Crestron Electronics has added new points of control for unified communications systems, making it easier than ever to take advantage of in-room automation for every meeting or presentation. Crestron Control has long been available on Crestron Flex solutions, and this latest expansion brings native control to more UC platforms. What was historically handled with two separate devices has been simplified into a singular interface, cleaning up the table and removing barriers to grant more users access to leading room controls from Crestron.

Through direct integration with the UC platform providers to streamline the meeting experience, users can reach their Crestron Control solutions from any hardware vendor. Previously introduced with Zoom Rooms software, Cisco Webex meetings, and the Google Meet platform, Crestron Control is now available on Microsoft Teams Rooms on Windows OS with page flip integration. The control page fits seamlessly with each UC platform, creating an effortless transition for users to go from meeting controls to room controls. With Crestron Construct configuration software, the control GUI can match the standard platform interface, creating a familiar user experience and keeping control at their fingertips from one device.

Even if an organization has selected another provider for UC hardware, control is now only a tap away, and users can access the most seamless control experience from Crestron. Crestron Control brings meetings to life while simplifying the experience for any user.

Crestron Control has a legacy of managing small huddle rooms to the most complex, mission-critical spaces. Now, that flexibility expands beyond room size and complexity to bring added versatility and choice to the interfaces where these controls are selected. With this latest expansion, users can leverage the reliability and expansive features of Crestron Control, regardless of the UC platform and hardware provider.

For More Information: crestron.com

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At its annual developer conference, Samsung reaffirmed its commitment to the SmartThings smart home platform, unveiling significant developments in its quest to create a unified IoT-based smart home ecosystem. Samsung announced that its latest soundbar, the HW-Q900C, is now integrated as a SmartThings hub. This integration includes support for Zigbee, Thread, and Matter protocols. This addition to the Hub Everywhere program signifies Samsung’s ongoing effort to make its smart home hubs ubiquitous, simplifying the journey for users entering the world of connected homes.

Samsung revealed that more of its existing and new TVs and smart monitors are now equipped with the complete hub experience. These devices function as Matter controllers, Thread border routers, and Zigbee bridges, reinforcing Samsung’s role as a founding member of the Matter standard. This development aims to enhance interoperability, security, and user-friendliness within the connected home.

Samsung introduced its multi-hub network, allowing users to operate multiple hubs concurrently within their homes. This innovation enhances speed and reliability and simplifies device transitions when upgrading to new TVs or soundbars. This approach is set to boost the robustness of smart homes and minimize disruptions.

Samsung also launched a new developer portal and smart home APIs designed to facilitate the integration of SmartThings devices and services into third-party applications. This move opens doors for manufacturers to seamlessly incorporate SmartThings into their products and expand the ecosystem.

Samsung unveiled new integrations with Aqara devices, further expanding the range of compatible smart home accessories within the SmartThings ecosystem. Samsung showcased its map-based SmartThings user interface for smart home control, which is finally coming to smartphones. This user-friendly interface promises to simplify device management and enhance the overall user experience.

Samsung has integrated SmartThings hubs into various devices around the home, including Smart TVs, Family Hub fridges, soundbars, and monitors. This integration, powered by software-based hubs and built-in hardware modules, streamlines device control and connectivity.

For More Information: https://www.smartthings.com

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Leading control and automation manufacturer, RTI, today announced a new driver for the RTI control platform that seamlessly integrates with Sonos sound systems. Verified by the Works with Sonos program, the new driver enables added control and automation of Sonos products within an RTI smart home or smart business system.

“We are thrilled to launch the new Sonos-verified driver, which has been one of the top requests from our dealer base,” said RTI product director Neal Ellsworth. “The resulting integration enables integrators to build a music system fully tailored to their clients’ needs and managed from the same intuitive interface from which they manage their lighting, shades, climate, security and other automations.”

The real magic is the powerful events-based automation within the driver that enables integrators to automate client systems based on feedback from the Sonos system. For example, a favorite playlist can trigger a particular lighting scene. Conversely, a ring of the doorbell can dip the volume or pause the audio. “This richness of integration elevates any system,” continued Ellsworth. “It’s easy and intuitive for users, and seamless for integrators as well.”

The new integration starts with an auto-generated page in the RTI remote, touch panel or mobile device for each Sonos player added to the system. Control options include:

• Simplified room grouping.
• Volume control of individual and grouped Sonos players.
• Full transport controls, including feedback metadata for cover art, artist/track/album details, and elapsed time.
• Ability to route an externally connected AV source from one player to any other player.
• Added home theater control with supported Sonos players including Night Sound and Speech Enhancement.

The new driver is available to authorized RTI dealers at the RTI driver store and directly within the RTI Integration Designer 11 control application programming software.

For More Information Visit: https://www.rticontrol.com/

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The leading control and automation manufacturer RTI recently announced that the RTI control platform now integrates with Ajax Systems, a Ukraine-based developer and manufacturer of professional security systems sold world-wide. The new RTI driver enables control and automation of Ajax’s Jeweller series wireless security devices within an RTI control system.

“Ajax is an important global provider of wireless home security systems, and we are thrilled to launch the new Ajax driver,” said Neal Ellsworth, Director of Product Management at RTI. “The integration enables custom integrators worldwide to quickly add Ajax security devices to their clients’ RTI control and automation systems, elevating the smart home user experience.”

