In case you haven't heard yet, Android based phones are selling REALLY well.  The Android Market is growing rapidly, and developers are finally starting to really focus on the Android platform.  It also looks like the first home automation applications are starting to trickle in, which is good news for Android users.  The iPhone platform offers many home automation clients, and it's only a matter of time before the same apps will be available on Android.

A user on the forums named KentDub has created the first ELK M1 compatible client for the Android platform.  I shot a quick video showcasing what the software can do, and how well it works.  The video was shot in a hurry, so I didn't have much time to edit it, but it does give you a good sense of what the app offers.  Click 'Read more' to watch the video.

The app was JUST released, and can now be purchased for $99.  While that price does seem high, it is for the 'Pro' version, which includes all future updates (including new features).

This week's popular topics:

• New to automation. Need recommendation
• Turn off A/C during storm
• Any leads on shielded and flooded Cat-6?
• Elk's new web page
• ground moisture sensor
• Elk M1 Humidity sensor
• ELKRM on Android OS cell phone?
• iPad Wall Mount Options
• 1-wire adaptor
• Nuvo Music Port MPS4

HAI quietly announced that their Hi-Fi 2 whole house audio system can now be pre-ordered, and will start shipping in October.  It will retail for $2,518.  The Hi-Fi 2 system is a major upgrade from their original Hi-Fi product, offering top of the line features in a very compact layout.  Some of the major changes are:

• The primary unit now supports up to 8 zones instead of 4 and 8 sources instead of 6, while the expansion module adds another 8 zones (used to be 4) with ease.
• It no longer requires external power supplies.
• Output has been changed from 40W RMS per zone @ 4 Ohms to 50W RMS per one @ 8 Ohms, allowing for longer speaker wire runs.
• The VSC interface (Volume Source Control, part # 95A03-1) has been replaced with unit which sports a nice OLED screen, the knob has been replaced with 4 buttons. It's a very modern look.
• There are now 2 local inputs on the main board.

While you can reuse the same wiring you ran for the original Hi-Fi system (it's Cat5 for the controls anyways, while regular speaker wiring for the speakers), components such as the RIM (Remote Input Module, part # 95A04-1) and VSC, are not interchangeable.

Support for other languages will be added once the system is available.

The system can be controlled by any HAI touchscreen, and since it has a serial/ethernet port, HAI might open up the protocol for this unit so other home automation software packages/controllers can interface with this device.  See below for some renderings of the hardware.

This week's popular topics:

• FYI - I found a fairly good dimmable CFL
• Premise VS HAI Omni
• CQC is going Open Source
• Improve network reliability for wired and wireless networks when using a consumer based router
• Simply Automated - What is 20 or 40 in model number
• Driveway Car Sensor?
• Lightning and the data bus
• 12 V doorbell?
• Controlling an irrigation controller? Hunter?
• Netduino

If there is one thing I have to give SmartHome props for, it is the fact that they keep pumping out new INSTEON products on a regular basis, especially compared with their competition.  It kind of reminds me of the good old X10 days, where there was a huge selection of X10 compatible hardware available.  I would guess the only other technology coming this close now is the Z-Wave hardware.

This time, they are getting ready to release a new INSTEON remote control dimmer switch, based on their newer Dual-Band technology.  Besides the part number (2477D), no other information is available yet.