Dubai is getting smarter with SMART homes

Two companies, Eon and etisalat, teamed up with Samsung, will soon be coming into Dubai's homes with Smart Home technology. This will allow users to control and program every equipment in their homes from utility to entertainment with more advanced applications like home security. The new system involves the use of IP (Internet Protocol). Any appliance plugged into the Internet must have an IP number, and this number allows the object, whether it's a printer or a lighting system, to be controlled by mobile phone, internet, or an internet-enabled PDA. A person will be able to adjust the A/C, turn on the lights and start the dish washer all before leaving work just by sending an SMS to the smart home. It will be interesting to watch this product in a country like dubai which has high levels of disposable income and high rate of residential development. With over 750,000 new units currently either under construction or in the planning stages, the iron is hot enough to be hammered. Eon will open its first store, tentatively scheduled for September 18, at the Mall of the Emirates. The store will contain an e-studio with virtual tours of products, so that customers can experience the simulated deployment of equipment. Prices vary between 1,000 and 10,000 dirham. Etisalat, who has teamed up with Samsung to provide the Homevita. Unlike Eon, most of the home automation offered from etisalat will not come from a box. Instead, the company is working with project developers to offer the customized solutions according to the specific needs of each project.