With the new driver, Ajax security system control can be managed through the RTI system. The integrator can quickly add functionality to the control system that will allow the homeowner to arm or disarm the entire Ajax system or individual groups (zones); provide feedback indicating the status of connected devices, including malfunctions; and support events to trigger driver functions or alerts based on feedback received from Ajax System.

“Ajax was built from the ground up to rethink the traditional approach to security systems by being easily adapted and expanded based on changing security needs,” said Rob Harman, Director of Sales, North America at Ajax Systems. “Now, with this driver, Ajax security can be controlled from within RTI systems for even more assurance and flexibility, adding value to every installation.”

The new driver is available to authorized RTI dealers at the RTI driver store and directly within the RTI Integration Designer 11 control application programming software.

For More Information: www.rticontrol.com

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Abode Systems has announced the native integration of Google Nest thermostats, doorbells, and cameras to the Abode platform. Abode is now the first no-contract, DIY home security brand to successfully implement integration with Google Nest products.

Prior to the “Works with Nest” program sunset in 2019, the Abode smart home security platform had deep integration with Nest products, allowing Abode home security users to control and automate Nest devices directly within Abode’s App. Now, Google has developed a new API called the Google Nest Device Access program that allows Abode to integrate both access and climate control Google Nest products into the Abode platform and exchange information between the two ecosystems.

The value of the Abode/Google Nest collaboration is most evident in the CUE automation engine, which extends the usefulness and customisable features of the Abode system. For example, Abode users can leverage the connection with their Nest thermostat by switching to `Away’ mode on Nest when the Abode system is set to `arm.’

The Google Nest devices that will now work natively inside the Abode App are as follows:

• Google Nest Cameras
• Legacy Nest Cam
• Google Nest Hub Max (has camera)
• Legacy Nest Doorbell
• Google Nest Cam – indoor/wired
• Google Nest Cam – indoor/outdoor wireless (battery)
• Google Nest Cam – with floodlights
• Google Nest Doorbell, wired
• Google Nest Doorbell, wireless (battery)
• Google Nest Thermostats
• Nest Learning Thermostat
• Nest Thermostat

This integration provides a rich set of features and options including Google Nest camera and doorbells to access each device’s live stream and, for some, record a video clip when an event is triggered. Customers will be able to set triggers or conditions within the Abode CUE automation engine and customize responses based on triggers such as temperature or humidity for the thermostat as well as person, motion, and sound detection from Google Nest cameras — both inside and outdoors.

Google has a wide range of smart home products including its voice assistant, smart hubs, cameras, and climate control. Abode already works with Google Assistant for hands-free voice control of devices and automation setup. With the release today, Google Nest customers and Abode customers will enjoy a robust integration with Google Nest thermostats, security cameras and video doorbells.

For more information http://goabode.com/google-nest

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Hikvision India, a leading provider of innovative security solutions, has announced the launch of its Eco IP Video Door Phone (VDP) DS KIS302 P Series to cater to the ever-evolving security and communication needs in the market. The VDP products address a crucial part of security, communication, and convenience needs for both residential and business sectors. They have evolved over time alongside the rapid development in technologies created for better and safer living environments.

The Eco IP VDP kit comes with one IP indoor station and one four-wire HD door station. It has a user-friendly control with a convenient touch screen, offers easy management via the Hik-Connect mobile client, and is more cost-effective. The doorbell requires no exclusive power supply, making installation easy.

The transition from analog to IP technologies has been significant in the VDP market. Traditional analog systems offer relatively poor audio and image quality and limited functionality. Although analog systems are often a more economical option, more manufacturers and installers have recommended their customers shift to IP-based VDPs for their wider range of capabilities – including higher image resolution, mobile control, remote operation, and a series of smart functions.

IP VDPs Bring a New Level of Convenience

Mobile control: IP VDPs let owners receive calls, play video, and open locks from anywhere with just a simple touch.

User-friendly interfaces: IP VDPs provide a user-friendly screen with a clearly visible interface, simple touch interaction, intuitive operation, and a multi-functional information display.

High image quality: IP VDPs provide excellent imaging with higher resolutions and wider fields of view. Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) and night vision are also supported to help users see clearly despite challenging light conditions.

All-in-one management: IP VDPs offer opportunities for integration with other security systems, such as video and alarms.

Hikvision’s IP VDPs serve a wide range of scenarios, including apartment buildings, single-family homes, and SMB offices. In residential applications, these advanced VDPs combine a better user experience with an elegant design to suit any decor, as well as a touch-friendly screen for easy operation. Users can remotely open doors and talk to visitors by simply tapping the Hik-Connect mobile app on their smartphone or tablet.

For business applications, Hikvision’s IP VDPs enhance safety levels and management efficiency with strong integration capabilities. Hikvision’s All-in-One Indoor Station Series controls and manages all Hikvision access control, video security, and alarm devices through the built-in Hik-Connect app. The product series can also be converged with third-party applications to satisfy customized or personalized needs.

“Hikvision India is proud to launch the Eco IP Video Door Phone Series that offers smart and convenient features for our customers. Our new product series has been designed with the latest technology to cater to evolving security and communication needs,” said Mr. Ashish P. Dhakan, MD and CEO of Prama Hikvision India Pvt. Ltd. “We understand the importance of safety and security and have created a product that meets the demand for advanced security solutions.”

For more information on the Hikvision Eco IP Video Door Phone Series, please visit https://www.hikvisionindia.com/.

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