Unify4Life Introduces a Groundbreaking Evolution in “Mobile Universal Control” -
05-13-2008, 09:40 PM
Quote:
Orlando, FL – Wireless Enterprise Symposium – Today, at the Wireless Enterprise Symposium, Unify4LifeTM revealed a groundbreaking lifestyle application that empowers mobile users to fully manage and control their home entertainment environment using BlackBerry® smartphones from Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM). Unify4Life has created a lifestyle application that transforms the BlackBerry® smartphone into the ultimate remote control, advancing current technologies and encompassing an intuitive user interface.
The Unify4Life solution enables BlackBerry smartphone users to fully manage their home entertainment environment, including home theatres, radio receivers, stereo gateways and televisions. Access to TV listings are available to users via a searchable program guide that they can seamlessly navigate to find their favorite shows and program their evening’s entertainment.
The Unify4Life communications server simply plugs into a central location in the home and is easily programmed to communicate with various selected devices. Once users download the application to their BlackBerry smartphone, they can immediately begin to send commands wirelessly to their programmed home devices.
According to Paul Tennyson, President of Unify4Life, “We’re creating ways to expand the world for BlackBerry users. Unify4Life’s application gives users ultimate control over a wide range of devices in their home and creates a user experience that will change the way BlackBerry fits into people’s everyday lives.”
Control Lights, Thermostats and More
Unify4Life stands at the forefront of the “universal remote” market as they plan for their software to ultimately provide users with control of their entire home environment. Additions will include remote activation of lighting, thermostats, intercoms and other home electronics.
“Our goal is to provide solutions for consumers who embrace technology for convenience, efficiency and entertainment. As people seek to use BlackBerry smartphones more prominently in their lives, Unify4Life will become an essential component for the key systems in their homes,” added Tennyson.
Unify4Life is previewing their lifestyle mobile solution at the Wireless Enterprise Symposium in Orlando, FL from May 13 to 15, 2008 at booth # 643. The company’s communications server and application is slated for consumer release on October 1, 2008.
I didn't say it was practical. I just said it was very cool. If its bluetooth, it'll destroy the battery. If its just data, it might not be so bad. You're there....go check it out and tell us!
NJ, this was a really awesome device. They are shooting to make your BlackBerry, which you have with you at all times (I do, atleast), into a one-stop-shop for controlling your appliances, whether it be your TV, your stereo, or your lighting (one day). I think it's one of the best innovations for BlackBerry extensibility to date. It has a really good interface and costs a very small $100 (for hardware)...
How does the BB talk to their hub? Bluetooth? Data over Internet?
How does the hub talk to your devices? Their website suggests that this gizmo would be a candidate to replace my Harmony remote in my home theater. If so, does that mean their hub has to be placed somewhere where it is visible to all the infrared pickups in my entertainment center? That doesn't sound very practical.
It operates over bluetooth. The setup I saw had the hub in a cabinet. It's very, VERY small, though. But nevertheless, since it's bluetooth, it doesn't need line of sight like infrared. And yes, this could very well replace the Harmony remote (with a better screen and interface to boot).
Unify4Life Introduces a Groundbreaking Evolution in “Mobile Universal Control” -
05-13-2008, 09:40 PM
