts energy and water while still feeling like a high-pressure shower. Users can lessen their environmental impact and save on utilities.

5. Sengled Introducing many new products, the smart lighting company Sengled pledged its support for Matter, the new smart home standard. One of the intriguing products is the Smart Health Monitoring bulb. The Sengled Smart Health Monitoring Light is a dual WiFi / Bluetooth bulb with built-in health monitoring using radar technology. It’s designed to track the user’s sleep and certain biometric measurements, such as heart rate and body temperature, as well as other vital signs.

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CASE STUDY

‘A Residence Set Apart With High-End Luxury Automation’ Home Automation Design by: Mahavir Sound Room The main focus of this magnificent villa was security and functionality integrated with high-end luxury. The client is into the construction industry and wanted a fully-automated home that could be easily operated by all the family members and the staff as well.

The Scope of Work The brief was to deliver sustainable full-home AV, lighting control, AC, access controls, and security systems, all to be integrated into the design. The idea was to use a technology that will work well with the aesthetics of the house. The charm of this high-end

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luxury home automation project is an unobtrusive technology with stellar performance. The client, interior designer, and the lighting consultant, along with other vendors came together to build a complete high-end luxury smart home. All the elements were integrated seamlessly and worked flawlessly.

The Client’s Vision The client wanted the whole space well-connected, with a desire to control everything from lighting, A/ Cs, drapes, multi-room audio, video, security controls, and video door phones from any part of their home.

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Instead of spending more time on touch panels, a user-friendly app was installed on iPad’s, and mounted on each floor and individual smartphones.

Automations Integrated CasaDigi was used to control the lighting, audio/video, home theater, drapes, HVAC, Cctv cameras, & video door phones. For lighting automation, ABB was used across the house. Audio & video servers were integrated along with streaming options for Spotify etc. in all zones which made the multi-room audio/video solution more accessible. The Wi-Fi was not compromised & Aruba was used throughout the house to provide a reliable network. Users were provided with the option of switching between the rooms and controlling the systems. CasaDigi’s user interface works on the science of user intent.

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CASE STUDY

Execution After multiple meetings with the client and the architect, a list of requirements was prepared. It was ‘Behind the Scenes’ technological planning. At first, it was necessary to provide a centralized (wired) lighting automation system, which could provide various keypads and other user interface options. Tense keypads, which stands out for their sleek design, were used in the project. Programming was done in a way to give the client scheduled lighting scenes that were integrated with particular movements. A solution-centric approach was adopted that was not brand-specific but used bestin-class products that were handpicked. This led to the successful execution of this project.

Eventual Outcomes The challenges faced during the project were nothing that MSR had not

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CASE STUDY

encountered in their experience. With careful planning, multiple checks, and supervision during installations at the site, the entire project was smoothly executed.

Client’s Feedback The amazing execution of this project, along with its elegant design fulfilled the client’s aesthetic aspirations. The client was particularly satisfied with the automation installation. It was all planned in such a manner that the most complex of automation tasks were achieved in a simple way. The best of luxury was incorporated in every detail of the residence, which was seamlessly integrated with technology and reflected the client’s lifestyle.

Final Takeaway As mentioned before, there are various levels of sophistication in high-end home automation projects. An in-depth understanding of the client’s requirements and flawless execution resulted in an ideal gen-next home.

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CASE STUDY

‘3 Generations Living Under One Luxurious Automated Residence’ Lighting and Home Automation by: Garav Bachhawat, Executive, B.T. Automation Pvt. Ltd.

The premium 10,000 sq. ft. residential project was executed in Kolkata, India, over a span of more than 18 months. The residence belongs to a family of three generations living under one roof, with different opinions and preference patterns.

The Scope of Work BT Automation’s portfolio was able to address the various verticals in this prestigious project, which comprised home automation, door security, biometric access control system, residential audiovideo system, and ethical lighting solution.

The Client’s Vision The initial requirements of the client’s family were convenience, ease of operation, security, and great music. Also, they wanted their house to be ecofriendly. Being working professionals, they wanted all functionalities of their smart/connected home to be remotely accessible through tablets and smartphones.

