The HouseBot server application can run on most any PC, including machines with a 200MHz or faster processor and as little as 128MB of RAM. Supported OSes currently include Windows XP and Windows Vista, as well as older Windows versions (including Windows 98), the company said.
Main screen of the Housebot server application
(Click to enlarge)While the server can run on its own, CeBotics says, it can also be controlled and monitored remotely by any Windows PC or Windows Mobile-based handheld. Software that ships with the application allows drag-and-drop creation of user interfaces for the remotes.
Sample user interface for a remote
(Click to enlarge)Devices may be connected to the HouseBot server via its Ethernet, serial, and USB interfaces. Users are not confined to a single hardware interface or protocol, according to the company. For example, an X10 wireless motion detector can trigger a task that will turn on Z-Wave lights.
HouseBot can reportedly also control many software events. For example: Sending email via SMTP; controlling the WinAmp application; manipulating the Windows clipboard; and using text-to-speech (TTS ) to play text through the system sound card.
AvailabilityThe software is priced at around $70. A 30-day free trial is available from
the vendor's website.
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