Home Is Where the Hand-Held Is
From: Far Eastern Economic Review - 11/04/2004 - Vol. 167, No. 4, P. 38
By: Jeremy Wagstaff

Home automation technologies are slowly spreading across the Asia-Pacific
region, enabled by fast and cheap Internet access. The foundation of a smart
home begins with computers linked together by a wired or wireless network,
after which other appliances such as stereos and televisions can be networked
as well. Once the networking infrastructure is in place, entertainment
applications will drive the adoption of home automation, says IDC
Asia/Pacific analyst Claudio Checchia. Andrew Merritt, owner of
Australia-based home networking hardware vendor Blakemore Integrated
Automated Systems, is developing a prototype residence featuring networked
entertainment, lighting, heating, and security controlled by a central
computer or server via a universal remote. Meanwhile, Korea-based LG's
HomeNet range uses the Internet to connect a fridge, washing machine, air
conditioner, microwave, and projector TV. One of the biggest hurdles to
overcome is the lack of standard communications between devices from
different manufacturers: Software that can act as an intermediary between
various gadgets is one solution being explored, while another skirts
intermediaries altogether by reducing complexity; in this vein is the
Internet Zero project at MIT's Center for Bits and Atoms, which proposes that
intelligence be inexpensively embedded into home devices without introducing
new standards. Speaking at a recent lecture, Center for Bits and Atoms
director Neil Gershenfeld remarked, "Our experience has been that the killer
app is...managing complexity rather than any one new service." Smart homes
are not being designed strictly with luxury or security in mind: Efforts
include spaces that monitor elderly inhabitants and provide caregiver
services, while even more forward-looking visions include homes that
anticipate owner needs and are capable of self-maintenance.

Claudio Checchia
http://www.idctracker.net/pnttracker/whoswho.htm#CC

Center for Bits and Atoms
http://cba.mit.edu/

Neil Gershenfeld
http://web.media.mit.edu/~neilg/