ControlThink Forums

Here's a quick sneak peak at a few new features coming in ThinkEssentials v2.1+; some of these are "standard" features, and some are "professional" features.

Cameras tab
With ThinkEssentials v2.x, we'll be adding a number of new tabs; the first of these is "Cameras."  This new tab lets you setup and view ip cameras in your home.

Drop-down instructions
Setting up scenes, zones, and links is easier than ever with drop-down instructions that guide you in accomplishing your current goal.

New devices tray
The "new devices" tray collects new devices added on the network until they are dropped onto the floorplan.

Scrollmap element
Floorplans can now be larger than one screen, and ThinkEssentials will make it extremely easy to pan around the map; also, setup and switch between floors in your home with ease.

[continued...]

Custom floorplans
Import a custom BMP, JPG, or PNG image for a custom floorplan.  Export these images from your CAD software, or create your own from scratch.  Or just pick a custom background color for your drag-and-drop floorplan.

Notes:
* The "zones" tab is not changing back to "groups"; we made these UI changes to v2.1+ in parallel to the v2.0 project, so they're just out of sync :)
* No, we're not changing the dimmer control to one of these; we were just playing with concepts.  What do you think of them?

Feedback?  Thoughts on these great new enhancements?

Chris

 

I'm looking forward to all of the enhancements, but what about colored rooms and colored room text? I'd love to be able to make bathrooms one color. It's mainly outside vs. inside, but...

I don't like the new concept dimmer controls as much as the current 2.0 ones.

I like the feature set. The only major think I would change is I would add more Logic programming to the events and make plug-ins possible. But that is just because I'm one of your hardcore home automation customers and not just the basic enduser which you are probably trying to reach.

Is one of the new features having the dialog boxes in a different language :)?

Craig,

What language would you like?  Spanish?  French?  Klingon?

[Just kidding; the "ipsum" text is just filler text we use when we're designing.  We make sure that things are usable without the text there, and then add the text for clarity.  Good catch.]

Chris

Custom Graphics for the devices ?

So maybe the module for the tv, could look like a TV.

I agree with the more logic for the events. I agree with Coloring would be nice for the rooms and text.

Easier ways to edit a room size or move it.

Option to hide the Menu bar on left ( like the bar on the right ).

 A way to zap a guest who insists on touching everything on the screen to play :).

 StevenE

Choosable and custom graphics is one we'll have to do for sure.  We're already working on moving/resizing rooms more easily.

We could add the "zap a guest" feature, but we'd have to add a disclaimer to the software indicating that no guests should be allowed to touch the screen ;)

Chris

One standard version?  I know, you have every right to do a professional version that is better than a standard one, but I thought I was getting future updates when I bought ThinkEssentials over the summer...  Technically I am, but at the same time not so much.

 

Still, I love your product.  A built-in webserver would be cool.

AlwaysMC2,

We can certainly have just one version if everyone wants to pay $99 ;)

That said, we'll continue adding new features to all editions of the software.  I look forward to your feedback on those new features as we move forward...

Chris

Just a reminder request for the Sunrise/Sunset "offset" timers in the coming builds, that would be quite handy. Glad to see though that the "Sunset Timer" got fixed... the sun hadn't set in a couple of months :). Mike

Chris Walker:

AlwaysMC2,

We can certainly have just one version if everyone wants to pay $99 ;)

That said, we'll continue adding new features to all editions of the software.  I look forward to your feedback on those new features as we move forward...

Chris

Well I guess I understand that.  That's how I feel about people who buy Windows Home Basic and then get mad that they don't get Media Center...

Looking that they upgrade optoins, they exist.  So I guess that makes me happy. :-)  In fact, if your just getting in to Z-Wave it makes more sense to buy the basic version and then upgrade, because for the same prices as the ThinkEssentials Pro you get that AND a Z-Wave dongle.

 I'm very interested to see the future of ThinkEssentials.

My top request would be thermo control. Right now that is the thing that stops me from fully utilizing control think. I want to be able to have my thermo change set points based upon time/day. Now I have to do it manually. I suppose I could install a second controller in my box and have the SDK use that controller, but that seems a little weird and certainly doesn't allow a single schedule :)

i 2nd the thermostat control.  what's weird is that the code is used in the documentation on the sdk...???  the webserver would be nice too along with a regular page and a wap page.

Web server--pretty please.  Setting up schedules and logical operations is perfect for a computer, but adjusting lights on the fly or remotely turning on an amp for music in a particular room is much more pleasurable from a handheld device (e.g., Nokia N810 or Windows CE phone or one of your new slideshow devices).   More logic options are always definitely appreciated.

Also, as long as we are wishing and hoping, an interface with In2 Network modules.