When it comes to home automation X10 is pretty much the standard protocol. You can connect all kinds of modules to all kinds of control stations and even build your own modules. Hack a Day shows a DIY guide to build an engine to remotely (or automated) open and close your blinds. It looks like a lot of work and you probably could use some technical know-how but nothing beats a home brew X10 module. If do-it-yourself isn't your cup of tea you could browse Amazon for all kinds of modules (...)  read more

In the future robots will clean our houses. Well, that day is already here. And not by some big talking tin man, the iRobot Roomba is a small intelligent vacuum cleaner that's meant to do it's work as quietly as possible. Yesterday iRobot announced the latest versions of the Rombaa; the 560 and 530. There are some improvements but the basics remain the same. The Roomba comes with a docking station you connect to a wall socket on a place where you won't notice it (for instance underneath (...)  read more

In the car industry this little gadget is old news: a remote control key. But somehow most people are still struggling with their shopping bags in one hand and about 20 keys in the other if they want to open the front door. LOCCA is selling a do-it-yourself kit so you can make any door swing open with the push of a button. It has a range of 50 meters and can store up to 19 keys. Obviously you'll have to install special receivers on you doors but LOCCA claims the installation is a breeze.If those (...)  read more