Embedded Automation Announces Commercial Release of mControl
http://www.embeddedautomation.com
Surrey, BC, July 22, 2005--(T-Net)--Embedded Automation has announced the commercial release of mControl - software application that has been designed for the Media Center platform and allows a user to take total control of their home from a TV set with a single remote control.
The mHome product line was established earlier this year in order to develop solutions that merge home automation with the Windows Media Center experience. For user convenience mControl can also be accessed over the Internet using Internet Explorer, all while maintaining mControl's full capabilities. As such, mControl is the first product to be released and is currently available in two versions:
1. For existing users of home automation - mControl software(Part #: MCON-HE-10)
2. For those interested in getting started with home automation - mControl Starter Kit (complete with mControl software and essential hardware components) (Part #: MKIT-XT-01)
For existing home automation users, mControl adds the convenience, look, and feel of Media Center Edition (MCE). For those not yet involved in home automation, the starter kit provides all that is required to experience the benefits and see the potential of a total home system.
In addition to offering the most advanced Media Center Interface, mControl is also the first application to support the highly anticipated INSTEON™ protocol. INSTEON from Smarthome Inc. is setting a new standard for home automation through its dual band mesh networking capabilities. The INSTEON platform combines radio frequency (RF) with integrated powerline communications, offering one seamless network for increased reliability, convenience, and affordability. INSTEON is also backwards compatible with X10 technology, an already established home automation solution. X10 users can now add reliable and flexible INSTEON enabled products without losing their current home automation investments.
"The release of mControl brings together two important technologies for the home automation user, the advanced capabilities of the INSTEON technology platform and the ease-of-use of the Media Center interface," said Ken Fairbanks, Smarthome's vice president of business development. "This dynamic combination gives consumers a powerful, affordable and reliable home control solution."
mControl is available through the Embedded Automation web store and is currently being offered at an introductory price. This price will entitle the purchaser to all of the same benefits (updates and support up to version 2.00) that will be included with the product once the introductory offer is over. Introductory pricing is available until September 15, 2005.
"We have been very pleased with the response to our free beta offering and are now happy to release our products to the public" said Maury Lum, Product Line Manager at Embedded Automation. "This is only the beginning to where we will be evolving our products. Our beta users have provided excellent feedback and made numerous requests for items that they would like to see us support and this will be our focus moving forward" Lum remarked.
About Smarthome, Inc.
Founded in 1992, Smarthome, Inc. is the world's largest integrated retailer/distributor of electronic home improvement solutions to enhance a home's value, comfort, convenience and/or safety. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Smarthome products are sold to an international customer base via the Web, phone and retail outlets as well as to professional dealers and installers through its Smarthome Pro division. Smarthome's Technology division is responsible for the OEM and distribution sales channels. Smarthome is also responsible for the development of a new home networking technology called INSTEON™ (www.Insteon.net), dedicated to making life more convenient, safe, and fun. The company's on-line catalog can be found at www.smarthome.com. Newsweek magazine called Smarthome's online store "the Amazon.com of electronic home improvement." On Dec. 1, 2004, Smarthome shipped products to its one-millionth electronic home improvement customer.
About Embedded Automation
Embedded Automation was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Surrey, BC Canada. Specializing in the areas of home automation, media centers, and embedded systems, Embedded Automation designs, manufactures and markets various products and services in these areas.
For more specific information on mControl, its system capabilities, and requirements please visit www.embeddedautomation.com.
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