Comcast (NASDAQ:CMCSA) plans to expand its home automation capabilities across its entire Xfinity services product portfolio, which includes X1 (TV and voice remote), xFi (WiFi), Xfinity Home (home security), and Xfinity Mobile. The move is intended to enable Comcast to provide access to smart home controls to more than 15 million Xfinity customers at no additional cost. It's also intended to accelerate the adoption of digital home technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT).
The company says controlling a home could be as simple as having customers use their X1 voice remote to say, "Good night," and automatically lock doors, turn off lights, adjust thermostats, and arm the home security system. Alternatively, a customer could receive a notification when her daughter returns home from school by integrating geo-location technology in a smartphone with a connection to the home xFi Wireless Gateway.
"Xfinity will be the home operating system that integrates every IoT device and transforms a connected home into an intelligent home," said Chris Satchell, EVP and chief product officer. "Our engineers are working to enable our customers to easily control their connected devices, making full use of our Xfinity platforms, such as Voice Control, X1, xFi and Xfinity Home. We also will add value to that experience by giving customers contextual suggestions for automation that will help them take full advantage of their digital home, making it more useful, fun and enjoyable."
Some of the components of the expansion include Stringify, 'Works with Xfinity,' the xFi home WiFi control panel, mesh WiFi with xFi Pods, X1 Voice Phone Finder, and upgraded Xfinity Home Security Cameras.
In September, Comcast acquired Stringify, a tech startup that provides a cloud-powered automation service for more than 500 IoT products and digital services. Stringify's technology will soon be integrated into Xfinity's products and services to expand the capabilities of Xfinity automation. With the Stringify integration, Xfinity customers will be able to create and utilize rules and controls for smart home device brands such as August, Carrier, Chamberlain, ecobee, GE, Honeywell, Kwikset, Liftmaster, LIFX, Lutron, Nest, Netgear Arlo, Philips Hue, Danalock, Sengled, SkyBell, Tile, Yale, Zen Ecosystems and more for no additional charge.
Comcast's 'Works with Xfinity' program is intended to facilitate the integration of smart home devices into its Xfinity platform. The company plans to expand its partner ecosystem to include new product categories such as wearables, automotive, voice assistants, email, social media platforms and more.
In related Comcast news, Xfinity Communities, the MSO's multiple dwelling unit (MDU) business arm, is offering an all-in-one program intended to allow property developers to integrate connected home devices during the building process. Developers can partner with Xfinity Communities to obtain Xfinity Home connected devices and services including thermostats, garage door openers, lighting, door locks, security cameras and other gadgets that may be integrated into residences during the building process.