This week’s SmartHome roundup features: the new smart home platform unveiled at IFA 2013, a new home automation store, and a new way for people to maximize use of solar panels while conserving energy.

A camera and the cloud

At IFA 2013 a trio of companies including GEO Semiconductor Inc., a semiconductor and software company specializing in camera and projection solutions, Shaspa, a leading provider of a service delivery framework for smart building projects, and Tatung, a company that designs and manufactures an array of digital consumer products, including personal computers, liquid crystal display televisions, plasma displays, network-connected devices, storage-based media players, videophones and home appliances, announced a new smart home solution.

GEO and Shaspa unveiled the iamus HD Cam solution that allows people to view live video and audio feeds of their homes via an iOS or Android app.  The technology is the culmination of GEO’s unique image and video processing technologies and Shaspa’s software and connectivity.  Everything will be stored in the cloud.  As for Tatung’s part, it and Shaspa developed a platform that would allow users to control air conditioners, thermostats and lighting systems with the use of a mobile device.  Everything is made possible by Shaspa Bridge which acts as a central hub for all your automation need.

Amazon’s home automation store

Web retail giant Amazon launched a new storefront dedicated for home automation solutions.  It has everything you need in transforming your home into something you can control using your smartphone.

From thermostats to door locks, cameras and security systems — you name it, Amazon will have the items shipped right to your door.  Amazon even offers user guides so you’ll know where to start your home automation and how to choose the right system for your home.

Nest + Sunrun : solution to save on electricity bill

Nest Labs, the maker of the aesthetically pleasing smart thermostat, and Sunrun, a company that specializes in solar power solutions, have teamed up to offer a money-saving, solar power-maximizing solution.  The offer started last week wherein all those who purchase a Sunrun package will be given a free Nest Learning Thermostat for only $249.

Sunrun offers a way for homes to use solar energy without having to pay the full price of having solar panels and batteries installed. Nest’s smart thermostat helps you in reducing energy consumption.  All you need it to teach Nest by changing the temperature for a few days like colder temperature during the day and a warmer temperature during the night, after that Nest Sense will be able to to tell when your temperature preferences and automatically activate features to help you save on your electric consumption.  By using these two, you could be seeing hundreds of dollars being shaved off your electric bill.