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Apple in Talks to Acquire Home Automation Firm R2 Studios

Thursday December 20, 2012 11:56 am PST by Jordan Golson
Apple, Microsoft and Google are all potential buyers for home automation firm R2 Studios, part of the id8 Group founded by Blake Krikorian, according to the Wall Street Journal. He was the founder of Sling Media, makers of the SlingBox that was later sold to EchoStar/Dish Network.

R2 Studios sole public product is an Android client for Crestron whole-home control systems. Crestron released its own clients for the iPhone and iPad several years ago.

Crestron
R2 Studios, which is developing home-media and automation technology, has remained largely mum about its plans but last year released an app that turns Android phones into touch panels for controlling heating and lighting systems wirelessly. R2 Studios also holds some patents related to controlling electronic devices and interfaces.

The status of the discussion and terms under consideration remain unclear. A deal may not happen and some talks may be preliminary.
The WSJ reports that R2 also owns some patents related to "controlling electronic devices and interfaces", in addition to its existing app work. R2 could fit in nicely with Apple's rumored expansion plans, including its efforts to remake television viewing.


The market for home automation has been seeing a lot of activity recently, with former Apple executive Tony Fadell's company releasing the Nest thermostat last year. AT&T has announced plans to get into the home automation market as well.
[ 77 comments ]

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gmanist1000
22 weeks ago
When Siri turns into Jarvis.
Rating: 11 Positives
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Benjamins
22 weeks ago
You know who Apple should buy?
Nest.
Rating: 6 Positives
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etarip
22 weeks ago
Apple should buy Control4. That would be a nice fit
Rating: 3 Positives
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Jaro65
22 weeks ago
Would love to have that capability on my iPhone and iPad! My Harmony remote is not bad, but it could do so much more.
Rating: 3 Positives
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pacalis
22 weeks ago

I am way, way, way ahead of all of this with my Universal Devices ISY and Insteon control of my home. I can access everything via my iPad and iPhone from anywhere on earth and know the status of appliances, HVAC, the pool pump, lighting and even the electric blanket on the bed. I can control my thermostat and the system acts as a load controller during peak demand hours. I am already living in the future today. Hehehe....ahead of the curve for once!


Somehow this doesn't sound like an impulse purchase my mother would make.
:)
Rating: 2 Positives
Avatar
Jaro65
22 weeks ago

If Apple thinks the TV is a hobby, what would they consider this? I don't see it happening.


But Tim recently stated in his Forbes interview that they have an intense interest in this hobby.
Rating: 2 Positives
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johncrab
22 weeks ago
I have grown this system for years starting with basic X10 on/off control from RF keypads. Then I added a timer interface and then software to program a plug-in controller. Today I'm using the ISY which has its own web/Java interface which can be configured from any computer on the network.

I have motion sensors which turn on groups of lights and other lights which come on based on sunrise and sunset times. It's not something one jumps into all at once. You have to walk before you can fly but I almost never have to turn on a light switch (or remember to turn it off. By controlling the pool pump and large appliances to control peak demand, I have cut my power bill by 54%. It can even email me to let me know if things are on at the wrong times or don't come back on properly or when certain sensors are tripped.

Not everyone is this nuts about home control or needs to be but the technology is already here and it's fun as well as being very practical.

http://sales.universal-devices.com

Somehow this doesn't sound like an impulse purchase my mother would make.
:)

Rating: 1 Positives
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z3r0
22 weeks ago
Savant Systems would be a better acquisition:

http://www.savantsystems.com/savant_and_apple.aspx (http://www.savantsystems.com/savant_and_apple.aspx)
Rating: 1 Positives
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Navdakilla
22 weeks ago

Home automation is a great area for expansion. Think what Apple has done so far has been life-changing? Think of what they could do with home automation.


If apple came out with something like this, I would purchase it with no hesitation. The ease of use and hassle free setup that they have on existing products put them over android for me (I have a buddy with a android/windows 7 ecosystem and my apple setup is wayyyyy better).

I could only imagine how they would takeover home automation
Rating: 1 Positives
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ncaissie
22 weeks ago
If Apple can simplify things that would be awesome.
I want my TV to pause or my phone to buzz when someone rings the doorbell then have my phone and/or TV to show me the person. That would be great. Then I want simple but complete control over TV, Light, Thermostat, Stove, Blinds, faucets and such. But I want it to be smart like turn on and off as I enter rooms or say a command. I want it to do things like Siri and keep track of my schedule and leave messages for the wife and kids.

I know there are pieces of tech out there that do all this but it would be nice to have it in one package before I die. I think when I build my house I will incorporate these things. :D
Rating: 1 Positives

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