The latest mobile app designed for home automation comes from Silicon Valley. Roomie Remote has introduced the Roomie app, a new 3.0 version of the app that allows users to have complete control of their lights, shades, music, and TV wirelessly and at a fraction of the cost of traditional home automation systems. The Roomie app replaces systems that require built-in touch panels and are notoriously priced above what most consumers can or want to pay.
Originally released in 2010 as an app for iOS devices, the new Roomie 3.0 app has added compatibility for iOS 8 and network control of Apple TV and Nest thermostats. Sonos group control, Lutron Triggers, and other enhancements are also part of the 3.0 release.
Roomie features an array of network device recognition protocols that automatically detect supported devices on home Wi-Fi networks. Roomie is compatible with thousands of modern IP controlled devices.
For infrared devices, the new Roomie Blaster adapters, introduced as part of the 3.0 launch, are the size of a memory stick and provide Ethernet or Wi-Fi connectivity to infrared (IR) or serial (RS232) components for seamless integration with the Roomie app.
Roomie Remote, Inc. was founded by CEO Will Price after the sale of PGP Corporation, a data security startup he co-founded, was sold to Symantec (SYMC) in 2010.
After fifteen years in the industry, Price saw software become increasingly Enterprise-specific and expensive to the point that put it out of reach of the average consumer. Realizing the right product simply didn’t exist, Price founded Roomie Remote with the mission to put easy-to-use, integrated home automation software in the hands of consumers.
“Roomie solves a paradigm in home automation by giving consumers complete control with an app that is feature rich, affordable and easy to use and maintain over time,” said Price. “Version 3.0 is a huge release for us with breakthrough network control of Apple TV added to our existing iTunes and Sonos support. We have also added support for Nest and triggers that allow Roomie actions to be initiated from external devices like Lutron keypads and Sonance LaunchPort with Buttons. We’re truly moving to the next level with this release.”
Roomie is available for purchase on the Apple app store and subscription-based pricing allows customers to choose a service plan duration. In-app upgrades can be purchased to add support for additional devices beyond the base offering of three devices.
