by Elizabeth M Young

Created on: February 22, 2012

It is true that more home appliances and surveillance systems can now be managed with a smartphone and a web enabled node, but there are also equipment assemblies like deadbolt door locks and garage openers that offer remote remote home management capability. Some systems require professional installation, while others are as simple as plugging in and establishing a connection to a smartphone application.

General control devices help to manage any home electrical appliance with a smartphone application.

MIT is working on the Teletouch system where appliances can be hooked up to wireless nodes. The nodes work with a smartphone application to manage anything that can be switched off and on, or turned up or down.

Belkin has a goal of making installation easier by offering the WiMo line of plug and play home management devices. The device is plugged into an electrical outlet. An appliance like a lamp is plugged into the device, and a smartphone application allows the homeowner to turn the lamp off and on from the smart phone. Currently, Belkin offers two products: a plug in, programmable on and off switch and a motion detector. 

Other systems enable smartphone home management by monitoring and controlling thermostats, surveillance cameras, lights and ceiling fans.

Filtrete has a thermostat manager that works with an iPhone and retails for about $99. A good thermostat manager will allow energy monitoring and remote operation to keep the home at the right temperature while saving energy.

Tecilicious has found five systems that lock and unlock doors, manage the home's thermostat, and more:

For home camera surveillance, the Foscam FI8910W Wireless IP Camera is packed with features like "high quality video and audio, pan/tilt, remote internet viewing, motion detection, night-vision,embedded IR-Cut filter as well as a built in network video recording system". The 3 megapixel camera setup retails for about $95 and works with iPhone and Android devices. The IR-Cut filter improves the image by enhancing colors and preventing light washouts.

Lights and ceiling fans can be turned on from a distance when the Insteon Light Control Kit is installed at the ceiling fan. The user can dim or brighten the light and control the fan with a four speed controller. This device works with iPhone, Android and Blackberry devices. This allows the homeowner to reduce energy costs by managing the home's air flow throughout the day. The device can be controlled by a smartphone or a handheld remote control. Insteon also has a central controller that can manage other Insteon web enabled security and computer control devices through the smartphone. 

Mechanical systems can be managed and operated by smartphone.

A front or back door can be locked and unlocked from anywhere in the world with a Lockitron deadbolt device. The device works only with the iPhone. For a price of $295 and free basic service, a web enabled deadbolt installation allows the user to check and manage the home's door lock. The good news is that the door can be unlocked for a guest or when another member of the household is locked out. 

The Craftsman AssureLink garage door opener retails for $289.99 and will allow the smartphone to open or close garage door from anywhere.The Device works with iPhone and Android devices.

In summary, smartphone applications will continue to combine with web enabled devices and equipment to help to manage home appliances and doors from the smartphone. This will make lighting control, security, and energy monitoring safer, easier and more efficient.

Learn more about this author, Elizabeth M Young.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.