VELUX and Netatmo present "smart windows" compatible with Apple® HomeKit™

Publisher
Tisková zpráva
11.09.2018 07:00
VELUX Česká republika, s.r.o.

The VELUX Group, the world's leading manufacturer of roof windows, and Netatmo, a leader in the smart home market, today announced the availability of a "smart window system" called VELUX ACTIVE with NETATMO. This system allows for the automatic control of roof windows, blinds, and shades through the use of intelligent sensors.


VELUX ACTIVE with NETATMO is the first smart home system in the global roof window sector that is ready for immediate use. The VELUX smart window system, developed in partnership with Netatmo, is based on the latest smart sensor technologies, allowing it to think and act on behalf of the user. It monitors temperature, humidity, and CO2 concentration in the interior of a house or apartment to improve air quality, climate, ventilation, and sun shading, thus creating healthier living conditions indoors.

VELUX ACTIVE with NETATMO combines a smartphone application, an indoor climate sensor, a central switch, and a gateway, which are controlled by advanced algorithms that govern the fully automated control of roof windows, blinds, and shades.

"The trend of smart homes that help us live more comfortably and healthily is gaining momentum, and this innovation positions VELUX well for further growth in this rapidly evolving market segment," stated Kent Holm, Vice President of Global Product Management at VELUX Group.


VELUX ACTIVE with NETATMO is the first system of smart roof windows connected to Apple HomeKit, which allows for climate control inside the building from home or remotely, through Apple devices including iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and HomePod. The system can be controlled using Siri®, Apple’s voice-activated intelligent assistant, or with a button in the Apple Home app.

Easy installation, ready for immediate use

The system is designed for property owners to easily install by themselves. It has its own app that allows users to manage the interior climate through their phone or tablet according to their personal needs and based on weather data.
"VELUX ACTIVE with NETATMO is the result of the combination of two great technologies: high-quality VELUX roof windows and Netatmo's expertise in creating simple and useful products and applications. Thanks to automated opening, closing, and shading of roof windows, you will achieve significantly better indoor climate. We have created a solution based on smart sensors that is not only reliable and easy to use but also beneficial for the user's healthy living," added Fred Potter, founder and CEO of Netatmo.

Control of fully automated roof windows, blinds, and shades

VELUX ACTIVE with NETATMO consists of three components - a sensor, a gateway, and a central switch - and is compatible with all VELUX INTEGRA® electric products. The sensor placed in the room where the roof window is installed measures CO2, humidity, and temperature while simultaneously monitoring weather data from online services. Advanced algorithms built into the sensors activate ventilation and provide heat protection.


There are three ways to use the system: sensor-based operation, smartphone control, and manual control. In sensor-based operation, users do not need to do anything. Smartphone control allows users to adjust or stop automatic functions and manually control the roof windows. Manual control is useful when the owner is leaving the house - they can simply press a button on the central switch to close all windows for safety.

Price and availability

The retail price of the basic VELUX ACTIVE with NETATMO package is CZK 6,590. All products are available at www.velux.cz/active and www.netatmo.com.

Algorithms for ventilation and heat protection

The ventilation algorithm improves the indoor climate using sensors in the room that measure CO2, humidity, and temperature, and external data obtained from online weather forecasting services that inform about temperature, wind speed, and humidity. The algorithm calculates whether opening the roof window will improve the indoor climate and then determines the angle and duration for which the window should be opened. As a final check before opening the window, the algorithm also checks for rain using data from the rain sensor integrated into the VELUX INTEGRA® electric roof window.

The heat protection algorithm is proactive: it works by closing the shade or blinds before the room temperature rises too much. Based on inputs from the online weather forecasting service (including temperature, weather forecasts, and day length), the algorithm calculates the likelihood of overheating the room and then determines the time period during which the shades and blinds should be lowered to prevent overheating.
  • 46% of consumers in the US and Europe believe that smart homes will become the standard in the next four years (Bluetooth survey)
  • We spend up to 90% of our time indoors (World Health Organization)
  • 8 out of 10 consumers do not know that indoor air is more polluted than outdoor air (YouGov survey)
  • Indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air (US Environmental Protection Agency)
  • VELUX ACTIVE with NETATMO includes an indoor climate sensor, a central switch, and a gateway
  • The VELUX ACTIVE with NETATMO smart home system is compatible with VELUX INTEGRA® electric roof windows and manually operated roof windows with added solar power
  • The VELUX ACTIVE app is compatible with Apple iPhones and Android smartphones



About Netatmo
Netatmo is a revolutionary company in the smart home industry that develops intuitive consumer electronics with beautiful designs. All of Netatmo's products are designed to utilize artificial intelligence, making them truly smart. The usage is seamless, allowing everyone to create a safer, healthier, and more comfortable home.
Netatmo carefully designs the mechanical and electronic components as well as the embedded software of all its products to meet the highest standards. Mobile and web applications are designed to provide simple control while delivering a rich user experience. As part of its "with Netatmo" program, Netatmo develops connected solutions with major building industry brands that are integrated into the infrastructure of residential properties, whether in new construction or as part of renovation. Netatmo raised €4.5 million in 2013 and raised an additional €30 million in a funding round in November 2015.

About the VELUX Group
The VELUX Group has been creating better living conditions for people around the world for over 75 years by allowing them to make the most of natural light and fresh air coming through the roof. Our product range includes roof windows and modular skylights, decorative blinds, sun shading products, and shades, as well as installations and smart solutions for homes. These products help to ensure a healthy and sustainable indoor climate where people work, learn, live, or play. We operate on a global scale - selling and manufacturing in over 40 countries and employing around 10,200 people worldwide. The VELUX Group is owned by VKR Holding A/S, a limited liability company entirely owned by non-profit charitable foundations (THE VELUX FOUNDATIONS) and the family. In 2017, VKR Holding had a total turnover of €2.5 billion, and the VELUX Foundations provided charitable donations amounting to €168 million. For more information, visit www.velux.com.
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