Automations Integrated The control system used for this home’s automation

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CASE STUDY

belongs to an American company called RTI, which can control lights, curtains, blinds, air-conditioners, audio-video, and security systems, all through a single click. A Japanese company, called Endo, supplied the ethical lighting solution. The audiovideo solution comprised a mix of manifold brands based on the desired application and overall dynamics of the concerned zone. Under the networking system design, all the access points could be operated with Wi-Fi 6, whereas the 4K SIP cameras were integrated with video content analysis. All switches were into L2, POE manageable GBPS switches. An advanced SIP Protocol, convenient to maintain and manage all functions through the RTI App, was used. Parallelly, the IPBX system had been integrated with the SIP-based Tür Control Systeme Video Door Phone. All the controlling and networking systems were integrated by our team of professionally trained and certified engineers.

Wardrobes were managed with a biometric access control system, which was integrated into all walk-in closets and strong rooms. Customized touch panels were specifically recommended to ensure ease of operation and flawless controls of our premium and ethical lighting fixtures. Since the entire family was collectively oriented towards audiophile sound and crystal clear video, the team had suggested a dynamic mix of IP-based audio-video systems for the home cinema room, formal living, dining, common areas, and bedrooms.

Eventual Outcomes The client knew what they wanted, which helped in offering and delivering the most accurate solution. The interior design team was very cooperative, which helped the work run smoothly across all our verticals.

Execution

The primary project planning had already begun while preparing and proposing our recommendations as per the requirement of the client.

As the first step, the client’s views and requirements were listed, based on which a customized smart home system design was curated for their dream home. To infuse convenience, an integrated automation system was recommended in all the principal zones including the formal living, dining, home cinema room, common areas, and bedrooms.

As a next step in the holistic planning process, BT Automation recommended some other features and functionalities of a smart connected home in terms of voice over IP, video over IP, and integration with virtual assistant technologies like Alexa and Siri, respectively.

The home automation system provided control over the lights, curtains, blinds, air-conditioners, audiovideo, and security systems, all through a single click, respectively. For security, an IP-based door security system and finger scanning technology were integrated at the main entrance.

As soon as the primary and secondary planning was approved, a detailed set of wiring and dimensional layouts for all the vertical offerings (home automation, door security, biometric access control system, residential audio-video system, and ethical lighting solution) was initiated.

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CASE STUDY

These detailed layouts then set the foundational platform for the team to execute the project in coordination with the electrical contractor and interior design team. The transition from project initiation to the project execution phase was flawless, thanks to the trained and experienced team of project managers and certified engineers. All the installed smart home products were programmed and calibrated for the entire luxury residence.

Client’s Feedback

of playing the same music across their entire house, whenever desired. The new digital user interface was created and programmed in a way that all the automated zones display the integrated controls of all our verticals, not only in one single application but on one single page, respectively. The client felt that his entire family enjoyed using the smart home system. Not just the young generation, but even the elder members of the family are making

The client’s feedback was overwhelming. They were extremely satisfied with the level of customization that was offered. They loved the simplicity with which they could control their entire house just through a single click, as all controls had been integrated on their smartphones, touch screen panels, and automation keypads. Automation which initially came across as a very complicated terminology to them turned out to be extremely user-friendly. They were in awe of the deeply recessed lighting solution provided by BT Automation as the lighting color temperature is warm and soothes their mood. Since 3 generations are living under the same roof, 12 separate audio zones were created to give them the flexibility to play different music in different zones, through the same smart application, all at the same time. Additionally, they also have the flexibility

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CASE STUDY

the most of their connected home. This statement speaks volumes of the client’s experience and overall feedback.

Final Takeaway This experience was graced with multiple points to learn and develop. One of the most important learnings that were gained from the project is that every high-end prestigious client aspires to enjoy the journey of making their dream home.

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BT automation took the responsibility of integrating and delivering multiple verticals in the project (i.e., home automation to door security, biometric access control system, residential audio-video system, and ethical lighting solution). The client did not feel the inconvenience of coordinating and communicating with multiple vendors. Clients are not always looking for the cheapest. They are only looking for people who they can trust and believe – people who can help in converting their ideal dream home into a wholesome reality.

