Author Archives: Jesse White

Johnson Controls announces IQ Panel 4 now available

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IQ Panel 4 replaces award winning IQ Panel 2 Plus as next generation for security and smarthome installs

San Jose, CA — Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings announced the IQ Panel 4 is available now, replacing the award winning Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus.  The All-In-One IQ Panel 4 delivers faster speed and better range on LTE, Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, Bluetooth, PowerG, and legacy security wireless along with key software and hardware improvements and several industry firsts.

“We want to thank all the dealers who participated in our soft launch,” says Mike Hackett, Johnson Controls VP of Sales & Marketing.  “We are grateful for the feedback and pleased with the ease at which dealers are able to transition.”

“The installation is the same, yet better,” says Robert McDonald District General Manager of Vintage Security. “We didn’t need to schedule extensive training for our team and the IQ Panel 4 specifically addresses key improvements like no external antennas and easier wall mounting.”

“The speakers are awesome,” reports Scott Mcleod, Owner of Hawyeye Security.  “It’s easily the best 2-way of any security panel we’ve ever experienced, and we love the new IQ Base table stand.  Thank you for listening!”

“This thing is FAST!” says Robert Post owner of Post Alarm.  “I noticed it right away, it’s like my home got an upgrade!”

To read the full announcement visit https://qolsys.com/johnson-controls-announces-next-generation-iq-panel-4/

IQ Panel 4 is available now at authorized distributors https://qolsys.com/find-a-distributor/

Media Contacts:

Ryan Nolan
Global Public Relations Program Manager
Building Technologies & Solutions, Johnson Controls
Work: +1 414-524-6170
Mobile: +1 414-378-9641
Ryan.P.Nolan@jci.com

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About Johnson Controls:

At Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet.

With a history of more than 135 years of innovation, Johnson Controls delivers the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through its comprehensive digital offering OpenBlue. With a global team of 100,000 experts in more than 150 countries, Johnson Controls offers the world`s largest portfolio of building technology, software as well as service solutions with some of the most trusted names in the industry. For more information, visit www.johnsoncontrols.com or follow us @johnsoncontrols on Twitter

Johnson Controls announces next generation IQ Panel 4

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  • New global platform follows 2020 Johnson Controls acquisition of Qolsys
  • All-In-One smart security panel introduces several industry firsts, including SmartMount installation system improving install ease and time, 8MP Panel Camera, Bluetooth Music Streaming, and IQ Base Table Stand Subwoofer

 

San Jose, CA — July 20, 2021 — Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings announced the IQ Panel 4, a new model of the Qolsys IQ Panel improving on the award-winning IQ Panel 2 Plus.  The All-In-One IQ Panel 4 delivers industry leading connectivity and reliability on LTE, Wi-Fi, Z Wave, Bluetooth, PowerG, and legacy security wireless and includes a highly integrated and powerful IoT processor from Qualcomm.

The elegant 7” HD All-In-One touchscreen has an upgraded 8 Megapixel Panel Camera with Flex-Tilt to adjust camera angle for disarm photos, peek in, and alarm videos.  The new QuadSound speaker system allows Music Streaming over Bluetooth, and SmartMount installation system provides easy wall or table stand mounting options, including the new IQ Base Table Stand Subwoofer.  Dual SRF featuring PowerG provides long range secure encrypted wireless with compatibility for legacy security wireless already installed in the home or building.

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Press Release: Silicon Labs Z-Wave Wireless Selected for Johnson Controls Next Generation Qolsys Smart Home Panel

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Silicon Labs Z-Wave Wireless Selected for Johnson Controls Next Generation Qolsys Smart Home Panel

AUSTIN, Texas – July 13, 2021 – Silicon Labs (NASDAQ: SLAB), a leader of intelligent, wireless connectivity for the IoT, today announced its collaboration with Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable building, in the next generation Johnson Controls Qolsys IQ Panel anticipated to be launched this summer.

The Touchscreen IQ Panel enables intuitive control and automation for smart products such as thermostats, locks, lighting, and security and offers easy ways to provide convenience, energy management, and connectivity both in the home and from remote locations. The new Qolsys IQ Panel will offer industry-leading reliability and stable connectivity with Silicon Labs’ Z-Wave 700 series technology – already deployed in the award-winning Qolsys IQ Panel 2 currently available in Europe.

“Our partnership with Johnson Controls illustrates the explosive demand for secure, easy-to-use smart home solutions that make a meaningful difference in consumers’ lives,” said Jake Alamat, VP and GM, IoT Home and Life at Silicon Labs. “With the release of the flagship IQ Panel powered by Z-Wave SmartStart technology, residents can quickly benefit from energy management cost savings, advanced home security, and intuitive control of state-of-the-art smart home devices.”

Silicon Labs Z-Wave SmartStart technology reduces installation setup time and support costs by allowing scenes, rules, and scripts to be pre-configured at the distribution center or loaded onsite by system installers.

