Smart Home IO

The Sonos wireless music system has been a standard system in many homes as they have been around since 2002. Like many Sonos users the music system is solely controlled via a smartphone or tablet Apple/Android app. The Xpress Audio Keypad by iPort changes this with allowing the battery powered WiFi remote control to easily control a Sonos room or multiple rooms with the tap of a tactile button. The Xpress audio keypad is configured using the smartphone iPort app allowing the user to adjust what rooms they would like to control as well as what favorites are triggered using the favorite Star button. The keypad also allows for Play/Pause, Skip Track and Volume Up & Down. The Sonos Xpress Audio Keypad can be purchased from Amazon as seen below and is a great addition to any Sonos Wireless music system.

The Control4 software Composer 2.10.1 update to the smart home eco-system adds new products, make improvements upon existing features and provides stability / bug fixes. See below for the full updated details and 2.10.1 release notes.

Savant systems automation has updated their Pro 8 software with the DaVinci 8.7.1 update which is an  update with software additions and bug fixes. Below is a list of the items included in the Savant update. Support for iPhone X Requested enhancements and fixes New Features and Hardware Available with daVinci 8.7.1 Software Update Savant Smart Bulbs and LED strips with TrueImage Lighting Savant IP Video and Audio Distribution Savant Pro Remote Multi-Room - REM-2000 Scene assignment to a Metropolitan keypad button Savant Shades Savant Touch in-wall and tabletop control screens Door lock and garage door services Amazon Alexa Support See below for the full Savant DaVinci 8.7.1 Release Notes.

Savant has updated their Pro 8 software with the DaVinci 8.7 update which is an incremental update with software additions and bug fixes. Below is a list of the items included in the Savant update. Requested enhancements and fixes Sleep timer added for A/V services - press and hold power button either in the App of the Savant Pro remote to access New Features and Hardware Available with daVinci 8.7 Software Update Savant Smart Bulbs and LED strips with TrueImage Lighting Savant IP Video and Audio Distribution Savant Pro Remote Multi-Room - REM-2000 Scene assignment to a Metropolitan keypad button Savant Shades Savant Touch in-wall and tabletop control screens Door lock and garage door services Amazon Alexa Support See below for the full Savant DaVinci 8.7 Release Notes.

The Amazon Echo Dot is an excellent device that provides voice control for a growing list of smart home devices. While most Amazon Echo Dot homes have the device sitting on an end table or counter top, those areas are not the most convenient locations to have the Echo Dot pick up your voice properly.  We have all been there frustrated talking to Alexa and she doesn't understand what we say and two or three deliberate attempts at repeating ourselves finally accomplishes our voice command. Wall mounting or ceiling mounting your Amazon Echo dot allows the user to now put the device in a more central location to help in Alexa hearing clearly what you are saying. Mounting the Echo Dot can also free up precious space in your home while also discreetly locating the device with a flush mount clean and professional installation. The Echo Dot In-Wall / In-Ceiling recessed flush mount bracket can be purchased through Amazon from the link below. The below Ama