CASE STUDY

‘A Dream Luxury Residence In An Upscale Locality’ A/V Solution & Automation Integration By: Mr.Bhuvan Gosain, Partner ELMEC, Crabtree Home Automation By Havells

This residence resonates with modern elegance and possesses the latest smart home technology. Mr. Alok Chaurasia, CMD of GTL Infra (Group company of GTL Pvt Ltd) had a clear vision in mind for this residence. Mr. Chaurasia’s initial skepticism, about embedding an IoT-enabled Home Automation solution into a home, washed away after the several detailed discussions & meetings with Crabtree Home Automation Solution [Havells System Integration partner, M/S ELMEC].

The Scope of Work The project involved complete automation of the residence including lighting, fans, shades/curtains, air conditioning, water heating, fountains, audio zoning, and home theatre. The scope of work included planning and design of the complete automation solution including: 1. Lighting Design and automation 2. HVAC integration

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CASE STUDY

3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Audio Zoning and Distribution 20-Seater Home Theatre Design & implementation Complete Networking Solution Security and Video Door Phone Complete Voice Control Complete integration on a Single Platform

The Client’s Vision The client wanted a state-of-the-art, fully integrated smart home that would make life comfortable, with easyto-use controls. He further desired a premium luxurious feel to his home, with a scalable automation solution to accommodate any future innovations & expansion.

Challenges Faced The biggest challenge of all in executing large-scale home automation projects is the coordination with different vendors. Each vendor has to be aligned in tandem to ensure the end product is as per the customer’s vision.

Automations Integrated The complete backend of the automation was designed with Crabtree’s Buspro Wired Technology. All control Modules including Relays, Dimmers, IR Emitters, Fan control Modules, Curtain Controllers, Curtain Motors & Tracks, and Programming Gateways were from Crabtree. All Bedrooms were equipped with Crabtree DLP keypads with inbuilt Thermostats with 2 iTouch keypads on both bedsides. The common areas were equipped with Crabtree’s Full touch enviro keypads with inbuilt thermostats. 50

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CASE STUDY

A total of eight zones were created for ambient music. Control 4’s Eight Zone Audio Matrix and Eight Zone Power Amps are used for Audio Zoning, complemented with Bose Ceiling and Wall Speakers. For the security aspect, all entry doors had Yale smart door locks and Hikvision IP cameras installed. More cameras were placed at all critical locations to ensure complete coverage. The entire backend networking was done using Ubiquiti-managed switches and Unifi access points, to create a seamless Wi fi network across all three floors. Control 4’s DS2 door station serves as the primary doorbell, along with Control 4’s intercom service delivering the doorbell’s visual & sound directly to the client’s smartphone. The 20-Seater Home Theatre was fitted with Bose professional loudspeakers, subwoofers (9.2), and amplifiers, a Denon AVR connected all speakers to achieve a total immersive Dolby Atmos effect. A Sony 4K Projector, delivers a massive 300-inch display onto an Elite ALR Fixed Frame Screen. A DUNE HD player allowed for a movie library and an Apple TV 4K for all streaming entertainment. The home’s other heavy loads including geysers and fountain motors were powered with Havells double pole contactors and relays were used to automate them. All the automation was integrated into a single app using Control4 EA5 Controller to provide the client with a single UI to operate and monitor his home. JANUARY 2022

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Eventual Outcomes - The Project Phases Planning: The first phase involves understanding the client’s requirements and a study of the drawings to map out the areas where automation is required, and the elements needed to be covered. A budget was crafted with all the information provided, creating a BOQ that delivered the maximum performance cost-effectively. Design: The design process began when an ELMEC team started work on the wiring SLDs, server areas, and automation DB’s. The lighting design included phase-cut dimming along with normal switching. Once the speakers locations were decided and networking endpoints were mapped, the home theatre layout was finalized. Implementation: The technical team worked in coordination with the interior team to put all wiring in place as per design. Once all the hardware items including lighting, speakers, Server racks, DB’s, 52

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CASE STUDY

automation modules, etc were installed, all the keypads were programmed and set in place. Testing: A double-check of all terminal points, connections, and powering up of all devices was conducted. All of the automatic integrations were well tested to ensure the seamless working of all components including Lighting, HVAC, curtains, AV equipment, and security devices. The keypads were thoroughly tested for proper functioning. Handover: The residence was handed over after a dedicated day’s coaching session for the family to completely utilize and understand the capability of an integrated Home Automation Solution.

