I should have said "Home automation for the masses."
I know, I worked at a startup in the space. The people who are capable of spending the money will spend the extra necessary to get someone to install it for them. The people who would install it themselves can't afford even the basic systems, as you need quite a few devices before the things get useful.
The most profitable use we ever found for it was to provide light switches and thermostats in hotels, in places where the wiring in the walls wouldn't allow. That's about it.
One definition of cheap would be something like $0.10 for self contained electronics in a light bulb. Then the installation is practically an accident.
(I think home automation sounds like a neat idea, but I always end up trying to figure out $10 of value that it would provide...)
> $0.10 for self contained electronics in a light bulb
I guess we'll get there at some point, but I'd rather prefer a $.10 for a wall-socket adapter with electronics. Much more versatile. I'd buy truckload of these and connect all stuff through it. As for lights, why not $.10 light bulb slot adapter?
> I think home automation sounds like a neat idea, but I always end up trying to figure out $10 of value that it would provide...
I know, I worked at a startup in the space. The people who are capable of spending the money will spend the extra necessary to get someone to install it for them. The people who would install it themselves can't afford even the basic systems, as you need quite a few devices before the things get useful.
The most profitable use we ever found for it was to provide light switches and thermostats in hotels, in places where the wiring in the walls wouldn't allow. That's about it.