electric imp unveiled their Imp controller today.  Think of an I/O controller, similar to an Arduino, but as little as an SD card.  This little controller also includes a full network stack (supporting 802.11b/n and WPA2), and is very energy efficient.  The goal is allow you to inteface most appliances/sensors thanks to its many flexible inputs, at a low cost ($25 MSRP).  Instead of just repeating what the website says, I invite you to check out their site, and read up on what this product is all about.

The team behind this product is pretty impressive as well, including people from Apple, Google and other Silicon Valley giants, and they are still looking for more people.  

I personally hope to see this technology in light switches and outlets, allowing you to use WiFi to communicate with your home automation equipment at an affordable price.  It does seem to rely on a 'cloud' based service, but hopefully this won't be a requirement.

This week's popular topics:

• jQuery Mobile MiniBrowser UI - Preview
• What to do with homerunned telephone in closet?
• Garage Opener - wired Liftmaster 2 strand - relay hookup
• Minibroker COM API
• Liquor cabinet control
• Elk M1 Simple Port Forward Question
• Nine Zones Sprinkler System
• DIY HDMI Matrix Switcher - Sanity Check
• Caddx help?
• LED doorbell push button for the M1 GOLD

It was only a matter of time before AT&T would jump on the home automation bandwagon.  They just announced they are launching their own platform (AT&T Digital Life), supporting the monitoring and control of your home via web-enabled devices and smartphones.

It looks like it will support Z-Wave, and will allow you to control your appliances, thermostat, cameras and various other devices.  See below for the full press release.  Trials are starting this summer, with Dallas and Atlanta being first in line.

This week's popular topics:

• jQuery Mobile MiniBrowser UI - Preview
• UPB Garage Door - any way to do if/then without software?
• New Start Retrofit in House UPB vs Z Wave
• How to handle multi-gang switch boxes and extra switches
• Using a Relay Board With CAI Webcontrol
• Lawn automation
• Insteon appliance module and LED puck lights
• RFID for Gate Control
• ISY programming trigger based on Insteon command
• Elk-M1PR Proximity Reader - yay or nay?