Final Takeaway The importance of pre-planning everything to the minutest detail becomes highly crucial when executing an automation and AV system for a large-scale residence. Increasing the amount of time spent on the designing phase of the project reduces errors during execution and testing, and also ensures that the project stays within the estimated expenses.

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NEWS

Bang & Olufsen Celebrates 40 Years Of Multiroom, With New Software Connecting The Past, Present & Future Products.

Luxury audio brand Bang & Olufsen has started offering an automatic software update to its new generation of home speakers.The new update provides a simple way to wirelessly connect new Bang & Olufsen home speakers with classic Bang & Olufsen multiroom installations and iconic Bang & Olufsen products through decades of Beolink innovation. “Bang & Olufsen first invented multiroom 40 years ago and we’re pleased to announce our continuation of expertise in this field with our new software update that makes products launched decades apart work seamlessly together. Beolink Multiroom is built for the future and enables all our networkenabled products to be seamlessly connected, played, and controlled

together across rooms. It also brings intuitive features that make starting a musical moment easy, such as One Touch to Music and Touch to Join. These features elevate your multi-room music experience and allow for greater control over your entire entertainment set-up which can grow with you over time”, says Christoffer Poulsen, SVP of Product Management & Brand Partnering at Bang & Olufsen. Bang & Olufsen is celebrates 40 years of industry-leading multi-room by introducing Beolink Multiroom technology for its latest Audio Technology Platform in Beosound Balance, Beosound Level, Beosound Emerge, and Beolab 28. As simple as flicking a light switch, One Touch to Music allows listeners to quickly and easily start a musical

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moment without using a phone. Users can simply tap on a speaker or use the remote to start playing music from their preferred source, whether it be from a turntable, CD player, or streaming service. The four favorite buttons offer the simple tap to choose preferred music experiences that are easily tailored for the user during setup in the Bang & Olufsen app. Whether a customer wants to use the Beoremote One, Beoremote Halo, or the Bang & Olufsen app, Beolink integration allows listeners to control all speakers and their entire home through their preferred choice of product.The software update also offers connectivity to Bang & Olufsen music systems on previous Beolink Technologies to integrate seamlessly with today’s Beolink enabled products.

NEWS

DALI Lighting Awards 2021 Winners Revealed

The DALI Alliance (DiiA), the global industry organization for DALI lighting control, has revealed the winners of its prestigious DALI Lighting Awards 2021. Recognizing the best use of DALI lighting control applications and solutions across the world, the standard of entries within each of the eight categories was exceptionally high. The international judging panel of lighting designers, lighting magazine editors, and representatives from global lighting organizations, eventually came to their decisions. Victorious in the Commercial/ Professional category is Helvar for its work on ‘The Spine’, the new headquarters in the north of England (Liverpool) for the Royal College of Physicians. A fully addressable DALI lighting control system ensures optimal user experience and excellent light quality, including defined light levels for the biophilia aspect of the project. The building seamlessly

combines artificial and natural lighting to create a bright and welcoming environment. The Entertainment & Architectural award is bestowed upon Delmatic for its contribution to Expo 2020 Dubai. Delmatic’s future-proofed DALI systems provide highly sustainable scene-setting control, monitoring, and smart data-sharing throughout the Sustainability and Mobility Pavilions. Zencontrol is the winner in the Healthcare & Education category, with its work at the University of Warwick’s new Faculty of Arts in the UK catching the eye of judges. Designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent and maintain high levels of user wellbeing, the facility uses a range of feature lighting alongside functional and way-finding solutions based on DALI-2. The Outdoor award is now in the hands of Shanghai Euchips for its overpass lighting scheme in Xi’an, China. DALIcontrolled lighting, including over 10,000 LED drivers, enables accurate control of on-off state, brightness, and color according to traffic flow

