Going along with your automated blinds idea - you could theoretically program them to close at sundown so no peeping toms could look in, or to close when the sun comes blindingly through a certain window to prevent fading your upholstery and carpet.

They also make stoves that can be programmed or started from remote - ie you throw a casserole into it in the morning and it comes on and starts baking it a hour before you get home so the food is ready. Not sure I like the idea but it sounds convenient.

Instead of a number of single focused control products, look at a complete home automation controller like Control4. This way you have one interface for everything, and the the ability to automate many different devices and actions together. Control4 works with over 8000 different products from hundreds of manufacturers as well as their own products. It is a complete home automation system that controls & automates entertaiment, lighting, HVAC, shades, security, pools/spas, irrigation, gates, smart appliances, etc. Control4 is the #1 brand of home automation systems on the market. The most crucial aspect is to work with a CEDIA certified integrator like us, to ensure that all the correct needs are meet with the best most reliable solutions.

Controlling window shades is definitely possible. Centralizing all of the equipment in a house is probably the number 1 thing I'd like to see clients do. It creates the cleanest aesthetic, where you don't have boxes in every room. Being able to control all the subsystems in a house (audio, video, lighting, hvac, shades, door locks, security, pool, etc) from a single interface makes life a lot easier. Control4 is one brand of Home Automation. There are others like Crestron, Lutron, Savant that work just as well. Best of luck with your home automation project!
zhifi.com

I'm with <nnigrt>. "be wary and read a lot of reviews. some of the apps/items on offer really arent ready for prime time."

Review tweets/ sources such as <internet of sh*t> for real issues. If you do decide to proceed stay with vendors [Crestron/ Lutron] that have been in business a long time, and serve customers, not shareholders. Be wary of self-healing / mesh -networked protocols, because they only work in situations that are plain vanilla. Carefully vet your integrator. Talk to lots of their customers. You will have them forever, like herpes.

Hi there! You may want to check the Lutron Caseta Wireless. They have the Smart Bridge that connects to your home wifi and it can control lights (dim), thermostat, and even window shades. Check out our website.

What do folks think about Nest?