CastleOS - new home automation software with Kinect voice control

[ChrisCicc]

Hey Everyone, wanted to let you know that we have published another release for CastleOS, this one bringing with it support for Philips Hue among other things. 
 
With our Hue support, you can control bulbs individually or add them to scenes and events. You can even set the colors manually and have CastleOS learn the scene. 
 

 
We'll also be releasing our Android Wear app soon!
 

 
In addition, pre-orders for the CastleOS Hub start soon! Stay tuned for more information about that.. 
 
-Chris

 

[ChrisCicc]

One of our users posted this video showing off his ability to control his TV, Roku, and Netflix with his voice using CastleOS and it's custom scripting capability and wanted to share! He's using a Global Cache device to send IR signals. 
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHD_XOPdobk

 

[droidman1]

Chris,
 
Just saw your TV video demo.  It was totally awesome!!!  I just have a few questions.....
 
1.  Do I need a special TV to use your voice control app or any other special hardware other than the kinect?
 
2.  Will it turn the TV on and off?
 
3.   Can I change channels by numbers and by name?  Such as saying change to channel 16 or change to the weather channel.
 
Thanx
 
 
 

 

[ChrisCicc]

Chris,
 
Just saw your TV video demo.  It was totally awesome!!!  I just have a few questions.....
 
1.  Do I need a special TV to use your voice control app or any other special hardware other than the kinect?
 
2.  Will it turn the TV on and off?
 
3.   Can I change channels by numbers and by name?  Such as saying change to channel 16 or change to the weather channel.
 
Thanx

 
Hi Droidman! Thanks for the kind words! To answer your questions...
 
1) No, any TV will work. You can use a Global Cache IP2IR adapter like this user. 
 
2) If you want it to!
 
3) Currently you can do that with DirecTV using the built-in functionality, and any TV using custom scripting and the aforementioned Global Cache device.
 
Thanks!
 
-Chris

 

[aroop]

Very interesting project. Any update on the hub?

 

[jdk972003]

Read the interesting update in your forums...nice to hear and great for you!  Been keeping an eye on your site and was gradually drifting away (mainly due to the "...this week" unrealized promise).  I like to see development, activity, and transparency if jumping to a new bandwagon and that was souring my viewpoint.
 
So lets see if this is something I would be interested in.  I currently utilize an HAI panel and UPB lighting.  I use about 6-8 zones of Sonos.  Mixed in Z-wave as well.
Exactly how would I incorporate CastleOS into my system.  Specifically, what is the topology of the system?
 
My status quo is central controller (CQC, HS, etc) interfacing with various 2nd tier systems (Sonos, HAI, Sprinklers, etc) controlled through an interface on permanent devices (as well as mobile) that communicate with the central controller.  In my current scenario, my central system controls HAI (which controls UPB), Sonos, and zwave. Thermostats are on my project list.
 
So, if you do not mind, run down how I would go about adopting your system in a 4BR house.  If my systems would be compatible and if not what would be, etc etc.  You sell it as a whole house system, but I have a tough time imagining the topology for such with use with Kinect.  Even if designing from scratch.
 
Thanks!

 

[Dean Roddey]

Well, it says right on the main page:
 
"CastleOS works with more smart devices than any other smart home system. Choose any device with confidence it will work with CastleOS!"

 

[dgage]

I know they don't have Lutron RadioRa2. And are CQC and HomeSeer considered smart home systems? I find it hard to believe CastleOS, as much work as they've done in a short time, has as much device support as HomeSeer and CQC.

 

[dshel]

OK, we can do something with that. We'll post here when we have an official code and process. In the meantime, if any cocooners are looking to buy, please send me a DM. 
 

On another note, the CastleOS Android app has launched

The new app auto discovers the CastleOS Core Service (which itself now auto configures the router via UPnP) on the local network, making initial setup a breeze!
 
