Perth-based technology company Airstream has launched a wireless, smart lighting product, iLight, which allows users to experience more than 16 million colour shades in their homes or offices.
iLight can connect with other automated home devices via a smartphone app. Airstream co-founder Mike Temple says what differentiates iLight from existing wireless lighting is its ability to integrate with other systems, including Airstream’s air conditioning system, iZone.
“Home automation hasn’t really changed over the past 30 years,” Temple said. “Costs have been prohibitive up to now, stalling demand. Older non-wireless smart lighting systems could cost $20,000 or more to install, whereas our iLight wireless system costs a fraction of that at around $1,000.
“iLight can connect with iZone and other systems with the touchscreen interface or via their own separate apps, advancing home automation technology further than ever before. Currently, other home smart lighting systems do not have this level of integration with other devices, limiting their ability to fully automate home functionality.”
Airstream recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with WA builder Blueprint Homes to promote iLight and iZone systems as part of some of their home building packages.
Blueprint Homes General Manager Craig Park said the company was excited to introduce cutting edge home automation to its customers.
“Home automation is set to accelerate, and we are pleased to offer West Australian homeowners a unique opportunity to be amongst the first to harness this technology through iLight and iZone,” Park said.
Airstream co-founder Walter Kimble said the company is an approved partner of IFTTT, an application that allows users to connect apps to work together as a series of user-specific ‘recipes’. More than 200 companies partner with IFTTT, including Apple, Google, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
“Our engineers are working with IFTTT to develop our user experience in building recipes to conveniently link home systems,” Kimble said.
Mr Kimble said Airstream’s vision was to further develop smart home technology, with systems controlled intuitively from one device. In addition to iLight and IZone, Airstream is planning to release more automated home systems next year.
“We are working to extend our range, and are currently developing wireless and connected garden reticulation and security systems,” Mr Kimble said. “I see the evolution of home automation as similar to the changes in the taxi industry through apps such as Uber, allowing customers to take control and reduce costs considerably.”
iLight systems can be installed using the existing sockets, without needing an electrician. It has the option to add wireless light and motion sensors to the system, as well as responding to fading daylight and people entering and leaving rooms.
“As the sun goes down, iLight can automatically increase in brightness, and similarly lights can be dimmed or turned off in unoccupied rooms,” said Kimble. “It’s also been designed to mimic the circadian rhythm, or body clock. This feature can help people maintain more consistent sleep cycles, such as those suffering from jet lag or children that may be affected by extended daylight during summer.”
