CES 2016

Although not as buzzy as at last year’s CES, smart light bulbs, locks, thermostats, and pet feeders were still well-represented this year. Rather than overwhelm attendees with a bunch of new products and hubs, Nexia highlighted the fact that the company “is one of the oldest and most established smart-home pioneers with nearly a decade of experience with systems in hundreds of thousands of homes.” But, as I asked them, what has Nexia done for me lately?

Here are some of the additional features and functions Nexia introduced at CES:

• Voice and Amazon Alexa integration allows control of the Nexia system from smart phones or the Amazon Echo
• An online portal that allows owners to monitor their HVAC systems in real time as well as provide important diagnostic data about their HVAC systems to their dealers
• An upgraded Windows app for Windows 10
• A new Nexia outdoor wireless 720p HD camera with a built-in heater to keep the camera working in below zero degree (F) weather
• A new Nexia indoor wireless 1080p camera with pan, tilt, and zoom
• The Nexia Doorbell Sensor that installs inside the doorbell chime and can alert Nexia owners whenever the doorbell is rung and trigger alerts or system operations
• Nexia has enhanced compatibility with Yale and Kwikset Z-Wave locks
• More focus on water damage prevention and water savings devices
• A new Nexia One Touch controller with four hard buttons and three LCD screens for a total of 12 button choices
• Support for Zipato color-control LED bulbs that can be integrated into the Nexia system in order to provide visual clues such as automatically turning red if the front door isn’t closed

The Nexia is available for DIY. The Trane XL824 thermostat includes a built-in Nexia hub and is primarily sold and installed through a network of 10,000 independent Trane and American Standard HVAC dealers. In addition to easy integration with smart devices from Schlage, Kwikset, First Alert, and Fibaro, Nexia can also easily be used with other smart devices, such as windows, doors, and blinds from Pella and Andersen and Rachio smart irrigation systems.