NTT Allowing Users to Control Home Devices with a Phone

NTT-Neomeit, a NTT DoCoMo subsidiary is planning to introduce a new inexpensive service that will allow users to remotely control home devices with the help of their mobile phones.

In order to control the devices, users will need to access a web page on their cellphone and select the desired operations. Reportedly, the commands will be sent from the web to a wireless router at home which will relay signals to an infrared transmitter and to remote control power switches.

The transmitter, working much like a universal remote control will relay the signals to any remote controllable device. The remote control switches, connected to power outlets, will enable the users to turn on or off the power to several devices that were not pre-equipped with a remote.

Moreover, users will be able to check the current operating status of each device as well as records of how each device has been used.

According to NTT-Neomeit, the service is useful from many points of view. Aside from allowing the user to control home devices from a distance, it will also provide a way for customers to keep track of their elderly parents' activity when away from home.

The service, dubbed 'U-Consento' was designed to work with a wide range of handsets as well as home appliances, which means that users won't need to buy any new devices or perform extensive home rewiring. NTT-Neomeit is planning to rent the system for an estimated price of 500 yen ($4) per month. The service will initially be available only for NTT broadband subscribers in western Japan, but pilot testing will also be conducted starting May until August, in the Kansai area.