at different times and seasons. Lighting Design International is the winner of the Residential award thanks to its work on the redevelopment of Regent’s Crescent, London, into 76 luxury contemporary residences. In the Retail & Hospitality category, the winner is Inverse Lighting Design for its contribution to The Londoner boutique hotel in the heart of London’s theatre district. Last but not least, Delmatic has cause for a double celebration as the company is also the winner of the Infrastructure category for its Doha Metro project on behalf of the Qatar Railways Company. Here, Delmatic DALI systems provide energyefficient scene-setting control and device health monitoring across the network of 37 Doha Metro stations. The DALI systems oversee 134,000 DALI assets, contributing to an architectural lighting scheme that reflects Qatar’s heritage. Entries for the DALI Lighting Awards 2022 will open in September.

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NEWS

D-Link Introduces Wi-Fi 6 Access Points Powered By Nuclias Connect Luxury audio brand Bang & Olufsen has started offering an automatic software update to its new generation of home speakers.The new update provides a simple way to wirelessly connect new Bang & Olufsen home speakers with classic Bang & Olufsen multiroom installations and iconic Bang & Olufsen products through decades of Beolink innovation. “Bang & Olufsen first invented multiroom 40 years ago and we’re pleased to announce our continuation of expertise in this field with our new software update that makes products launched decades apart work seamlessly together. Beolink Multiroom is built for the future and enables all our networkenabled products to be seamlessly connected, played, and controlled together across rooms. It also brings intuitive features that make starting a musical moment easy, such as One Touch to Music and Touch to Join. These features elevate your multi-room music experience and allow for greater control over your entire entertainment set-up which can grow with you over time”, says Christoffer Poulsen, SVP of Product

Management & Brand Partnering at Bang & Olufsen. Bang & Olufsen is celebrates 40 years of industry-leading multi-room by introducing Beolink Multiroom technology for its latest Audio Technology Platform in Beosound Balance, Beosound Level, Beosound Emerge, and Beolab 28. As simple as flicking a light switch, One Touch to Music allows listeners to quickly and easily start a musical moment without using a phone. Users can simply tap on a speaker or use the remote to start playing music from their preferred source, whether it be from a turntable, CD

player, or streaming service. The four favorite buttons offer the simple tap to choose preferred music experiences that are easily tailored for the user during setup in the Bang & Olufsen app. Whether a customer wants to use the Beoremote One, Beoremote Halo, or the Bang & Olufsen app, Beolink integration allows listeners to control all speakers and their entire home through their preferred choice of product.The software update also offers connectivity to Bang & Olufsen music systems on previous Beolink Technologies to integrate seamlessly with today’s Beolink enabled products.

EAE Technology Presents Its KNX Universal Dimmer Actuator. EAE Technology products comply with international open standards such as KNX, DALI and TCP/IP. Introducing, the EAE KNX Universal Dimmer Actuator, with dimming functions which can be used by phase dimming only. The device can be operated manually via a push button over the enclosure. Each channel can be programmed via ETS5. UD104 has 4 independent channels and 2 channel grouping features. UD106 has 6 independent channels and 3 channel grouping features.

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NEWS

Channel features of dimming actuator include : • Staircase lighting • Forced Operation • Channel Grouping (merging outputs for higher power loads) • Scene Function

• Electrical Measurements (Voltage) • Error Detection (Load Error, Short-Circuit, Over-current, Overvoltage, Under-voltage, Overheating )

can be set via ETS configuration. All of the above-mentioned features can be used together or separately, these features will be processed depending on priority.

