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November 29, 2008 12:30 PM PST

Nokia wants to make your home much smarter

by Philip Wong
Nokia Home Control Center solution (Credit: Ubergizmo)

Wouldn't it be nice if you could manage all your home appliances, electronics, entertainment, and security, plus your climate control system, from your mobile phone? That is exactly what Nokia is promising with its Home Control Center solution.

The beauty of this Linux-based platform is its comprehensive compatibility with most existing smart home technologies. This allows a unified user interface for these competing offerings which can be conveniently accessed from a mobile phone and Web browser.

Though detailed implementation of the Nokia Home Control Center is sketchy at the moment, the system seems to be centered on a miniature gateway (PDF) featuring Wi-Fi, GSM, GRPS, and Z-Wave wireless connectivity.

Another function that caught our attention was its remote access capability. This should give users the added convenience of accessing their home gadgets from the office, in the car on the way home, etc. That's not all. Did we mention Web, media and e-mail server expansion options, as well?

It's still unclear how an infrared or standalone product such as a flat-panel TV can be integrated into the Nokia system. That said, one of our editors will be heading to Europe soon to find out more. Stay tuned for full coverage.

(Source: Crave Asia via Ubergizmo)

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