The ZigBee Alliance ratifies the 1.2 update of the ZigBee Home Automation standard, and makes it available for product development. The new version is fully interoperable with earlier versions of the standard.

Zigbee Home Automation 1.2 includes enhancements to the functions of devices such as door locks. It also expands support for smart appliances and electrical measurement devices through the results of collaboration with the Energy@home initiative.

Microsoft releases the Lab of Things (LoT)-- a software platform designed to help researchers launch home automation trials building on the company's earlier work in the field, namely HomeOS.

Revealed back in 2012, HomeOS was the next step in the Microsoft home automation dream first expressed by Bill Gates over 10 years ago at Comdex. It follows the desktop PC model, with "all devices in the home appear as peripherals connected to a single logical PC."

LoT is cloud-based addition to the HomeOS concept, with smart devices automatically appearing on a web-based interface. According to MIT Technology Review, the system recognises sensors as soon as they are connected to the same network and allows one to remotely check on various devices (such as security cameras) and receive custom alerts via email.

2 Save Energy launches the OWL Intuition "smart" heating controls based on its wireless technology, saying heating "finally caught up with the internet age."

The system allows customers to control and adjust heating and hot water settings via the OWL Intelligent Cloud software platform. The web dashboard is easy to use and accessible from any device with an internet connection.

The company offers installers a pair of different systems-- one for combi boilers, the other for conventional systems.

A Texas-based startup has an interesting connected home control proposition with WigWag, a sensor and hub package allowing users to create own automation rules via mobile device app and a simple web-based GUI.

As well as the app the WigWag system contains 3 components-- the Relay, Sensor Block and Glowline. The basic idea involves sensors working with the Relay to trigger user-defined actions, be it sending a tweet or switching lights on or off.

The Relay is a wireless hub connecting the system and 3rd party devices to a subscription-based WigWag cloud service. It connects to online services including email and Twitter, and communicates with devices via wifi, IP, RS-232, Z-Wave and Bluetooth.

BitWise Controls starts shipping of the long-awaited BC2 automation controller-- basically a mid-sized version of the company's BC1 controller with an updated IR chip.

The IR chip allows the BC2 to transmit a broader array of infrared signals than the BC1. Connectivity options include x2 USB, ethernet, x4 routable IR, x2 RS232, x2 relays and x2 I/O ports.

BitWise also adds a new browsable database with both common and obscure codes, a new standalone USB learner and the latest Project Editor version (1.9).

Go BitWise Controls BC2 Automation Controller

Automated Control Technology Partners (ACTP) provides further details on Turn it On (TiO) as it builds up to launch the Android-based home automation system at InfoComm 2013.

The initial product offering features wifi-based streaming, multi-zone audio, wireless lighting and climate control. ACTP promises the second round of product launches will focus on easy 3rd party integration, with security, camera and entertainment subsystem support.

"The TiO home automation solution is built from the ground up with the central focus on the customer experience," ACTP founder and CEO Mike Anderson says. "Today's home automation customers want a solution that empowers them to easily create relaxing and comforting moods and experiences in their home. In the past, making changes to automation systems was difficult and often required an integrator to visit the home. With TiO, the customer is in control once the system is installed and configured."

The TiO system is based around "Moods" and "Experiences." Moods are adjustable single-room events users create by adjusting room elements (lighting levels, temperature, music source/volume) before saving settings by pressing a single button.