Home automation platform Nexia has added voice control from Vognition to its Home Bridge. It’s a move that builds upon the voice control trends currently dominating the TecHome industry. Vognition is an Oakland-based, natural-voice-control startup that was incubated in the NJIT Enterprise Development Center in Newark, N.J. The company’s voice control operates through a mobile app with a microphone button prominently displayed […]
My First TecHome: Incremental Learning and the Power of Integrators
The TecHome turning point for Barry Hensley of NorthStar Luxury Homes came in 2007, when the builder constructed his very first home with a fully integrated system. Looking around at the integrated CCTV cameras, thermostat controls, alarm system and luxury home theater within his company’s landmark home, Hensley reflected on the importance of integrators in […]
Alexa, Please Unlock My Door: August Home Meets Amazon
Locking and unlocking the front door can now be added to the list of Amazon Alexa’s smart home capabilities, thanks to a new skill added for August Home’s smart lock products. August Home Inc. announces its branded August Smart Lock will be the first of its kinds to launch on Alexa-enabled devices. This will allow Alexa’s […]
My First TecHome: From Automation Failures to iPads as Standard
Pepper Viner, like many other mid-market builders, includes technology as standard … but with a unique twist. Homebuyers get an iPad Mini with every purchase. “They get it right when they sign the contract,” says Chad Williams, COO of Pepper Viner. “It manages their paperwork for them. Then, as soon as they move in, we […]
Autonomic Integrates with Lutron for Whole-House Entertainment
Builders have a new way to offer a whole-house entertainment solution to their clients. Autonomic, maker of whole-house audio systems, can now integrate with the Lutron RadioRA 2 home lighting control system. The Autonomic music systems, already compatible with the Lutron HomeWorks QS home lighting control system, allows builders and integrators to provide new or existing clients […]
Three Factors Lead to Builder’s Award Nod for Outdoor Oasis
Luxury builder David Gordon knows the appeal of outdoor spaces is just as hot as the Houston-area weather. “It’s so warm and people really want to be outside, so what people are doing is combining the outdoor spaces with the swimming pool,” says Gordon, president of Whitestone Builders. “They are basically building their own oasis.” […]
Sonnen Launches Home Battery to Target Mass Market
Sonnen has released a smaller, cost-effective home battery system that opens up power storage options for builders looking to install solar as standard. Last year, Sonnen unveiled the Eco Protect home battery. Designed for off-grid installations, Sonnen’s first home battery fell short in the mass market due to its $10,000 price point. Sonnen’s newest home battery, […]
Pulte Turns to Consumer Inspiration for Townhome Community
A new townhome community from Pulte Homes is making its mark in Randolph, New Jersey with offerings inspired by consumer feedback. The development is the city’s first non-age-restricted construction in more than 15 years. “It gave us an opportunity to build in an area where we saw an unmet demand,” says Tom Spiess, PulteGroup general […]
TecHome Launches Brilliance Awards
The new TecHome Brilliance Awards will salute excellence and innovation in home technology, honoring a diverse span of products, along with contractors, service providers and builders. New products, services and businesses are accelerating the application of residential technologies — fundamentally reinventing and improving the way American’s live in their homes. The TecHome Brilliance Awards will find and […]
National Homebuilders Surge in the Fortune 500 Rankings
This year’s Fortune 500 ranking features four national homebuilders, three of which include tech in their homes. The annual Fortune 500 list released in early June, ranks U.S. based companies with publicly available earnings and financial information. Four national homebuilders rose in Fortune’s rankings, indicating that the industry’s strong momentum has continued to improve. The four […]