European Custom Installer

Global IP intercom provider 2N is the latest Crestron integration partner-- bringing a firmware update to 2N video intercom door stations adding compliance with Crestron Rava SIP intercom and phone technology.

As a result, 2N intercoms integrate intuitively with Crestron TSW-x60 touchscreens, providing a premium video intercom able to seamlessly integrate with 3rd party electronic door locks. The integration includes support for all 2N IP models, with Quick Actions to unlock 3rd party electronic door locks, turn on porch lights, open gates and more.

Japanese "calm design" company Mui Lab has a solution for the control of home automation systems so stripped down it consists of little more than a slab of wood, if one featuring a touch interface and internet connectivity.

First launched on Kickstarter back on October 2018 before the inevitable CES 2019 appearance, the Mui uses iFTT to connect with smart home devices such as Sonos speakers, Nest thermostats and Philips Hue lighting. The simple UI features a home screen with 5 icons for weather, temperature, lighting, Spotify and smart doorbell control, and control involves a combination of swipes and taps.

The Link Bar is an interesting proposition from JBL-- an Android TV-powered soundbar with built-in Google Assistant, allowing for voice control of a number of features and even compatible smart home devices.

First announced at Google I/O 2018 before a showing at CES 2019, the JBL Link Bar doubles as an Android TV box and features a built-in Chromecast, providing an array of media sources for customers. A Privacy Switch feature allows one to disable the microphones in case they do not need the virtual assistant, and they can also use Google Assistant while the TV is off.

Samsung shows off a possible glimpse of the future at CES 2019 with an update on the MicroLED technology seen a year ago-- specifically in the shape of a 75-inch 4K TV built using multiple microLED modules.

MicroLED technology was first seen in the shape of The Wall, a gigantic 146-inch display. The 75-inch model at CES 2019 is more suitable for the living room, but is built using the same foundation of "individual modules of self-emissive MicroLEDs, featuring millions of inorganic red, green and blue microscopic LED chips that emit their own light to produce brilliant colors on screen."

Appliance maker Whirlpool takes to CES 2019 with a futuristic spin of the humble oven-- the Connected Hub Wall Oven replaces the traditional glass door window with a 27-inch transparent LCD display complete with touch interface.

The work of W Labs innovation incubator, the Connected Hub Wall Oven pairs with the Whirlpool Yummly app to help customers with cooking. It integrates with family calendars, and suggests appropriate recipes according to the time the family can get together. For instance, if the oven notices a 45-minute window for dinner, it will prompt a quick recipe. In addition, suggestions are further personalised according to family preferences.

The aforementioned transparent LCD display shows step-by-step video instructions, eliminating the need for cookbooks by prompting recipe steps at the right moment. It even shows instructions as to how to use the oven (such as what rack to put the food on) for the "optimal cooking experience," while an internal vision system with "extreme zoom" allows one to check on food without opening the oven door.