Technology during this generation has undergone some truly amazing changes. However, it could be argued that the iPhone played a huge part in revolutionizing the smartphone industry. The iPhone was first announced in January of 2007 at the MacWorld convention, and has been the subject of extensive media coverage ever since. In June, Apple announced that the iPhone would support third-party applications. Today, there are thousands of different applications for the iPhone, which can do anything from recording song lyrics, to turning your iPhone into a lightsaber. However, one of the more practical applications for the iPhone has been related to monitor a user’s home security.
There are a several different applications for the iPhone whihc allow a user to access their security system. One of the most popular applications is from iControl Networks. This special application has the following features:
Allows Arming/Disarming of Security System
Have you ever left your home, and forgotten to arm your security system? With iControl’s security app, you can arm or disarm your security system directly from your iPhone. This helps you to have greater versatility in ensuring that your home is protected.
Control Locks
If your security system supports it, you may also be able to lock or unlock specific areas of your home by entering a command on your iPhone. This feature may also require you to have compatible locking mechanisms.
View Video
Directly from your iPhone, you will also be able to view a live feed of the video being captured by your video surveillance system. You can even selectively record specific segments of video, or take a screen capture photo.
Control Lights
With the correct setup, iControl also allows you to turn the lights in your home on/off.
Text Message Alerts
The iControl app is also able to send you text messages updating you about the security of your home. These text messages can be programmed to be activated when an event does/does not happen. For example, you may be able to receive a text message when your daughter hasn’t returned home from school by 5pm.
Works with Security System
So far, it looks like the security systems that will able to work with the iControl app include:
- GE Simon 3
- GE Simon XT
- GE Concord
- Honeywell Vista
- Honeywell Lynx
Thermostat Control
If you return home from work late on a chilly winter night, it can be nice to walk in to a nice heated living room. However, leaving your heat on all day isn’t very energy efficient. With iControl, you can have direct control over your thermostat’s settings.
Automate Your Energy Settings
Aside from giving you direct control over lights and thermostat settings, iControl can also be used to automate your home. You can schedule your lights to turn on at a specific time each day, which can be changed right from your iPhone. You may also set your thermostat to turn up or down automatically depending on the time of day.
Home Health Care Settings
If you are caring for an elderly family member, you may be concerned with leaving them at home alone. The iControl app allows you integrate with devices such as medicine cabinet sensors, motion detectors, wireless health monitors and other devices. These devices can be programmed to alert you on your iPhone via text message if there are any significant changes.
A Review from CPI Security of their “inTouch” service, which offers similiar features (such as arming/disarming a security system from your mobile phone).
