I have to admit that in between all of the wise cracks about
Apple’s unfortunately named tablet PC, the iPad, one thought really
nagged at me. What would the iPad mean to the touchpanel business that
sits smack in the middle of so many designs by so many CEDIA-channel
integrators?
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Crestron's Apple iPad and iPhone interfaces
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This past Friday,
Crestron did it’s part to remain
ahead of the game, at least for now, when it launched a download from
the iTunes App Store designed to transform the iPad into a full
Crestron touchpanel. According to the Rockleigh, New Jersey,
manufacturer, a tap on the Apple tablet screen provides real-time
control of Crestron AV systems, lighting, shades, and room
temperatures, from any location.
Just like the iPhone and iPod
touch, the iPad can seamlessly communicates with a Crestron control
system via the 3G, 3GS, or EDGE cellular networks or Wi-Fi, according
to the company.
“Crestron is committed to offering great
solutions for integrating Apple products into the home, school, and
office,” Crestron director of marketing Vincent Bruno stated. “Our
Mobile apps are fully compatible with the iPad, and we’re delighted to
add the iPad to our selection of Apple-based solutions.”
Another
Apple-based Crestron product is the iServer, an audio server that uses
an iPod as its internal hard drive. Crestron XPanel for Mac also
delivers remote access and control of Crestron systems from any
connected iMac or MacBook, and Crestron iPod docks provide all the
connectivity needed to share audio and video throughout an entire home
or office AV system.