Latest News

Someone at 'SyFy' really likes ELK

Someone in the production crew of Warehouse 13 on the SyFy channel really likes ELK, as they featured the hardware yet again.  Obviously branding has been removed, but I'm starting to wonder if there is a secret 'USB port' we aren't aware of ;)...

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Homeseer Announces Homeseer 3.0 Beta

It looks like the first public beta of the next major release of Homeseer 3.0 has been announced, and is now available for download.  Thanks WayneW!  Keep in mind that this is still beta, so make sure you try this on a different system,...

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AT&T Launches Digital Life Home Automation and Home Security Platform

It was only a matter of time, as it looks like AT&T is now following in Verizon & Time Warner's footsteps, and is now offering home automation services, combined with home security, including CCTV, under the 'Digital Life' brand.  Monthly cost starts at $29.99/month, plus $149.99 for equipment, or $39.99/month plus $249.99 plus equipment for the smart security hardware.  See below for all the details.

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Server Maintenance

During the last 2 weeks, there have been reports of some minor issues (such as original posts being locked out, etc.).  It's something I have been working on, but due to an extremely complex job schedule, it hasn't been going as fast as I would li...

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Warehouse 13

Do the the Warehouse 13 folks have a secret weapon in their arsenal which allows them to compromise an ELK security system in a matter of seconds?  Sure looks like it judging by the screenshot & video posted below.
 
 

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KickStarter: Digital Wi-Fi Shades for your Home

Here's another rather interesting KickStarter project, with potential big implications if they can deliver on their promises.
 
Back in January, we spotted this product during the CES expo, and even covered it here.

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ADT announces support for Kwikset door locks via ADT Pulse

ADT Pulse customers will now be able to control their Kwikset door locks via their smartphone, tablet or computer.   See below for the original press release.

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Android SALE: Tasker on sale for $1.99

I normally don't post about hot deals on the front page, but I think this deal warrants it.   A new version of Tasker has been released, with a complete new UI, and to celebrate the new release, the price of Tasker for Android has been dropped to...

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Server Move - COMPLETE

If you are seeing this post, then you are on the new server.

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KickStarter LIFX accepting orders for 2nd batch of Wi-Fi RGB LED bulbs

LIFX is a Wi-Fi controlled RGB LED light bulb (~900 Lumens/80W), created via a KickStarter campaign last November.  Some solid progress has been made, and since production on the first batch is in full progress, they have started accepting orders via their store for a 2nd batch, with a 15% discount if you use coupon code KSBATCH2 (the LIFX bulb retails @ $79), which should bring the total down to around $64.
 
The LIFX bulb uses your Wi-Fi network at home, and an open API allows you to control the bulb, including the colors.  They already have an app for iOS, the app for Android will be released before the first batch ships, and they are also working on other interesting integration examples.
 
Check below for their latest video which contains more information about production and their plans.
 
Personally, I ordered 4 of these bulbs, allowing me to simulate a sunrise, use them as indicators for US mail waiting in my mailbox, security alerts, adjust exterior lighting to match holidays, and even use them as holiday decorations.  So much potential!
 


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