Sep 02, 2016

• QIVICON Home Base 2.0: New central control unit coming in the fall
• Sonos and Netatmo: New app version supports audio and temperature control
• Collective Light Control: Seven manufacturers deliver smart lighting

QIVICON Home Base 2.0 becomes new central control unit

From fall 2016, the latest model of the QIVICON central control unit will be making Magenta SmartHome households even more flexible. The SmartHome Base enables users to control various brands of connected devices in the home and garden via an app on their smartphone or tablet. Thanks to additional integrated wireless protocols, it can communicate with many more product ranges from big-name manufacturers. The version being launched for the German market will incorporate the HomeMatic, Homematic IP and ZigBee Pro wireless protocols, and DECT ULE is already built in. What’s more, users can upload additional wireless protocols via USB flash memories once they are supported by the QIVICON smart home platform. A 3G wireless dongle can also be plugged into one of the two USB ports, so that the mobile network can be used to send and receive control signals if the router connection fails.

When it comes to linking up with standard DSL routers, users are no longer restricted to a cabled connection, and can connect to the new SmartHome Base wirelessly via Wi-Fi instead. As a result, the base can be set up in virtually any location in the home to ensure optimum control of the connected devices and sensors, regardless of the building’s layout. Thanks to its fresh new design, the device blends in seamlessly with its surroundings.

Deutsche Telekom will shortly be adopting a whole range of Homematic IP-based components into the Magenta SmartHome portfolio. These are compatible with both the previous version of the Home Base and with the new SmartHome Base.

Magenta SmartHome supports Sonos speakers

The new version of the Magenta SmartHome app on show at IFA is turning the connected home into a concert hall. The smart speakers from Sonos – the number one for wireless Hi-Fi – are adding high-end audio output to home controls. If you like to be greeted by your favorite tunes when you walk in the door, then a combination of wireless home sound system and intelligent home controls is the perfect package for you.

Compatibility with the Deutsche Telekom app also opens up a lot more opportunities. For example, when away from home, shrewd householders can play the noises of domestic appliances through their speakers to create the impression that somebody is in. What’s more, a carefully timed bark or two is sure to deter unwanted visitors. During an emergency, besides push notifications and text messages, acoustic warning signals can also be played over the Sonos smart speakers. Such options enhance security in connected homes.

Creating a healthier environment between four smart walls

The weather station from Netatmo helps establish a pleasant atmosphere and healthier climate by measuring the temperature, air humidity and air quality, both inside and outside. The Magenta SmartHome app links the weather station with other components in the household to create a healthier home. For example, when combined with lights from Osram and Philips Hue, it can change the color of the lighting and issue a warning if carbon dioxide levels inside get too high. Alternatively, it can trigger a push notification to tell users to improve ventilation because humidity is rising too much. If the weather station notices that climate values are above or below desired levels, it can also automatically initiate the necessary adjustments. For instance, the weather station can switch on a fan when it gets too hot and thus provide a pleasant cooling effect.

Smart lighting thanks to collective light control

Seven leading lighting manufacturers have gotten together with the Lichtforum NRW platform to establish a uniform standard for light controls. It is based on a wireless chip from eQ3 and communicates with the HomeMatic wireless standard. An identical wireless chip (collective light control – clc) is installed in selected lighting products from the seven manufacturers, so that the various lights can all be controlled in the same way. As a result, a large number of new lights from Fischer & Honsel, bpe Licht, Briloner Leuchten, Niermann Standby Sorpetaler Leuchten, Trio and Wofi can be controlled using the new version of the Deutsche Telekom app, making it possible to integrate them into a range of scenarios.

Ease of use and customized help for beginners and pros

The new version of the app makes it especially easy for Deutsche Telekom customers to transform their place of residence into a smart home. The app offers recommendations for 18 different applications, such as “save energy,” “dim the lights,” “a cozy evening” and “off to bed,” making it easier for smart home newbies to get to grips with the technology. Furthermore, the help section has been extended to include a video chat option for personalized support and help videos with practical tips for a range of issues.

Visit Deutsche Telekom’s booth in hall 21 a at the IFA trade show in Berlin from September 02-07 to experience our products and services live. Deutsche Telekom’s entire presence at the trade fair is carbon-neutral − all CO2 emissions generated in setting up and operating the booth are fully offset by carbon-reduction projects abroad.