Moen is connecting homeowners to the water flowing inside and outside of their homes like never before with an expansion of its award-winning smart water technology to the area of the home where homeowners use the most water ­– the yard*. The Moen^® Smart Water Network already allows homeowners to monitor and control the water inside of their home with several smart water innovations, and now, with the addition of Moen’s Smart Sprinkler Controller and compatible Smart Wireless Soil Sensors, they can easily connect their lawn irrigation system to monitor their water for more control, automation and conservation.

“The Moen Smart Water Network has changed the perceptions of how consumers think about water in their home,” said Mason Hall, Head of Connected Products, Fortune Brands Innovations. “Consumers’ daily interactions with plumbing have been, up until now, limited to the fixtures, showers and faucets. Pipes behind a home’s walls have always been an invisible mystery, only becoming top of mind when a critical problem arises. Today, our innovations provide knowledge and understanding of that system and the ability to control and manage all the home’s water from the palm of your hand while enhancing convenience, security and conservation efforts.”

When homeowners have both the Smart Sprinkler Controller and Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff, they can experience unprecedented control over their home’s water and enhance conservation efforts. In fact, because outdoor irrigation systems account for so much daily water use, the Smart Sprinkler Controller can reduce an average home’s irrigation water use by up to 30 percent, saving the home up to 15,000 gallons of water annually compared to a clock-based controller.

Products in the Smart Water Network include the Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff – which acts as the brain of the network – Smart Leak Detectors, Smart Sump Pump Monitor, Smart Faucet, Smart Shower and the Smart Sprinkler Controller with Wireless Soil Sensors – a 2023 CES Innovation Award Honoree.

Each product within the network can work individually or connect with other Moen smart water products through the Smart Water App, providing users with unmatched benefits, including:

·         Automated water security: Water damage is five times more likely than theft, and water is one of the most used resources in our homes, making it pivotal for homeowners to simplify how they manage it. The Smart Water Network makes saving water easy. While homeowners go about their day, the Smart Water Security System is working in the background, 24/7, to monitor for potential water risks and leaks and can automatically take action to notify the user, shut off the water and help protect the home.

·         Water monitoring: A national study conducted by Moen in 2022 shows that most Americans understand that while a water crisis exists – they’re not fully aware of the products and tools available to help them conserve more at home. Not only does the water monitoring alert homeowners to potential issues, but it also gives them more insight into their water usage. Homeowners can now view water usage, room by room, where Moen smart water devices are located. This data also helps users set conservation goals and be more mindful of resources. Additionally, users can control outdoor watering based on their yard’s precise needs to eliminate overwatering with the Smart Sprinkler Controller, which also provides the opportunity to act upon local watering restrictions

·         Personalized experiences: Within the app, users can set custom presets that control the specific temperature and amount of water dispensed by their kitchen faucet, plus personalize preferred gestures for the operation of Smart Faucets with Motion Control.

·         Smart home integration: Users can seamlessly connect their Moen smart water devices to their existing smart home platform and use their smart speakers to activate shower and kitchen fixtures, control water temperatures and dispense specific measurements for completely touchless interactions.

The Moen Smart Water App further enhances the Smart Water Network by elevating the customer experience and product performance through 24/7 alerts. The App features:

·         Winterize: Heading out of town for the winter? Manually trigger the ecosystem to use the Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff to shut off the water coming into the home and then purge the water line via the Smart Faucet or Smart Shower.

·         Burst Protect: Reduce the risk of burst pipes. When the system senses that high pressure or low temperatures could put pipes at risk of freezing, this feature is triggered automatically to shut off water to the home.

·         Health Protect: Keep water clean and fresh. Health Protect will flush the water lines through the Smart Faucet or Smart Shower to get rid of the water that can stagnate while users are away for extended periods. 

“Whether the goal is conservation, a beautiful yard, convenience or protection, these easy-to-integrate solutions do the hard work for users so they can enjoy doing what they love most while also making the most of our world’s most precious resource – our water,” adds Hall.

For More Information: moen.com/smart-home

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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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Collaboration between Ar. Anil Ranka Architects and Arhat Automation set a new benchmark for Smart Homes through Oswal Residence in Pune. 

 Anil Ranka’s design style can be described as modern and minimalist with a focus on clean lines, open spaces, and a harmonious blend of form and function. He is adept at creating interiors that feel timeless, allowing them to remain relevant and captivating for years to come. While his designs embody a sense of simplicity, they are far from mundane, as he infuses each space with a touch of luxury and warmth.