With Z-Wave’s product interoperability, the IQ Panels work across multiple wireless brands and with any smart product in the ecosystem, regardless of type, brand, manufacturer, or version. IQ Panel is powered by the Alarm.com platform for connecting smart homes and businesses and is integrated with the Alarm.com ecosystem of devices, including interactive security and home automation. Users are able to access Z-Wave diagnostics and/or receive remote diagnostic support from Alarm.com.

“Our 7” Touchscreen provides the real estate to easily navigate lights, locks, thermostats, and other Z-wave device controls,” says Johnson Controls VP of Sales & Marketing Mike Hackett. “We have a laser focus on the user experience, with powerful on-screen diagnostic tools that let consumers see the mesh network on the screen, capture Z-Wave SmartStart QR Codes with the built-in camera, and troubleshoot Z-Wave devices from remote locations.”

For more information on the IQ Panel, visit Qolsys.com. For more information on the Silicon Labs Z-Wave 700 series, visit silabs.com/wireless/z-wave/700-series-modules.

About Johnson Controls

At Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet.

With a history of more than 135 years of innovation, Johnson Controls delivers the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through its comprehensive digital offering OpenBlue. With a global team of 100,000 experts in more than 150 countries, Johnson Controls offers the world`s largest portfolio of building technology, software as well as service solutions with some of the most trusted names in the industry. For more information, visit www.johnsoncontrols.com or follow us @johnsoncontrols on Twitter.

Silicon Labs

Silicon Labs (NASDAQ: SLAB) is a leading provider of silicon, software and solutions for a smarter, more connected world. Our award-winning technologies are shaping the future of the Internet of Things, internet infrastructure, industrial automation, consumer and automotive markets. Our world-class engineering team creates products focused on performance, energy savings, connectivity and simplicity. silabs.com

Connect with Silicon Labs
Contact Silicon Labs PR team at pr@silabs.com.

 

Cautionary Language

This press release may contain forward-looking statements based on Silicon Labs’ current expectations. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of factors that could impact Silicon Labs’ financial results and cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, please refer to Silicon Labs’ filings with the SEC. Silicon Labs disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Note to editors: Silicon Labs, Silicon Laboratories, the “S” symbol, the Silicon Laboratories logo and the Silicon Labs logo are trademarks of Silicon Laboratories Inc. All other product names noted herein may be trademarks of their respective holders.

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Press Release: Johnson Controls Releases IQ WiFi

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Purpose-built mesh Wi-Fi integrates IQ Panel and connected devices to deliver residential and SMB networking solution

Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings announced today that it has released a mesh Wi-Fi networking system to address the needs of the professional security industry.  IQ WiFi is the latest product manufactured by Qolsys, recently acquired by Johnson Controls, designed specifically to seamlessly connect and manage streaming cameras, video doorbells, garage openers and consumer Wi-Fi devices using the IQ Panel.

“The security industry has become increasingly dependent on the end-user’s network to support the growing demand of internet connected devices.” Says Dave Pulling, Johnson Controls General Manager and former CEO of the recently acquired Qolsys Inc.  “IQ WiFi elegantly connects and manages these devices to deliver better coverage and fast, reliable service”

The mesh network supports up to 8 IQ WiFi agents, and easily installs using the IQ panel’s 7” touchscreen.   Dual band SSID allows partitioning of security devices from consumer Wi-Fi devices for improved security and maintenance.  Manage guest networks, change passwords, view and manage connected devices from the IQ Panel’s intuitive interface.

“IQ Panel integration resolves common issues while delivering additional features and benefits for professional installers” reports Pulling.  “We’re excited to bring this solution to the industry with an innovative roadmap including remote management and maintenance to further reduce truck rolls and improve the customer experience.”

IQ WiFi won an ESX Innovation award at the 2021 Electronic Security Expo’s virtual event: https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/esx-2021-innovation-award-winners-announced

The IQ WiFi is now available through authorized Johnson Controls North American distributors.

 

About Johnson Controls

At Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet.

With a history of more than 135 years of innovation, Johnson Controls delivers the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through its comprehensive digital offering OpenBlue. With a global team of 100,000 experts in more than 150 countries, Johnson Controls offers the world`s largest portfolio of building technology, software as well as service solutions with some of the most trusted names in the industry. For more information, visit www.johnsoncontrols.com or follow us @johnsoncontrols on Twitter.

About Qolsys

Qolsys, a leading security and smart building technology manufacturer is dedicated to providing hardware and software to enable the internet of things for security, smarthome, builder, multi-dwelling unit and wellness solutions using sensors, devices, integrations, and cloud services. Founded on the principle of “Quality of Life” Qolsys (Quality of Life Systems) is based in San Jose, CA.

Learn more at http://qolsys.com.

Blog: You have a leak… What’s next?

