14 DAY TRIAL // If you're one of the many people out there who think that turning the light on and off from a wall switch is so 1990, then you've come to the right place.
A Windows 8.1 app that launched recently allows users of Microsoft's modern operating system to remotely control their INSTEON light bulbs, outlets, and thermostats straight from their tablets or PCs running Windows 8.1.
At the same time, you can also receive alerts and notifications when you're away and the system detects motions or water leaks, so you'll thus stay completely up to date with what's happening in our home.
“The INSTEON Hub works in combination with your router and smartphone or tablet to control INSTEON devices in your home while you're there, when you're at work, or out of town. The INSTEON for Hub app works in concert with the Hub to automatically configure your Hub and router for remote access - so simple, anyone can do it,” the official description published in the store reads.
The feature lineup is impressive, to say the least. First of all, you can set up device scheduling to open lamps at user-defined times, all from a Windows 8.1 tablet.
The alert messaging system that we've told you about supports both text and email notifications, so you can receive updates on either tablets or straight on your mobile phones.
“Create alerts by adding water leak sensors, motion sensors, door/window sensors and more. The INSTEON Hub will send text and email alerts to you as well as anyone else you wish. The Hub also stores the status of these sensors, so you can easily check on your sensors from within the app at anytime,” the developer explained.
A cloud-based service is at the core of everything, allowing access from an unlimited number of tablets, smartphones or other devices running Windows 8.1.
Another great thing is that the application is completely free of charge as long as you run either Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1. The interface is completely optimized for the touch, which makes it compatible even with tablets such as Microsoft's very own Surface RT that can be updated to Windows RT 8.1 Update.
Overall, there's no doubt that both user and Microsoft benefit from the addition of a new high-quality app to the Windows Store, so download INSTEON for Hub right now to see what it's up to. Keep in mind that an INSTEON home lighting system is necessary.