Anil has designed a 5 BHK residence in the heart of Pune’s vibrant city, located in Mudra Society, where the integration of smart home automation has revolutionized the concept of contemporary living. Explaining the design concept Ar. Anil Ranka adds, “The client’s vision for the project was crystal clear – a modern, contemporary space that catered to the needs of the entire family, from young kids to elderly parents. Additionally, the client desired a dedicated entertainment area where the family could bond over movies and sports events.”

This 5,000 sq ft apartment is a stunning amalgamation of technology and aesthetics. With a focus on user-friendliness and convenience, the home automation system seamlessly combines Legrand products for lighting and curtain control, along with RTI’s Centralized App for comprehensive management.

Concept and Material Usage

One of the defining features of this residential interior is his skillful use of materials. He has a keen eye for selecting high-quality materials that complement the overall design and add depth to the spaces. The interplay of materials like wood, glass, metal, and stone creates a rich and textured environment, enhancing the visual appeal of the interiors.

Anil has used natural materials, such as wood, to bring an organic and inviting element to his designs. These materials add warmth and a connection to nature, promoting a sense of well-being within the living spaces. Simultaneously, the strategic use of glass allows for abundant natural light, making the interiors feel open and airy.

Smart Automation Integration

To fulfill the client’s requirements, Arhat Automation proposed a centralized wired system for lighting and curtain automation using Legrand products. “Legrand’s reputation for reliability and high quality, along with their ability to seamlessly integrate with third-party products, made them an ideal choice for the project. Legrand Arteor switches were chosen for physical control, offering flexibility and ease of use,” says  Shreyans Rathod, Founder Arhat Enterprises.

The integration of smart home technology brought numerous benefits to the client. With a single App provided by RTI, the client gained complete control over lighting, curtains, audio video, and HVAC systems. Customised scenes could be created to suit various moods and occasions, eliminating the need to manage multiple switches or remote controls.

Home Theater Excellence

A key highlight of the project was the home theater, featuring a 5.1.2 system with Paradigm speakers and an SVS Sound Subwoofer. The setup was connected to a Denon AVR and a BENQ projector with a 110″ fixed Acoustic screen, providing the ultimate cinematic experience within the comfort of the home.

Benefits of Automation:

The smart automation system introduced a new level of convenience, comfort, and energy efficiency to the residents. Automated lighting and curtain control not only enhanced the ambiance but also helped conserve energy by allowing easy scheduling and management of lighting scenes. The integrated HVAC system ensured optimal temperature control without the need for separate thermostats.

Advice for Aspiring Professionals:

The success of this project emphasizes the importance of technical expertise and the selection of reputable brands. Home automation, when implemented with proper guidance and quality products, brings significant value to clients, making it an essential consideration for aspiring professionals.

The integration of smart home automation has transformed Oswal residence into a contemporary dwelling that perfectly balances aesthetics, functionality, and user-friendliness. The collaboration between Anil Ranka Architects and Arhat Automation has set a new standard for modern living, making it a true showcase of the endless possibilities offered by smart technology in residential spaces.

Reference Guide:  

Architect/Interior Designer: Anil Ranka Architects

Systems Integrator: Arhat Automation

Automation System Used: Legrand

Lighting: Hybec

Security Cameras: Hikvision

Digital Locks: Yale

Biometrics: Yale

Smart Locks: Yale

Networking Devices Used: Grandstream

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Hafele sets new standards with the launch of Connect Mesh, developed in-house for the individual control of light within interior spaces. The heart of the system is the specially developed Häfele Connect Mesh Chip, which uses Bluetooth® Low Energy technology to allow all system components to communicate wirelessly with each other by forwarding control information to other nodes via radio technology. This module is also integrated in all Loox lighting control components. Thanks to extensive encryption, the system enables secure communication between many devices simultaneously.

The Häfele Connect Mesh App for mobile devices is used for simple and intuitive configuration and control of Connect Mesh networks and lights. The App uses Bluetooth technology to wirelessly control the lights in the room from dimming and colour changing to pre-programmed scenarios (different light sources can be grouped together and stored as a scenario), this includes controlling the colour of RGB lights or adjusting the multi-white colour temperature from the same app, remote or switch.

The Häfele Connect Mesh System is future-proof with the ability to integrate smart devices and other Bluetooth functionality in a smart home environment in the future. Thanks to the plug-and-play design of Loox, the system can be added to existing installations easily at a later date.

For More Information: https://www.hafeleindia.com/en/

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