Fixed Mobile Convergence

Schlage revealed that Android (News - Alert) phone owners can now download the app for the Schlage LiNK home-management system on their devices.

According to Schlage sources, this app enables Android phone users to monitor and control Z-Wave enabled locks, lights, thermostats and other devices such as Schlage cameras from their Android phone besides also including any computer connected to the Internet.

In a release, Dwight Gibson, vice president and general manager of Connected Home Solutions for Ingersoll Rand, the parent company of Schlage, said, “Owners of smartphones based on Google’s (News - Alert) Android platform, the fastest growing mobile phone platform in the U.S, will now be able to enjoy the benefits of remote home management through the affordable Schlage LiNK System.”

This inclusion of Android now results in all the three popular phones to be able to receive important text messages, besides being able to monitor live camera feeds on their phones and even reducing heating bills by adjusting the home temperature from almost anywhere.

The basic Schlage LiNK Starter Kit includes a wireless keypad lock or deadbolt, a remote control lighting module and other equipment needed to set up a wireless Z-Wave network in the home. A single Schlage LiNK System will support an unlimited number of IP network cameras and up to 232 Z-Wave enabled devices.

Other options include the Schlage WCW100 wireless camera, Schlage WCE100 wired camera, Trane Remote Energy Management Thermostat and Schlage light module. The Schlage LiNK System is available in select RadioShack, Lowe’s and Best Buy (News - Alert) stores besides also via a number of online retailers, including Amazon.com, BestBuy.com, GoKeyless.com, HomeDepot.com, TigerDirect.com and CompUSA.com, revealed company sources.

The Schlage LiNK mobile application is available to Apple iPhone and Research in Motion’s BlackBerry as well as devices running Microsoft’s (News - Alert) Windows Mobile 5 or higher besides being now available for the Google’s Android platform.

Schlage serves commercial and residential markets by ensuring commercial grade quality products designed to deliver cutting-edge technology and innovation including wireless security products and biometrics.

Ingersoll Rand Residential Solutions offers the Schlage and Trane (News - Alert) brands and it delivers safety, comfort and efficiency to homeowners throughout North America. The products, services and solutions provided by Ingersoll include mechanical and electronic locks, heating and air conditioning systems, indoor air-quality solutions, advanced controls, portable security systems and remote home management.

Shamila Janakiraman is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Shamila’s articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Tammy Wolf