We've seen plenty of interesting Siri hacks over the last couple of months, but here's a slightly more seasonal variation.  The guys over at iHomeTouch have married a little X10 Home Automation with a Spotify playlist all kicked off using SiriProxy.  The macro is launched in an interactive conversation with Siri.  Check out the video below...

Marmitek's ever expanding catalogue of useful devices for your digital home gets another new addition this week with the launch of the BoomBoom 152 Bluetooth Music Receiver.  The unit employs a similar set-up to many ceiling speakers, using a single mid/bass driver along with 2 horizontally opposed tweeters to give a stereo image. Its built in rechargeable batteries give up to 8 hours service and at under £50 it's an inexpensive way to free the music on your smartphone or tablet...

Almost 4 years ago we ran an article on the news that 220v Insteon was coming to the UK and Europe.  For one reason or another this didn't happen but today we're delighted to be the first blog to be given the exclusive news direct from Joe Dada that "The long wait is near its end."  We can confirm European spec Insteon units are already in use on trials and they will ship in 2012....

Perceptive Automation have announced the next major release of their Mac Home Automation software - Indigo v5.0.  The OSX application forms the centre of a sophisticated whole-house control system.  Of note in the new release is the addition of a plugin architecture allowing anyone to implement a connection to the software using Python.  A new "Condition Editor" (see screen shot below) allows users to easily build complex rule based macros in a similar way to creating a smart play list in iTunes...

A couple of weeks ago a group of enthusiasts got together in London for an un-conference, Home Camp 4.  A technical community interested in using open systems and low-cost, often re-purposed hardware to change the way they use energy and appliances around the home.  Editing of the videos has been completed and you can watch the 7 presentations on-line...

The confirmation that WebBrick is no more was sad news.  But if you're looking for a similar home automation controller then the Loxone Miniserver should float your boat.  The hardware specs include 24 I/Os, built in Web Interface, iOS / Andriod Apps and EIB / KNX Compatibility.  Check out the full specs and videos after the jump...

These days everybody needs a home server to store all their music, movies, photos and other media. Now you can all have one thanks to HP's £100 cash back deal on their ProLiant MicroServers. We found this one on Amazon at £215 making it just £115 after the refund.  Read on for the rest of the links and the model number you can get this deal on which ends soon...

These Fibaro modules are designed to be retrofitted behind your existing light and appliance switches, converting them to the wireless Z-Wave home automation system.  Makers claim a 5 minute install time and there are 4 different types available, a universal dimmer, a motor controller for blinds and shutters, plus two relays to switch loads of 1.5kw or 3kw...

Cytech continue to develop and expand their smart home security system launching their new range of 'Designer' keypads.  The KP06 features interchangeable frames in various finishes including metal, glass and wood.  The KPP06 version is designed to fit standard System 55 KNX frames and the pad can be used to control lighting, heating, air conditioning and other home appliances...

While this project is aimed at huge data centres, many Automated Home readers have several rackmount servers controlling all aspects of their home automation systems (view some photos of them here).  Running costs that few used to worried about, are now much more significant with recent energy cost rises.  So these HP Project Moonshot low energy ARM SOC servers could have a bearing on the future in the home too.  Check out the videos and the PR after the jump...