Smartphone app controls everything in your smart home

It's the remote control to rule them all. Mobile app company Ube (pronounced "you-be") has developed a single smartphone app designed to control any system in your home that has a wireless connection. That includes media boxes like Apple TV and Tivo, smart TVs, thermostats, garage door openers and anything else that is connected to the internet. Perhaps even a fridge, one day.

For electronics without built-in smarts, Ube makes smart plugs fitted with microprocessors that can be plugged into standard outlets, as well as a multi-touch light switch dimmer. The device was launched this week at the DEMO conference in Santa Clara, California.

Most smart home technologies are highly proprietary, meaning they need to be customised for each device by a professional. A system that controls your lights cannot be integrated with the audio or security system, for instance. Ube simplifies the problem by being able to connect to any device that has an IP address.

The Ube app can give you information about what temperature the thermostat is currently set to or what channel the TV is on. The outlets and app can also collect information about how much energy each device, room or system is using, and the app sends push notifications to offer suggestions on how you can cut your home's energy consumption.

Ube made a big splash at DEMO, winning the People's Choice Award, and it is poised to start a Kickstarter campaign in the coming weeks. The app will be free, while the dimmer will retail for $60 and the outlet and plug for $55 each.

YOUTH ARE VITAL TO DEVELOPMENT DEMOCRACY- MMASEKGOA MASIRE-MWAMBA

Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General. Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba. addressing participants at YALDA 2012

“Young people are vital to the process of development democracy and participation as they have an enormous contribution to make” says Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General. Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba.

She made this known why delivering the key address note on “Differentiating yourself from the rest” at the Youth Alliance for Leadership and Development in Africa (YALDA) 2012 Conference.  Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba told participants that youth are not passengers on development change, but have an exceptional role to play in ensuring good governance.“We at Commonwealth have the responsibility as well as the right to participate in making change” (Citizen Youth Common wealth Youth Summit 2012).

Furthermore, she advised the participants to differentiate themselves as Youth and create a unique brand. Being different is creating awareness, advocating and communicating your ideas. You must grade yourself, your value and contribution to your society, she said. Also, Mmasekgoa places emphasis on being relevant, being true and knowing your core competences as a youth.