In an effort to make the smart home a more mainstream concept among consumers, startup Quirky is launching a smartphone sized touch screen smart home controller. Relay does away with standard hubs that connect all your devices. Instead, the panel can be installed like a conventional light switch.
This invention connects more than 100 different smart home gadgets from partnering brands as well. The smart home controller is from the same company that developed the Wink app with GE and is essentially Wink created for a new format. The $300 control pad also has movement sensors that will light up when someone approaches the display, a built-in voice recording system so people can leave messages for each other and two programmable buttons to control lights or other appliances with a tap.
Hub-Replacing Connective Panels
This Smart Home Controller Connects Your Smart Home Devices
Trend Themes
1. Smart Home Controllers - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in creating alternative smart home control solutions that eliminate the need for traditional hubs.
2. Conventional Light Switches - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in developing touch screen panels that can replace traditional light switches and serve as smart home controllers.
3. Integration of Smart Home Gadgets - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in creating platforms or devices that can seamlessly integrate and control multiple smart home devices from different brands.
Industry Implications
1. Smart Home Technology - The smart home technology industry can explore new ways of developing smart home controllers without the need for standard hubs.
2. Home Automation - The home automation industry can focus on creating touch screen panels that can replace conventional light switches and serve as control centers for smart home devices.
3. Internet of Things (iot) - The IoT industry can work on integrating multiple smart home gadgets from different brands into a single control platform or device.