From a well-placed friend in retail and possibly corroborated via a Starbucks conversation, we’ve learned that Best Buy intends to double down on the home automation market. Best Buy devotes significant space to this burgeoning category, but will up the ante very soon with an expanded two-tier approach. First, stores will offer what we believe to be a DIY white label hub and associated apps, similar in concept to Staples Connect and Lowes Iris. We’re told the BBY solution will primarily communicate with Zigbee devices, although eventual Nest integration is confirmed. Second, in Comcast markets, a higher tier of monitored services and security will be offered, similar to Best Buy’s current broadband and satellite television sales – with those beefy commissions. All we need now is a name, some pricing intel, and why we’d choose Best Buy’s implementation given the interesting competition.
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Sounds like the Xfinity stuff is being integrated into Best Buy's back office and they will not sell other manufacturers simpler gear like door chimes and window sensors, which Best Buy will white label and profit more handsomely. My mole also wonders if non-Zigbee devices like Kevo could lose shelf space if they don't ultimately integrate into Best Buy's hub as the retailer attempts to exert more control and unify things for consumers. By the by, Comcast's stuff is largely powered by iControl so it wouldn't surprise me to see them (a recent Twitter follower) quietly involved.
What if I have FiOS or Cox or TWC? Or will that not matter?
Is there a standard coming or more proprietary black holes?
I am looking at buying a Chamberlain garage door opener with MyQ integration to open it from my smartphone. First piece of home automation I will have - is there something else I should look at to be more in line with things like NEST or what is coming in these new integrators?