14 DAY TRIAL // Smart homes have been the stuff of Sci-Fi rambling, but in recent times we have seen a lot of progress be made in this department.
We’re far off form seeing automated homes go main stream, but some companies want to pave the way before other device-makers have the chance to do so.
It’s the case of Netgear that has partnered up with iControl in order to produce a touchscreen which has been designed to help manage and monitor smart homes by employing home monitoring software.
The Netgear STS700 Security touchscreen comes with a hefty, durable display that you can take for a spin around the house (similar to a tablet) and control your smart devices with, says AndroidCommunity.
The STS700 also runs the Android operating system, so users can take advantage of Google Maps in order to receive directions and traffic alerts. Any other sorts of apps, including photo, social or weather can be accessed from the touchscreen as well.
So users can access their iTunes playlists and libraries and can Steam music via Apple’s airplay technology. Even if the touchscreen runs Android, the core Google Apps seem to be missing (except Google Maps).
But the main function of the STS700 is to monitor your house and manage what devices you have laying around the house like smart thermostats, lighting controls, door locks, security cameras, switches or energy monitoring.
The device might look like a tablet from the outside, but it certainly doesn't boast anything impressive spec-wise. The STS7000 draws power from an ARM Cortex A9 CPU fitted with 512MB of RAM and 2GB of internal memory.
The 7-inch touchscreen embeds a 4,000 mAh battery that can be removed and replaced with another one, in case users run out of life-juice.
The STS700 ships with a charging cradle that can also be used as a dock/stand for the touchscreen, so users can position it anyway they want.
Netgear notes the tablet will be available from service providers, but is not offering any other info about it.
It will be interesting to see how many customers will be attracted to purchase a device like Netgear STS700 given the fact that connected homes are barely emerging.
Neatgear is offering a pretty niche product here, but if priced accordingly the device might prove to be successful for that handful of owners of smart homes.