Bus voltage fails and returns behavior

Linksys Launches Hydra Pro 6 In Addition, The WiFi 6 Routers Lineup

Linksys, a global leader in home and business WiFi solutions, announces the availability of its latest and more affordable WiFi 6 product, the Hydra Pro 6. “Our mission at Linksys is to connect everyone securely, whether it’s someone working from home who needs reliable WiFi or a student intently taking notes during their online class. The Hydra Pro 6 is our latest router in a suite of products that offer next-level streaming, are easy to set up, and equipped with advanced security and parental controls,” said Harry Dewhirst, CEO, Linksys. “People shouldn’t worry about a dropped video chat or connections that aren’t secure.

WiFi is meant to make life easier not create unnecessary problems in an already difficult world. We are committed to delivering fast, reliable, and secure connectivity to the hybrid work era and beyond, and the Hydra Pro 6 is just the start.”

improved network efficiency for seamless video streaming, faster downloading, and more. With intelligent mesh- technology, it offers whole-home mesh WiFi coverage that’s easily expandable by adding nodes.

The Linksys Hydra Pro 6 delivers the ultimate WiFi 6 experience to 30+ devices (per node) across 2700 sq. ft. of coverage and wireless speeds up to 5.4 Gbps. It is powered by the Qualcomm® Immersive Home 216 Platform plus access to a 160 MHz channel.

Other additional features include WPA3/WPA2-Personal encryption and SPI firewall, automatic security updates, parental controls, and a separate guest network. Most device-heavy homes are now more dependent on WiFi than ever before, the powerful yet easyto-use Hydra Pro 6 is a seamless addition to households and allows users to view/prioritize devices through the free Linksys app.

The Hydra Pro 6 unleashes the true power of WiFi 6 with reliable, incredibly fast connectivity and

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NEWS

SAVANT Introduces Ascend Line-up Of Premium Low-Voltage Keypads

Savant®, a leader in smart home technology, has introduced the Ascend Keypad line, featuring 2-button, 4-button, and 5-button configurations that provide integrators with the ultimate premium on-wall control solution. Ascend Keypads offer fully customizable functionality within the Savant smart home ecosystem and are available in nine finishes to accommodate any décor. Ascend keypads join the Metropolitan, Noon, and Echo styles, providing integrators with a complete family of elegant smart home control options from Savant. Ascend keypads provide users with effortless control

of many smart home features, including Savant’s awardwinning Daylight Mode, triggering lights throughout the home or in specific rooms in perfect alignment with the natural circadian curve. The backlit buttons feature a choice of nine LED colors that dynamically adjust based on ambient light levels and provide feedback to the user when scenes have been activated. Savant Ascend low-voltage keypads are available now in seven anodized colors (Brushed Aluminum, Brushed Black, Brushed Brass, Brushed Bronze, Black, Space Gray, and Nickel) as well as two painted finishes (Light Almond and Snow White).

Smartron Group Secures $200 Million Capital Commitment From Global Emerging Markets Group (GEM) Smartron , an INDIA & US-based global technology AIOT and EV OEM brand (the “Company”), announced that it has signed an agreement 58

(“Agreement”) with the Global Emerging Markets Group (“GEM”), an alternative investment group with operations in Paris, New York,

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and the Bahamas. Under the agreement, GEM will provide a Share Subscription

NEWS

Facility of up to $200 million, to be drawn at the option of the Company. Smartron has developed a big HW portfolio including smartphones laptops, wearables, smart home hub, smart things, e-bikes, battery packs, and IoT modules, all powered by tronX, its AIOT SW platform built on deep technologies such as 5G, AI/ML, IoT, Robotics and Web3. The Company has been launching many products powered by the tronX platform across Personal (Mobile), Smart Home, Smart Infra, EV, and Energy markets. This up to $200M investment announcement between Smartron

and GEM will help support the Company’s future growth and potential public listing plans. Over the next 3-5 years, Smartron will be focused on driving growth by targeting primarily Smart Home, Smart Infra, EV, and Energy verticals powered by tronX platform, manufactured by tworks, and cared by tlife. The tronX platform is also being offered as a B2B service to Companies that are targeting various AIoT applications. Smartron is uniquely positioned to benefit from huge opportunities across the INDO-US corridor thanks to the ongoing global supply chain challenges and (re)alignments.

