Crestron and Apple recently signed a partnership deal to enhance the experience of Crestron smart technology users. Michael Short, global residential marketing manager, Crestron this deal will enhance user experience and lifestyle. It was announced at the WWDC 2018 conference. The company displayed how Apple TV, HomeKit, and Siri technologies can be used to improve the lifestyle of Crestron smart home clients.
By seamlessly integrating the two leading technologies, the company will be able to enable IP control of Apple TV using voice commands via TSR-310 touch screen remote control. Through the configuration, a Crestron Home operating system support is completely possible. John Clancy, vice president of Residential, Crestron, said that they have invested their resources to ensure that they devise the perfect solution for Crestron Technology Professionals and homeowners. Majority of their homeowners use Apple products in their home technology ecosystem, so going forward with the introduction only seems right.
Integration demonstration at ISE 2019
At ISE 2019, Crestron introduced a remote that you could use change channels and services on Apple TV. During the pre-show interview, Clancy mentioned that he was blown away by the technology's speed. He even held the TSR-310 remote close to his mouth, held the mic button, and said - Play YouTube videos of Amsterdam. In just a matter of a few seconds, several videos appeared on the screen, all loaded to be played.
Even though this doesn’t sound like a big deal, technologies have been struggling to integrate their software with Apple TV. Considering all these conditions, we can say that Crestron has achieved a big deal. On the other hand, Apple wasn’t ready to collaborate with technologies until last year when it announced partnerships with Crestron, Control4, and Savant. When the remote was introduced at the ISE, it had an approved Apple signage and a document that read completely sanctioned and OK’d by Apple.
Clancy also mentioned that back when they were asked to install Apple TV by their clients, they had to disable the voice control feature as it didn’t sync with their system. However, they don’t have to worry about it anymore because it is enhanced in the integration. Crestron’s voice server manages all the commands but they are commandeered to Siri. When you switch on the television, the Apple logo appears on the screen instead of the Crestron logo.
A Glimpse of fully sanctioned IP control of Apple TV
At the same event, ISE 2019, Savant demonstrated a two-way integration between Apple and its home automation system. To say the least, everyone was impressed with the technology. It showed that you could use the Savant remote control to navigate your way around Apple via an on-screen display system.
Tech lovers have been waiting to experience the technology ever since the partnership deal was announced at WWDC 2018. Even though smart home companies exercised control over multimedia box via IR commands and IP hacks, the method was unsupported by ineffective. With the new two-way integration deal, Savant becomes the first smart home technologies provider to offer OSD implementation.
While Control4 and Crestron waited until the Integrator Summit 2019 event, Savant offered a glimpse of its newly developed technology a few days prior to it. The company even released a video in which Trevor de Maat, international sales director, Savant, explored various Savant services on Apple TV using Apple remote. He guided the viewers through its three-level UI system featuring the home-automation function and how it behaves when connected to other devices in the house.
To say the least, the integration is impressive. We all were fascinated when the director showed how a user could navigate through multiple light settings. After that, he used Apple TV remote touchpad to dim the screen brightness, which was totally cool. That’s not where it ends. The remote has a microphone that you can use to instruct Siri. For example, if you want to switch to the channel HBO, press the mic phone and say HBO.
It is the same if you want to watch your favorite YouTuber. All you have to do is select the video that you want to watch and enjoy it. This feature comes handy when you have kids at home and not much time to go through channels and find their favorite video. You can also create a list of your favorite channels for quick selection at the bottom of the television screen.
Future of home automation technology
We go to see some interesting use of automation technology at the International Builder Show 2019. One of them was the Garaventa Lift “smart” residential elevator, which is complete with custom luxury features. The British Columbian company offers a mobile app that you can use to troubleshoot the elevator and have full control over its different features. There were other things that caught our attention including AVIA Smart Lock, MTEK’s EMPowered smart lock upgrade, Kohler Konnect Verdera Voice lighted mirrors and PVE pneumatic elevator.
According to the Global Home Automation Market Size 2017 report, the international home automation market size is expected to grow to USD 46.22 billion by 2025. It is because of the growing use and awareness regarding the use of the Internet of Things, smartphones, and smart gadgets. The report studied automation technology markets of North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle-East and Africa, and Central and South America. Top four home automation sectors include custom or luxury automation system, mainstream automation system, managed home automation system, and Do-It-Yourself automation system.
Types of applications that homeowners are mostly interested in buying including HVAC systems, lights, energy management, safety and security, and entertainment. By combining all these technologies, users can experience a lavish and convenient life. However, the industry is still very new and with high-speed internet limitations and lack of standardization, implementation is going to be difficult.
