I was toying with ideas for home automation systems before I discovered that the risk/reward curve for internet based businesses is pretty neat.
I do remember that home automation systems usually are the lowest priority while building a new house, so a good entry in the market would be to make it dead-easy to fit into an existing house. One solution I thought was viable were small bluetooth enabled switches any DIY guy can install either as a socket adaptor or to be installed in an existing light switch wiring.
This could then be hooked up by bluetooth or zigbee to check which devices are on and in the case of lights, turn them off remotely.
Advanced uses can be measuring and controlling power or simulating daytime routines when you are away on vacation as an anti-burglary measure.
Obviously I never built this, nor did I invest in acquiring the skillset to build this. However, I would have made the effort to get the skillset by now if the internet wouldn't have existed.
I do remember that home automation systems usually are the lowest priority while building a new house, so a good entry in the market would be to make it dead-easy to fit into an existing house. One solution I thought was viable were small bluetooth enabled switches any DIY guy can install either as a socket adaptor or to be installed in an existing light switch wiring. This could then be hooked up by bluetooth or zigbee to check which devices are on and in the case of lights, turn them off remotely.
Advanced uses can be measuring and controlling power or simulating daytime routines when you are away on vacation as an anti-burglary measure.
Obviously I never built this, nor did I invest in acquiring the skillset to build this. However, I would have made the effort to get the skillset by now if the internet wouldn't have existed.