Universal Lighting Technologies and Douglas Lighting Controls Rebrands as Universal Douglas Universal Lighting Technologies and Douglas Lighting Controls, a leading manufacturer and provider of commercial lighting and controls solutions, has unveiled a new brand name and identity as Universal Douglas. The rebrand, which features a new, more contemporary name, logo, and tagline, follows the acquisition of Universal Lighting Technologies and Douglas Lighting Controls by Atar Capital, a global private investment firm, in March of 2021. “We’re proud of our combined 125-year history and leadership in the commercial lighting and controls industry and this new brand signifies a new era for Universal Douglas,” said Chris Holstein, VP of Product Management and Marketing at Universal Douglas. “Our new Universal Douglas brand amplifies the extensive value and solutions we provide to our customers,

including smart controls, LED drivers, modules, retrofit systems, complete and integrated fixtures, and more with the personalized approach they’ve come to know for decades.” The new brand features the tagline, “More Than Lighting. Solutions.”, which speaks to the company’s commitment to delivering customized lighting and controls systems to meet the needs of its clients, no matter how simple or complex. As a key partner to leading fixture manufacturers and distributors, Universal Douglas

delivers components and complete systems with the personalized support their clients have come to know. “Among our solutions, Universal Douglas provides sensors and fixtures for simple standalone facilities, as well as equipment for complex multibuilding campuses requiring sophisticated networked control systems,” continued Holstein. “Our new brand, Universal Douglas, reflects the amazing synergy achieved through combining the solutions and expertise of two great organizations.”

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NEWS

Samsung Electronics Introduces The Freestyle, a Portable Screen for Entertainment.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. announces the launch of its all-new portable screen and entertainment device, The Freestyle.

Samsung Electronics. “Without the limitation in space and form factor, The Freestyle is a fun and versatile device that can be used in any way consumers prefer.”

The Freestyle offers first-of-its-kind technology and flexibility to deliver optimal viewing and entertainment for customers looking to bring video and audio content wherever they go.

The Freestyle comes with full auto keystone and auto-leveling features, enabled by industry-leading technology. Additionally, the autofocus feature allows The Freestyle to display a crystal-clear image on any surface, at any angle, up to 100 inches in size.

The Freestyle is a projector, smart speaker and ambient lighting device all rolled into one lightweight, portable device. When it comes to portability, The Freestyle weighs only 830 grams allowing to change any space into a screen with ease. Unlike conventional, boxy projectors, The Freestyle’s versatile cradle allows rotation of up to 180 degrees, enabling users to show high-quality video anywhere – tables, floors, walls, or even ceilings – no separate screen required. “The Freestyle is a one-of-a-kind projector geared towards ultimate versatility and flexibility to meet the consumers’ changing lifestyles,” said Simon Sung, Executive Vice President and Head of the Sales & Marketing Team of the Visual Display Business at 60

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For powering it up, The Freestyle is compatible with external batteries[1] that support USB-PD and 50W/20V output or above. The Freestyle is also a pioneer in that it’s the first portable screen that works when connected to a standard E26[2] light socket without the need for additional wiring, besides compatibility with the traditional wall plug option. The Freestyle was showcased during CES 2022 from January 5 to 7 and is available for an online preorder in the U.S. market from January 4, with availability expanding to other global markets in the following months.

A café in the morning.

An office in the afternoon.

A diner in the evening.

smart lighting & shade control system New Delhi | Mumbai | Bengaluru Tel: +91-124 439 1030 Toll-free: 1800 102 0093 Email: lutronindia@lutron.com Website: www.lutron.com/asia

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With just one Click or Command.

Set the lights as per your MOOD.

Dali Dimming Analog Dimming Phase cut Dimming VRV AC Split AC Curtains Door locks AV

For channel partner enquiry please mail us at info@osum.in

OSUM Smart Electrical Solutions LLP 1305, Lodha Supremus, Senapati Bapat Marg, Opp. Lodha World Towers, Lower Parel, Mumbai - 13 62 I SMARTHOME WORLD I JANUARY 2022 Phone : 8010-600-200, Website: www.osum.in