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If you're serious about home automation then you'll probably want a powerful controller at the heart of your system.
Polish smart home specialist, Fibaro have launched just such a device, and the new "Home Center 2" is a handsome aluminum clad Z-Wave system which the makers say "redefines Z-Wave based home automation and introduces the real Home Intelligence".After several years of R&D, Fibaro launched a range of innovative Z-Wave micro-modules last year and now they've followed up with this controller. A quick and easy setup is promised and there's a clever backup routine built into the box that keeps a copy of your schedule on a USB stick. Fibaro are promising an efficient system but also point out that the 1.6GHz Atom powering the Home Center 2 means it is "much, much faster" than any other Z-Wave gateway currently available.  The box is programmed and controlled through a web browser and the UI looks very impressive. The previous generations home automation controllers sparse text interfaces have been superseded by something much more 21st century. This is what people expect to see in the age of the iPad and if the user experience lives up to the promise of the screens shots it should be a joy to use.
The controller adds a new "Linked Devices" function, allowing you to have several modules appear as one virtual device. Perhaps all your radiators on the ground floor, or a combination of lights and sensors etc. Home Center 2 also offers a geo-location function that can track and locate family members (fathers of teenage daughters rejoice). Complex macros can be built easily using the systems graphical "Scene Interface" without a iine of code in sight. 
- Extremely efficient hardware architecture = fastest device of the type in the World,
- Ultra low energy consumption,
- Remote access via web page or mobile phone,
- Simple, user friendly interface,
- Fast and simple configuration,
- Geo localization – tracking Your family members,
- SMS notification,
- Manageable users’ rights,
- Various devices’ associations,
- Conditioning scenes depending on weather or other, user-defined variables,
- Advanced recovery system,
- System backup is always saved on attached pen drive, hidden in the casing,
- History of events.
We'll be reviewing the Home Center 2 once we get our hands on one of the first units into the country. Available within the next few weeks, you can pre-order the Home Center 2 now priced at around £500. www.fibaro.com : Available from Vesternet.com Want More? - You should follow us on Twitter, Like us on Facebook, or subscribe to our RSS feed. You can even get these news stories delivered via email, straight to your inbox every day.
hardware
new products
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