CEDIA 2016

Automation company, Control4, announced an update to its operating system today, moving from 2.8.2 to version 2.9. As with previous OS updates, this not only squashed bugs in the system but also introduced a slew of new features.

Control4 announced that it features integration support for nearly 10,000 devices, and OS 2.9 will enhance that experience with a new feature called “Connects with Control4.” Control4 is heavily invested in helping dealers deliver customized smart home experiences for its customers, and one of the ways they do this is by Simple Device Discovery Protocol (SDDP) that identifies a product and loads the correct driver. Currently 185 companies are shipping over 1,500 devices enabled with Control’s and the new program will feature QR codes on products that can be quickly scanned in to automatically identify and add the correct integration driver. This now includes products from Amazon, Lutron, Nest, Somfy, and Sonos.

OS 2.90 also introduces more homeowner ability to make customizations and personalize their system and experience. Now homeowners can create their own “Wake Up” and “Sleep” scenes which can be configured individually by room. These scenes can include lighting, music, TV, shades and temperature settings.

Dealers can also customize the user interface with new Experience Buttons. These feature dynamic graphical icons for things like fountains, fireplaces, and sprinklers. Further the new software release includes an new window blinds and shades experience, with far more intuitive control over individual windows including tilt, as well as the ability to group windows together throughout the home. This will include “deep interoperability” with products from leading shade manufacturers Lutron, Qmotion, and Somfy.

Further expanding the connected home ecosystem, OS 2.9 now includes support for 13 specific Z-Wave devices including electrical outlet and sensory modules. Control4’s entire line of EA series controllers are now Z-Wave Certified via a new plug-in Z-wave module. Additionally, Control4 recently joined the Z-Wave Alliance to offer a greater selection of smart home devices.

This OS 2.9 upgrade is available immediately for free to all customers with compatible systems.