Jan 6 2011
Verizon proclaimed that it will introduce its latest Home Monitoring and Control Service at the Las Vegas International Consumer Electronic Show (CES). The company also plans to conduct a pilot program for the service in New Jersey in January 2011. The service will be broadly available in the market in the first six months of 2011.
The system enables user to observe the security cameras, adjust and control lights, and control thermostats, locks and other devices using a computer, a smart phone, or an FIOS TV.
Verizon’s strategic entry into the home automation industry is based on its strong hold in the high-speed FIOS broadband network market. However, the market already has major players. PowerCost Monitor and Microsoft Hohm jointly offer home electricity managing systems, whereas GE provides a smart-grid home-monitoring system. In the UK market, Google offers a PowerMeter home-monitoring system.
Vice President of Product Management at Verizon, Eric Bruno commented that the new system enables the customers to operate and control their homes from anywhere and anytime, as well as reduces energy bills and CO2 emissions.