Perceptive Automation has updated Indigo, the intelligent home control and automation server for Mac OS X, to version 1.2, adding support for the PowerLinc USB home automation interface. For the first time, Mac users can control X10 home automation devices from their computer with a USB interface.
“This is a huge win for our customers because it greatly lowers the hardware startup costs of getting into Mac home automation,” Matt Bendiksen, founder of Perceptive Automation, told MacCentral. “Users used to have to buy a serial home automation interface and a USB-to-serial adapter, just to be able to communicate with X10 modules. The PowerLinc USB also reduces the complexity of getting setup — no additional drivers need to be installed.”
Other enhancements to version 1.2 include improved event logging, better compatibility with POP mail servers and improved reliability when communicating with the various automation interfaces. Indigo was developed as a Mac OS X native, home control server that integrates an assortment of X10 hardware devices.
X10 is a communications protocol that allows you to control lights, appliances, thermostats, and other devices in your home that are connected to X10 modules. The modules receive signals over your home’s AC power lines. Control of the devices is achieved via wireless remotes, hardwired remotes, security systems and computer interfaces. See our May 15 article for details.
Perceptive Automation and SmartHome are offering special pricing on a PowerLinc and LampLinc bundle to users that purchase Indigo. Indigo can be purchased at the Perceptive Automation Web site for US$89.95, while the promotional hardware bundle (PowerLinc plus LampLinc) is sold through SmartHome for $34.99.