Telstra is branching out in the smart home market, today revealing plans for the launch of its Telstra Smart Home platform later this year.Telstra states that the platform will encompass features including smart security, automation and energy.
Currently being prepared for trial, it “is designed to integrate devices from different suppliers, supporting a range of new products, technologies and applications controlled from a desktop, smartphone or tablet application”.
John Chambers, Telstra executive director home and premium services, stated that the platform “will connect a range of devices through one simple app”.
“Many people are already using some smart home appliances and this will continue to increase, with the average Australian household expected to have 29 connected devices by 2020,” Chambers commented.
“To bring it all together, we have been working with Icontrol Networks, a leading global smart home solutions provider, to build a simple, flexible platform that will work across multiple devices and operating systems to deliver a single solution for the home.”
Chambers stated that with a lot heard “about the promise of the Internet of Things”, Telstra’s “ambition is to make this meaningful and accessible to everyday Australians”.
“Telstra Smart Home brings real benefits, from knowing exactly what time your kids get home from school, to checking in on the wellbeing of your mum who lives alone, to knowing that your garage door is closed, your dog is in the backyard and the iron is turned off when you leave the house,” he stated.
Two packages will be available at launch, with the “Watch and Monitor” option allowing customers to keep an eye on things when they’re away from home with motion sensors and a camera that can be set up to send instant alerts to their device.
The “Automation and Energy” option will come with smart power plugs and motion sensors, helping to set up tailored energy solutions.
“In our first Smart Home release, we are focused on what customers have been telling us they want right now – security and energy solutions – while keeping an eye on the future, so that we can integrate with emerging technologies and services, such as in-home health care, dynamic energy management and entertainment,” Chambers stated.
