Lowe's to offer 'smart home' systems

Home-improvement firm Lowe's has announced a system to let homeowners monitor and control devices in their home remotely using a smartphone, tablet or computer. Lowe's is collaborating with British monitoring-tech company AlertMe on the system, dubbed Iris, that will allow people to remotely control heating and cooling, home alarm systems, security cameras or appliances. "The AlertMe platform is unique because it's based on a multiprotocol home wireless hub, making it compatible with the widest number of third-party devices and we anticipate that the number of connectable devices and appliances from brand leaders will only continue to grow," AlertMe Chief Executive Officer Mary Turner told CNET. Lowe's said Iris will launch in late August with three different starter kits. The $179 Safe and Secure, which will alert homeowers by e-mail, text or phone call when alarm events happen at home or when the children arrive home from school, will come with a wireless hub, motion sensors, a keypad and door and window sensors. A Comfort and Control kit, also $179, will control a house's energy and temperature levels. The kit includes the hub, along with a thermostat that can be remotely controlled and a smart plug that can remotely control devices and report current and historical energy usage. A $299 Smart Kit will combine both packages and homeowners can add additional smart devices and sensors, Lowe's said.