Source: HotWire

SmartHome Ventures Launches PEQ Home Automation Service, Bringing the Connected Home to the Everyday Consumer

Available on www.mypeq.com and Through a Growing Network of Mass Market Online and In-Store Distribution Partners

KANSAS CITY, MO--(Marketwired - Aug 18, 2014) - SmartHome Ventures today announced the launch of PĒQ (pronounced "peek"), the company's flagship service designed to bring professional grade home automation to the everyday consumer. PĒQ is a comprehensive home automation service that allows consumers to view, manage, and receive alerts from their homes through a single app on their smartphone, tablet or PC. PĒQ is simple enough for the average consumer to install in 30 minutes or less, and is available through a growing network of online and in-store distribution partners. With powerful, state-of-the-art technology and a growing suite of interoperable devices, PĒQ is the industry's first home automation service to deliver a truly flexible and scalable whole-home solution to the mass market at an affordable price, and with no contract requirement.

According to a recent Forrester report, one-third of consumers say they are interested in the connected home, but only 1-2 percent have connected devices to control lighting, climate, energy, appliances or to provide remote home management.

"With widespread adoption of broadband internet, smartphones and tablets, consumers are ready to embrace the concept of a smart home," says Ted Schremp, chief executive officer of SmartHome Ventures. "However, consumers are still hesitant because of the lack of a simple, affordable, and consistently reliable platform. With PĒQ, we're making home automation easy, reliable and accessible through a consumer friendly design, a rigorous lab certification process for devices, ongoing firmware and app updates, and dedicated customer support."

How PĒQ Works

For just $9.99 a month and no contract, PĒQ offers customers the convenience of monitoring and controlling their home from a single, easy-to-use app. 

Getting started with PĒQ is easy. Customers begin by purchasing a PĒQ starter kit for $119.99, which includes a PĒQ hub for connectivity, and one PĒQ door & window sensor. Customers can then customize their PĒQ system according to their unique needs by choosing from a variety of devices including the PĒQ camera, smart thermostat, light and appliance modules, motion sensor, water sensor and carbon monoxide detector. All are designed for easy installation and activation, with no technical knowledge required. A typical customer can set up the system in less than 30 minutes. 

All devices are interoperable, and managed through a single, user-friendly app. In addition to being able to monitor and manage their home from their smartphone, tablet or PC, PĒQ's monthly service allows customers to:

  • Easily create simple yet powerful custom rules that personalize their service, making it simple to tell devices when to turn on or off, how to interact with each other and when and how to contact the end user via e-mail or text message
  • Stream live video to their smartphone, tablet or computer and record and store video clips and pictures either on demand or based on triggering events such as motion or the opening of a door
  • Receive ongoing free software updates to their apps and devices so that they'll always work well together
  • Add an unlimited number of OpenHome Certified devices to the system anytime with no additional monthly fee
  • Access PĒQ's dedicated customer care team seven days a week

The PĒQ Platform

PĒQ's operating system is powered by Icontrol Networks, and all devices are lab certified to ensure the highest level of device security, performance, and interoperability so consumers can add as many new devices to their system as they want, whenever they want, with complete confidence.

"Icontrol is excited to bring our proven, best-in-class platform to everyday consumers via the PĒQ home automation solution. Icontrol platforms currently manage more than 22 million sensors and devices, unsurpassed in the smart home industry, and our open, extensible platform means PĒQ customers won't need to be concerned about interoperability," said Jim Johnson, executive vice president and general manager at Icontrol. "What's more, our OpenHome Developer Program means PĒQ customers will benefit from an expanding array of certified devices, providing a choice of connected devices for consumers and helping drive broad market adoption of the smart home."

PĒQ is available now at www.mypeq.com and will be available through a growing network of online and in-store distribution partners. It will be available at select Best Buy store locations and on BestBuy.com on August 31st.

About SmartHome Ventures

SmartHome Ventures is making the smart home simple. The company's flagship service PĒQ brings professional-grade home automation to the mass market. Investors in SmartHome Ventures include OpenAir Equity Partners. Visit www.smarthomeventures.com for more information.

Contact Information:

Media contact:
Sharon Chan
shv@eastwick.com
415-361-8219