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Audio, Video, Automation Consultant |
The Dream of Voice Activated Control
Is now a reality
Earlier this spring my son and I were talking about home automation, and how it adds to a persons lifestyle by the actions it's capable of doing quickly, and intuitively. (It seems he's not convinced he should smarten up his home, says he doesn't see the need for it). Through out the conversation he brought up various scenarios he felt automation should do, and I countered with; "It can do that". Then he mentioned how cool it would be if a home automation system could be voice controlled with the ability to respond, and give feedback when given a command. I told him; he could be assured there was some R&D going forward as we spoke. Imagine how great it was to see the HouseLogix VoicePod being debuted at the Cedia Expo (the show to attend if you are working with technology in the home) last week.
VoicePod is a wireless tabletop device designed to do exactly what my son mentioned; (I can go back to him now, and ask when he will be ready to place his order) Enact commands given by voice, and respond as the command is being carried out. The VoicePod does not only listen to your voice picked up by the internal microphone, but also talks back to you through the internal speaker. VoicePod both recognizes speech commands, and speaks back to you using a synthesized voice. What that means to home and business automation is that it "speech enables" any room. Imagine close of business, you are about to leave, and you speak the command "Close Business"; the lights dim, HVAC sets itself to overnight mode to save energy, security system arms, and as you close the front door it automatically locks, and you hear "Business is Closed" coming from the speakers.
VoicePod is a "hands free" device. No touching a button to control anything, just send a greeting such as "Hello VoicePod" when it responds, proceed to tell it what you want done...simple,
So you say "What benefit is it? First and foremost, Convenience: having the ability to speak a command to control your lighting, shades, AV equipment, your security system, and cameras, activate your personal music library. Speed: Speaking a command is faster than hunting down a touch panel, remote, or keypad. Change to your favorite channel by just speaking it's name. Hands Free Control: You're in the kitchen or the workroom, and you need more light, your hands are messy, no problem, belt it out! Security: Configure VoicePod to require a PIN number spoken before it handles secure commands such as "unlock door" or maybe even "Playstation" to prevent unauthorized use by the kids. These are just a few of it's benefits.
Slated for availability the 1st qtr. 2013 the VoicePod will change the way you interact with your home automation system. Positioned as an alternative to traditional keypad and navigation devices, it is totally customizable to fit your lifestyle, and integrates easily with Control4.
We are totally excited about the VoicePod, and will go deeper into the Spec's and technical aspects next time.
...Until next time
Von
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