Internet-Enabled Thermostat 234
ptorrone writes "Engadget has a little write-up of what is supposed to be the world's first Internet-enabled thermostat from Proliphix, which has an Ethernet port and a built-in web server and can be controlled from virtually any standard browser. So how long until everything in the home has its own IP address and script kiddies decide to get their kicks messing with your air conditioning during a heat wave?"
Ha (Score:5, Insightful)
how long? (Score:1, Insightful)
when IPv6 is fully implemented.
Not New... (Score:3, Insightful)
This is not even close to being the "worlds first".
I interviewed with a company more than 6 years ago that was selling web-enabled thermostats, sprinkler systems, vending machines, etc. etc.
Neat... (Score:4, Insightful)
3v1l 5cr1p7 k1dd135 (Score:5, Insightful)
So how long until everyone realizes that maybe you shouldn't give your air conditioner an external IP address?
Do you have your network printer on an external IP address?
Re:Ha (Score:2, Insightful)
Insightful how?? Are you really going to need 65536 hosts on a class B private subnet to control all of those home appliances?
Come on people... mod in the real world.
Ethernet != Internet (Score:5, Insightful)
And just why exactly do you think that these devices are going to be open to the internet at large? Just because some marketing dweeb decided to call it "internet-enabled", doesn't mean that it's going to be on the net. Face it, having an ethernet port and webserver is not the same thing as being connected to the internet. These devices are designed to be run on a local network, which is likely behind some sort of DSL/cable-modem router, which means that unless the user goes to great lengths to do so, the devices are not visible. If of course you decide to set up NAT to let other people get to your thermostat, then you should be ready to feel the heat...
Re:The whole idea is crazy!!! (Score:4, Insightful)
what do outside conditions have to do with anything? If you want your house to be 76 degrees, you set the thermostat for 76+- degrees. If it is snowing, then the heater kicks in, if it is hot then the air conditioner kicks in.
Re:A better solution (Score:4, Insightful)
Re:how long? (Score:2, Insightful)
I don't get it. (Score:5, Insightful)
Has the general readership of
More on topic, your thermostat will be networked one way or the other. Either you choose to do it, or your power company will within the next 10-15 years to help control power blackouts, surges and fluctuations. Some power companies already offer discounts for those in high heat areas if the end user allows the power company to turn off their AC during peak usage times.
Interesting future for residential broadband (Score:3, Insightful)
As more and more home appliances become Internet accessible, it will be interesting to see how things like this take hold.
Re:Ha (Score:3, Insightful)
Perfect for Evil Rental Management Companies (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:Ha (Score:3, Insightful)
I bet that through some fancy work, 1 "boss bot" can probably easily be accessed to control 64000 slave bots on a different type of network anyway. Micromanaging each of millions of nanomachines is not something I care to do, nevermind remotely over the internet.
Like while my bluetooth mouse is on a little network, it isn't something I care to allow access directly from the internet.
Re:This is one of many reasons we need IPv6 (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:I don't get it. (Score:3, Insightful)
The one I use [smarthome.com] can be retrofit to communicate over your existing HVAC wires to a central controller. I use Misterhouse [misterhouse.net] (open-source home automation software) to control it. Misterhouse has a web interface [misterhouse.net], but I rolled my own (BTW, I can also control my lights and my whole-house audio system, and I'm installing a sprinkler system which of course I'll add to the web interface).
If everything I have connected had its own IP address, its own web server, and its own interface, it would actually be less convenient.
Re:A better solution (Score:2, Insightful)
Yeah well, these devices are intended more for those people who actually get out of their parents basement once in a while... Look at this way: instead of guessing what time you'll be back home and returning to a cold/hot home or running the ac/heater unnecessarily, you can now set the control using your cellphone from 10 minutes away and come to a comfortable home without wasting any more energy than necessary.