General Electric’s lesser-known security branch, GE Security, formally launched a new home automation system on Monday, which lives up to GE’s environmentally friend “ecomagination” bent by helping consumers get a handle on utilities, among other things. The SmartCommand control center rolls controls for HVAC, lighting, security, home theater and more into a single touch-screen panel.
The 7.8-inch LCD screen displays a touch-based graphical user interface, allowing homeowners to turn down the heat, dim lights, and even adjust the volume of a stereo with the press of a finger. It serves as the central control center for GE’s SmartCommand line of home automation products, such as the SmartCommand Thermostat. The device can also tie into GE’s other home offerings, including the Concord 4 and NetworkX security system, and it supports standard Universal Power Bus lighting controls.
“SmartCommand gives homeowners unprecedented control over their residential environments – literally at their fingertips,” said Dean Seavers, CEO of GE Security, in a statement. “SmartCommand delivers value to the residential market by integrating multiple advanced entertainment, HVAC, lighting and security control functions into a simple to use and attractive touchscreen-controlled wall unit.”
The SmartCommand LCD panel, which is available now, runs for around $1,000 in most retail outlets.
