Utz Baldwin’s New Company, Ube, Aims to Eliminate Crestron and AMX from HomeAV Market

Ube (pronounced “yoo-bee”) today unveiled what they are calling “disruptive technology” for the connected home market, bypassing central home processing units and expensive programming with a free mobile app and IP-connected “appcessories” at DEMO Fall 2012, world-renowned for launching the most innovative companies in enterprise, mobile, cloud computing, consumer, social media and disruptive technologies. Translation: Ube aims to put AMX and Crestron out of the control system market of the home.

Ube claims to be home technology simplified. The app is built using standard IP protocols to easily control IP enabled smart devices for the connected home from an iPhone or Android smartphone, eliminating the expense of extra hardware and programming. Ube says the app can control over 200 IP-based devices including smart TVs, set top boxes, AV receivers, DVD players, thermostats, garage door openers and more. Ube communicates with IP-enabled devices directly from the smart phone using a standard Wi-Fi router to send commands when the user is at home or over any wireless Internet connection when away from home using the Ube Cloud. To extend consumer control into systems that lack an IP connection, the company unveiled three key IP-enabled devices. These include an IP based smart dimmer, smart wall outlet and smart plug.  By moving the intelligence into the device – where it belongs – these smart energy devices enable simple, intuitive smartphone control of home lighting and other appliances.