By partnering with BestBuy, Time Warner Cable is providing an online retail route for users of its IntelligentHome monitoring and automation service.
The deal with BestBuy allows IntelligentHome users to buy “smart” door locks, light bulbs and in-wall light switches that they can then self-install via a touchscreen.
The home automation and security sector, which is a pre-cursor to the “Internet of Things,” is chock full of competitors, but Time Warner Cable’s agreement with BestBuy allows its users to tailor the service to their needs without interacting with the cable operator.
Last year Google acquired Firebase, which allows smart home devices and smartphones to interact with Firebase’s cloud-hosted database. Also last year, Apple announced it was joining the smart home sector with its HomeKit service. On the retail side, Lowe’s and Staples have smart home offerings in play.
ADT has been a player in the home security game for sometime while Comcast, AT&T, Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks and Cox Communications, among others, are leveraging their existing customer relationships and broadband services to gain entry into the home automation and security sector.
“With the explosion of new, connected devices in the marketplace, we’ve built our IntelligentHome platform to be as open and flexible as possible,” said Adam Mayer, vice president of Time Warner Cable IntelligentHome, which first launched four years ago. “We want our customers to be able to seamlessly integrate the devices they want the most. The new self-install door lock and lighting features available online are just a sampling of what’s possible with the interconnected smart home operating on an open and flexible platform.”
Using the touchscreen, customers follow the pairing instructions included with the device to wirelessly connect it to their IntelligentHome system. The following smart devices can be purchased online from Best Buy:
• Kwikset SmartCode door lock—Provides keyless entry with personalized codes, the ability to set the system to automatically lock the door when IntelligentHome is armed; and lock or unlock the door remotely using the IntelligentHome app or via the secure customer Web site.
• LG Electronics Wireless LED Smart light bulb—Wireless and energy efficient, lasting up to 22 years with regular use. Remotely dim or turn lamps and light fixtures on and off when users are away. Can be used in the most common household lamp and light fixtures.
• GE Zigbee in-wall light switch— Replaces users’ current in-wall switch using their existing wiring to make overhead and in-wall lighting smart. Wireless technology included with the switch lets users control lighting using their laptops, IntelligentHome touchscreen or smart phone. Create settings that automatically turn on and off lights based on a schedule.
Earlier this year, Time Warner Cable unveiled new IntelligentHome packaging and pricing that were designed to give users more flexibility.
The new packages included:
• Security – includes touchscreen, two door/window sensors and one motion, glass break detector or an additional door/window sensor, for a one-time equipment charge of $99.99
• Security and energy – includes all security package elements plus one thermostat, for a one-time equipment charge of $149.99
• Security and video view – includes all security package elements plus one indoor/outdoor camera, for a one-time equipment charge of $149.99
• Security, video view and energy – includes all security package elements plus one thermostat and one indoor/outdoor camera, for a one-time equipment charge of $199.99
Customers can also add a variety of a la carte equipment options, such as additional sensors, cameras, lights and other safety devices to create a customized home automation solution to meet their needs and budget. IntelligentHome starts at $39.99 per month and requires Time Warner Cable’s broadband service.