This week’s SmartHome roundup features a new entrant on the home automation front, a company that may have abandoned the smart home, and support for home automation extends to Android.

Verizon halts home monitoring and control service

.

John Columbus, Verizon’s official spokesperson, recently revealed  that the company has stopped offering Home Monitoring and Control services to new clients since October of last year.  FiOS customers who are already subscribed to the $9.99 monthly service plan will be the only ones to continue using the service.  It’s quite baffling as to why Verizon would choose to abandon the home automation market just when it’s gaining traction, but Columbus stated that the company is not totally abandoning it, it’s only rethinking its strategy.

Most new home automation devices offer wireless connectivity and this may be one area Verizon will be improving its offering.  Columbus also noted that current subscribers are no longer able to buy new equipment, which means Verizon could be working on new devices for its home automation service.  Verizon might relaunch the service featuring new equipment and more home automation capabilities and compatibility.

Hammacher Schlemmer gets smart

 .

Hammacher Schlemmer, an online and catalogue retailer, is stepping up to the plate of home automation with its Smartphone Light and Appliance Controller.

The system includes a plug-in dimmer for a lamp, a wall dimmer for a ceiling fixture, a plug-in on/off switch for a single appliance such as a TV or stereo, and a base station that acts as communication and control center for all the connected home appliances that connects to your existing home network.

An app is available for both iOS and Android which will allow you to control the appliances even when you’re out.  The best part is, the whole system only costs $149.95.  So if you want to get started in your smart home project, this may be one of your cheapest options.

Piper Android app

 .

Pipper, the home automation and security system that has been rolled up into a sleek package, recently pushed out to consumers in North America with price starting at $239.  In lieu of this rollout, Blacksumac, the brains behind Piper, released an Android app for Piper.  In order to gain market dominance, it is pertinent that home automation solutions are compatible with what users are already using and focusing on only one mobile platform is not wise.  The roll out of the Android Piper app will allow more consumers to experience the power of this little device.

The smart, connected home is more accessible to users than ever before,” said Russell Ure, CEO and co-founder of Blacksumac, Inc. “Consumers want to connect with their home in a simple and intuitive way, and future connected home offerings will be guided by technology that anticipates what we need and is controlled naturally. We’re thrilled to extend consumers the option to connect with their homes via Piper through any Android device.”