Home automation software supports Insteon devices

Perceptive Automation on Thursday announced the release of Indigo 1.8, a new version of its home automation software for Mac OS X. Indigo costs $89.95, and a 30-day demo version is available for download. Version 1.8 is a free update for registered users.

Indigo allows Mac users to set up a home control and automation system — controlling lighting, security, environment, consumer electronics, appliances and more.

While Indigo has previously focused on automation using X10-based devices, the new release now supports Insteon, a newer home automation technology that uses a “dual-mesh” communications technology that combines wireline and radio frequency signals.

Indigo supports Salling Clicker, the popular application that provides remote control access for Bluetooth-enabled cell phones and PDAs, as well as Ovolab Phlink, a telephony device for the Macintosh.

System requirements call for Mac OS X v10.2.8 or later and a supported Insteon or X10 hardware interface.