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iPort: Wall-mounted home automation for iPad

by Mike Schramm Aug 20th 2010 at 5:00PM

I have already seen the iPad used in home automation -- Savant is using an iPad app to hook up to some of their home automation systems, using Apple's tablet to control the TV, a whole entertainment system, or even do some remote control of house lights or HVAC, or even monitor cameras remotely with a video feed. And here's another system that does the same type of thing: iPort is a home automation system centered around an iPad, providing an in-wall port where the iPad can both charge and work as a multi-use touchscreen control. On its own, it's basically just a wall-mounted dock, but in conjunction with a home automation system, the iPort turns the iPad into a touchscreen-based interface for the home.

Prices on these things are always weird -- because most high-end home automation systems are sold as solutions rather than products, they tend to run into the "if you have to ask how much it is, you can't afford it" range. But I give the iPort folks a call, and they told me that while each dealer has their own setup and pricing, the recommended price is around $500.

Some of you may scoff, sure -- $500 is a bit steep for what's essentially a port with a frame around it. But like Savant told me when I saw their products, the iPad is actually a revolution in this industry. For what the same-sized touchscreen interface with similar functionality would have cost a few years ago, sticking an iPad in a wall and building an app to control an automation system is actually a bargain.

[via Macsimum News]



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I have already seen the iPad used in home automation -- Savant is using an iPad app to hook up to some of their home automation systems,...
 

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Ryan

Check the the idocx. Www.idocxonline.com it's a much nicer looking in wall dock.

August 22 2010 at 7:53 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Vick

Yes this is a great device for home automation and if Apple comes out with a 7" iPad it will even be better since it will be less expensive.
There is http://www.theipadframe.com which also makes a charging frame but has the advantage of being able to be put on the wall or desk and can be easily removed from the dock.
In about a year the market will be saturated with these tablets and they will be cheap enough that people will have multiple devices throughout their house.

August 21 2010 at 6:27 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
oxjox

@kirbdog if you install large home automation systems, you should know that no one comes close to a $500 in wall touch panel. You've got a minimum of a few grand to start for a smaller, older touch panel. It's arguable that these automation companies' touch panels are far superior in quality or integrate any better than the iPad. For straight up residential solutions, the iPad actually does a heck of a lot more.

Why not just sell them an inwall iPad in addition to one they can walk around the house with. It's been working really well for us.

August 21 2010 at 3:39 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to oxjox's comment
kirbdog

Anthony, in response to the iPad being used in the automation game all the major players have dramatically dropped their prices of touch screens. An in wall proprietary screens are around $1000 or less!! While the iPad starts at $500 it will require you to purchase a licence and have a dealer install and program it make it work. At the end of the day the price it about the same. I just know that many of my customers have been replacing the traditional hand held remotes with iPads.

I have it really nice to be able to control every thing in your house from lights to movie selection and music to your security system on the iPad while you walk through the house.

As for an replacing proprietary system touch screen in the walls. They run a flash based GUI and have no limitations. The iPad mimiks that interface and does it fairly well it does not have 100% functionality, its at about 80%

August 21 2010 at 11:29 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
oxjox

Haha. What "major players" have dropped their touch panels below a grand?! There are no major players (yet) using a flash based GUI. Crestron will offer it with their new unannounced 3 series processors and new vtpro replacement.

Btw, we have no problem reselling an in wall iPad with installation and programming for $3500. I work for a major player and we use major player hardware.

See you at CEDIA?

August 21 2010 at 11:44 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
kirbdog

Why would you take a beautifully portable device like an iPad and stick in a wall. That is where non portable devices go. FAIL.

August 20 2010 at 9:15 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
3 replies to kirbdog's comment
jason mark

If you're looking to install it yourself you should take a look at the iBracket:

http://www.gravityswitch.com/ibracket/

It's been on the market since April, and we've got a lot of satified customers. It was designed to be mounted ON a wall but quite a few customers have mounted it inside a wall. It's very solid metal construction in a number of colors and can be ordered with or without speakers in case you wanted to use it for watching HULU or listening to Pandora.

August 20 2010 at 8:51 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to jason mark's comment
rwdebes

for 349U$ just to mount your ipad on the wall and make it look like something else ??? no way..

August 22 2010 at 3:56 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Brendoncochran

I need this. Without a doubt.

August 20 2010 at 5:42 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Brendoncochran's comment
KarlW

I need a house like that

August 20 2010 at 5:51 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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