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You were smart and added flood/leak detectors all throughout your house. Do you have one under the kitchen sink, each of the bathroom sinks, near your water heater, and even one behind the fridge.
Then comes the dreaded notification on your phone: leak detected, kitchen sink. Questions race through your mind: now what? How bad is it? Why did that happen? has it ruined anything irreplaceable?  Is my insurance going to cover it?  As these questions raced through your mind inevitably you come down to one very important question: what’s next?
You could begin by racing home (if you’re not there already) and checking on things. Maybe you already know how to turn the water off on your sink, maybe you’re calling a plumber as you drive.  What you WANT to do is stop the water from flowing, but how?  Enter IQ water valve. Installs in just minutes over your Water main, no plumber required. Pairs wirelessly with the IQ panel using Z wave plus 700 series, the fastest and best Z wave connectivity yet.  Now, when One of your water sensors detects a leak, that shuts off the water to the entire house.  The only water that gets on the floor: only what was left in the pipes, and that’s easy to clean up.

Blog: Saving Construction Power for Builders

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Constructing a new house requires power, and subcontractors are rarely concerned about managing it effectively. Once lights are installed it’s common to see them left on for hours if not days. HVAC contractors install heating and air-conditioning ducts, units, and thermostats and then leave them running.  The heater is off and cranked up to dry the mud and tape placed over the seams of the drywall, but rarely turned back down again. All of these add up two increase the construction power paid for by the builder.
Using IQ panel in the early stages of your finish work can significantly reduce The energy Used with our “vacant home used with our “vacant home” feature. Before an interactive account has been activated, The IQ panel can automatically turn off smart lights, adjusting thermostat to Energy conservative levels, and even make the home more secure by locking the front door. Even a single home can use a lot of energy when all the lights are on and the heater or air conditioner is “blasting“ for days on end, and for builders constructing large numbers of homes, the savings add up quick.

Blog: PowerG long range security and life safety sensor technology

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PowerG wireless technology is the best way to ensure your security and life safety devices perform at their peak efficiency.  With ultra long range, these devices boast the industry’s best encryption and feature two way communication for battery efficiency and remote troubleshooting, saving you a technician visit and getting results fast.  With over 60 available channels these devices automatically avoid interference, eliminating hackers ability to jam the system and ensuring you always have a clean fast signal.  With the ultra long range these can easily replace wired sensors without the need to run conduit, rent forklifts, or run wires through existing walls, saving time and money on each job.  Rated for residential or commercial use and with a robust portfolio covering a variety of use cases you’ll always have the solution you need.

Blog: Upgrading to LTE

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AT&T will stop using their 3G cellular towers in February 2022.  Verizon will cease their 3G support shortly after that.  In Canada, 2G cellular technology will stop by the end of 2021.  We call it the 2G/3G sunset, and like the actual sunset at the end of the day, it’s a gradual decline, not a point in time.  These towers are already starting to come down, and entire cities are finding themselves without 2G/3G cellular connectivity.

In the past security system used landline phone connections to send their signals, but over the past 10 years, security industry manufacturers and installers have relied heavily on 2G/3G cellular technology to keep their systems connected.  As the industry faces the 2G/3G sunset everyone recognizes a massive workload ahead of them: Millions of end users face the possibility of owning a system that no longer has the capability to contact their monitoring center unless action is taken.

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Blog: 2020 Has One Final Gift

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For money 2020 has been the worst year in their entire existence. Covid-19 has hit some areas hard, resulting in pay reductions, job loss, and even the passing of loved ones. Combine that with raging forest fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and other natural disasters and it’s no surprise that many are excited to bid this year adeu.
2020 has one last gift for all of us: New Year’s Eve. It’s the holiday celebrated around the world that will have more significance this year than any before it. As you think of your resolutions and what 2021 might bring, consider adding these to the list:
-Be kinder to strangers. You don’t know what struggles other people are having, and perhaps a kind word from you will be the best thing that happens to them all week.
-Embrace your technology. From smart phones to smart homes, we have technology to make our lives safer, easier, and energy efficient. Don’t push against it or save it for tomorrow, get it set up now so you can start the year right.
-Choose happiness. One of our favorite quotes from an unknown author is “life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you choose to react.” We believe that no matter how difficult the situation, you can choose to be positive, find the good, and move forward.  There’s always a little lemonade in that bowl of lemons if you choose to look for it.
No matter how challenging 2020 has been for you, remember it has one last gift to give: a fresh start on January 1, 2021.

Blog: The Nightly Shutdown

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During the holiday season many of us decorate with strands of lights on a tree, around the house and even on the exterior. These decorations can help us bring excitement and joy to those around us, but even the most energy efficient lights still require energy we wouldn’t normally use during the rest of the year. As such, it’s not uncommon to see higher energy costs during the holiday months of November and December.
The price conscious employ a routine to minimize these extra costs when not needed: waiting to turn these lights on until dusk, and manually turning them off again before they retire for the evening. This routine often requires straining to reach a plug hidden behind a Christmas tree, or walking outside in the cold December air and unplugging lights from an exterior outlet. It’s a sacrifice dedicated to saving a few household dollars and comes with the additional reward of feeling like one is helping reduce one’s carbon footprint in some small way.

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