WebOS sees new life in smart homes, leverages 1 million user milestone
This week’s Smart Living roundup features WebOS’ new life as a smart home solution, and home automation solution for DIYers.
WebOS now in 1 million homes
When HP acquired Palm, many had high hopes for the WebOS platform, but it HP failed to utilize it to its full potential and eventually failed in its plant to dominate the mobile market. WebOS seemed hopeless until LG came to its rescue.
When LG bought WebOS from HP earlier in 2013, it did not use the operating system for its mobile offerings but instead put it in its line of Smart+ TVs to make them more user friendly and engaging to use.
LG announced that it has already sold more than one million WebOS-smart TVs, and the company expects sales to hit the 10 million mark by mid-2015. The South Korean electronics maker plans to introduce the Smart+ TV in 150 new markets by the end of June.
Interface design plays an important role in educating consumers about automated solutions. LG’s Smart+ TV offers an animated character that helps users familiarize themselves, featuring a launcher to quickly manage recently used apps. Voice and hand gesture support also enables users to interact with Smart+ TVs.
“Rather than continuing to add more and more functions into our smart TVs that few people will ever use, we’ve decided to focus on simplicity with our 2014 Smart+ TVs with WebOS,” said In-kyu Lee, senior VP and head of the TV division at LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company.
Lutron makes it easier get smart homes
Lutron Electronics, a company that manufactures energy-saving, wireless lighting and motorized shades, announced its entry to the smart and connected market. The Lutron Smart Bridge and the Lutron app promise to make the transition to smart home as easy as possible, especially for those who prefer to take on the challenge by themselves.
Already a popular device partner for many software solutions available in the smart home market, Lutron Smart Bridge uses the company’s proprietary ClearConnect Wireless technology and easily plugs into a home’s WiFi router. Setting it up takes less than 30 minutes and it sends wireless radio frequency to communicate with compatible Lutron devices such as Caséta Wireless dimmers, Pico remote controls, Serena remote-controlled shades, and some third-party devices. The app allows users to remotely control their home via any iOS or Android-based smartphone or tablet.
The Smart Bridge with be available to DIY consumers for $150 when it comes out on September 1 at SerenaShades.com. For those who want professionals to handle the job, the Lutron Smart Bridge Pro will be available from local electricians, residential system providers, security professionals starting June 30.
photo credit: LGEPR via photopin cc
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