Xanboo Provides Universal Remote Thermostat Control

By Laura Michalski

(03/21/01, 06:00:06 PM EDT)

Xanboo's new remote thermostat control can be used with the Xanboo integrated Internet home management system. The universal thermostat adapter can be mounted on any existing thermostat to control a home's heating and cooling system from anywhere in the world via the Xanboo Web site.

To implement the system, users will mount small Xanboo thermostat adapters under their existing thermostats and connect Xanboo system controllers to their home PCs. Once users set up an account on http://www.xanboo.com, they will be able to adjust their thermostats online. They can even schedule desired temperature changes in advance, both by day of week and time of day.

Future releases of the system will be able to store user preferences and make adjustments to home appliances based on time or cost of electricity. Ultimately, the system will allow users to view up-to-date pricing for electricity on their Xanboo account to help them make adjustments in their energy usage.

Xanboo plans to introduce its thermostat control system in the third quarter of 2001, with a total customer cost of under $149.00 for the overall Xanboo system, including the thermostat adapter. Xanboo system owners can then purchase the thermostat units separately for a suggested retail price of $39.00.

Consumers using Xanboo to control their thermostats will also be able to take advantage of other system features such as controlling devices throughout the home (i.e. garage doors, lights, or locks), viewing images or streaming video through Xanboo's color cameras, or being notified by phone, email, or pager when events occur in the house (i.e. water leakage, glass breaking, or motion on the premises).