(We've always had Android support via the internal HTML5 app, but this is the first time we've had it in the app store.)

 
Chris - I have been keeping an eye out on this thread as well. I'd love to know when you get the hub done and any official code you are able to share with us would be awesome! Thanks!!

 

[jdk972003]

Well no answer to my questions is, in a fashion, an answer I guess. Equivalent to "DO NOT USE" unfortunately.  Hope that changes.
 
Well first for those who do not know...CastleOS supposedly was chosen as a partner for the XboxOne for integrating home automation.  Found out that tidbit in the CastleOS forums so not sure the reliability of the information.
 
I had the same questions regarding drivers etc.  Hence my question.  My wife and brother love the voice control of the Amazon Echo.  This seemed a step in that direction though without the cloud based voice analysis.
 
In past setups I have read (long time ago) people were running central mic systems to each room to allow voice control.  This seems a similar approach.
 
They specifically stated "they" would be updating the HUB page with details the "next" week.  That was 27 days ago.  He updated the picture recently and changed the text to "today".  He has not been replying to his own forum.
 
I am marking off CastleOS off the list of possabilities until concrete progress is demonstrated and reliability is shown.

 

[ChrisCicc]

Hi Bal,
 
As you note, the page has been updated from "This Week", to "Tomorrow", and now "Today". So yes, the Hub information is being launched today  We have also been replying to various forum posts on a daily basis.
 
Regarding the Xbox, we wouldn't post this if it wasn't true. 
 
We are also in talks with Amazon regarding the Echo. Amazon is currently evaluating their strategy around home automation and the Echo, and are evaluating CastleOS (and I presume others) for potential integration. 
 
Keep in mind the CastleOS software is the same whether it's on your PC or on the Hub. There is no reason to write off the software because the Hub launch was delayed a couple weeks
 
More to come!
 
-Chris

 

[ChrisCicc]

Hey Everyone! Just wanted to announce that the new CastleHUB has been launched. Pre-orders start next week on Kickstarter. More details here:
 
http://www.castleos.com/CastleHUB.aspx
 
Thanks,
Chris

 

[wuench]

Your site says one of the design goals of the hub is to allow the support for "apps".  Does that imply there will be an API/ability for users to write their own plugins?

 

[ChrisCicc]

Your site says one of the design goals of the hub is to allow the support for "apps".  Does that imply there will be an API/ability for users to write their own plugins?

 
Yup, though that is referring to Windows 8 apps and media apps/servers. The API info is further down the page, but copied here:
 
A POWERFUL API, FREE AS IN BEER
At CastleOS we believe in the community, and are amazed at what you've already accomplished with our custom scripting capability. The CastleHUB will ship with our expanded API which opens up the amazing capabilities the system offers to developers.
The API features complete access to the Core Service, including access to retrieve and manipulate all smart devices, groups, scenes, events, and more. In fact, it features everything you need to build a custom UI to interface with CastleOS, our own UIs use the same API!
Not only can you access the devices CastleOS supports, but you can expand CastleOS' compatibility by using our base device drivers to create your own custom device driver! Simply fill in the C# driver skeleton with a few custom functions, and drop the file in a folder! CastleOS will discover the driver and load it automatically. Want to share your custom driver with the community? Submit it to the community and it will be visible in an Extension Library that can be browsed from within the CastleOS app.
In addition to the API, CastleOS features an integrated scripting capability, allowing you to use the power of C# to do just about anything. You can trigger a custom script based on a schedule, a triggered event, or even a custom voice command.
You can also use a custom script as a condition in scheduled and triggered events, allowing you to use data from outside CastleOS to influence your schedules and intelligence.

 

[WAR]

Chris, you seem to have an outstanding product, but to have the Hub message "releasing this week" for over two months on your website is beyond my comprehension.  This has been the case with every announcement you've ever made on your website.  Have you never heard the adage "never over-promise and under-deliver"?
 
Hope you take this advice to heart . . .