Look out! DIY channel turning to home automation…

30 January 2012: Why pay attention to what North America’s DIY channel is up to?

Because it already dominates whiteware over there and it’s looking like it will be showing innovation in further product areas…

US #2 home improvement retailer, Lowe’s is looking at an affordable, scaleable home automation offering that will let people control home energy and security systems from a PC, tablet, or smartphone.

Lowe’s is to offer three home automation kits designed to plug thermostats and home security gear into a home network. It’s reported that AlertMe in the UK will provide the equipment and a cloud-based service, for home energy management, automation, and monitoring, although the service will be Lowe’s-branded.

The products will be available mid-2012, it’s said, and will be “priced for the mass market”. All three kits will be self-installable and accessible from PCs, smartphones, and tablets. Consumers will be able to remotely monitor and control devices in the home, including heating and cooling, home alarm systems, security cameras, or appliances.

Lowe’s expects a combination of energy savings (the systems include a programmable thermostat) and convenience (the remote control aspect) will attract consumers.

Integrating multiple devices from a single application will probably mean that eventually, more and more Lowe’s electrical products will be internet enabled. Sounds complicated to sell, but Lowe’s is clearly looking to manage this process rather than just throw it out there and invite the initiative to stall.

The base system will comprise a wireless thermostat, smart plugs, and a small network hub. Options will be security related, including a wireless front door lock and motion detection system.