As one of the first global technology companies, Panasonic uses the ULE standard for its smart home solutions. The Japanese manufacturer has just launched a complete home networking system based on ULE. The solution gives consumers the ability to remotely check on their home and property, as well as simplify their daily lives, Panasonic claims.
“Panasonic has designed the Smart Home system with the needs of the regular person or family firmly in mind,” says Justin Burnell, Sales and Marketing Manager for Panasonic Smart Home at Panasonic. “So far the industry has focused on producing smart devices with one, specific application. But what people really want is a system that helps simplify their life, not complicate it further.”
The system provides a simple way for anyone to link the smart devices like cameras, sensors and plugs, and control them from one app on a tablet or smartphone. Panasonic’s Smart Home system runs on ULE technology, allowing the devices to be connected to the home hub through one push pairing. ULE (Ultra Low Energy) is based on the DECT standard which is used in more than 100 countries worldwide for wireless telephones.
Once linked to the home hub the smart devices can be switched on and off remotely, and the cameras allow for two-way communication. That means that the cameras can be used to instruct a delivery person where to leave a package, or as a baby monitor through which parents can soothe their child with the sound of their voice or one of the inbuilt lullabies.
The system also includes motion sensors which can be used to automate lighting through the ‘rule-builder’ in the app. Rules can be created under ‘home’ and ‘away’ profiles to suit the user’s needs. Whether the user wants lights to come on whilst he is on holiday to discourage burglaries, or wants to receive an alert when the front door opens to make sure that, for example, the kids got home safe from school, the Smart Home system can be arranged in a network that suits the user.
The ULE technology makes the system one of the safest networks on the market. The Ultra Low Energy standard also has a superior range to other smart home standards, and can transmit data, voice and video. Like all ULE-based products, Panasonic’s Smart Home system won’t interfere with other devices in and around the house like Wi-Fi components, and the signal works reliably over distances of up to 300 metres. This means that the smart devices can be used to alert the user to anyone entering outbuildings, sheds and garages. According to Panasonic, the value of the contents of the average UK shed is nearly £600.
Earlier this year, the ULE Alliance, a not-for-profit organisation, launched a certification programme for ULE products which ensures that certified products from different companies can be easily combined in one network. According to the ULE Alliance, the first products have just passed the certification progress: a garage door sensor and a switch from VTech. At the time of the launch, Panasonic’s new smart home system hasn’t been certified. As Panasonic is a member of the ULE Alliance, one can speculate that the company will get their products certified in the future.
Panasonic offers the Smart Home network in three packages, ranging from a starter kit for £129.99 to a home monitoring and control kit for £229.99 which includes a home hub, indoor camera, window sensors and a smart plug.
The system is available to purchase from the 17th July 2015 on Currys’ website, as well as directly from Panasonic’s eShop.
More information can be found on www.panasonic.co.uk/smarthome