HomeSeer Technologies LLC is a technology company based in

Bedford, New Hampshire Bedford is a New England town, town in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, United States. At the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, the population was 23,322, reflecting a growth of 10% from 2010. Bedford is a suburb of Manchester, New Hamps ...

, in the United States. HomeSeer makes

home automation Home automation or domotics is building automation for a home. A home automation system will monitor and/or control home attributes such as lighting, climate, entertainment systems, and appliances. It may also include home security such ...

controllers and software, designed to integrate lighting,

HVAC Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC ) is the use of various technologies to control the temperature, humidity, and purity of the air in an enclosed space. Its goal is to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality. ...

, security, AV and other subsystems in most homes. Additionally, the company maintains an online store of compatible home automation products and a free online community

forum Forum or The Forum may refer to: Common uses *Forum (legal), designated space for public expression in the United States *Forum (Roman), open public space within a Roman city **Roman Forum, most famous example * Internet forum, discussion board ...

for users and dealers. Software is at the core of HomeSeer's systems. The HS series (HS1-HS4) is licensed as a stand-alone product for users who wish to run it on their own personal computers. Its also pre-installed onto HomeTroller controllers, for users who prefer a more fully configured solution. HS series systems are connected to the users home network and may be programmed with any web browser in a typical installation. Once programming is complete, the HS3 system will carry out automation functions unattended. If desired, the HSTouch mobile app may be used to monitor and manually control the products in the home. HomeSeer's MyHS web service is designed to provide remote internet access only and is not required for processing of automation events in the home.

History

1999-2004

HomeSeer was founded in 1999 by company president Richard Helmke. At the time, Helmke was employed as Software Project Leader for

Cabletron Cabletron Systems, Inc., was a manufacturer of networking computer equipment throughout the 1980s and 1990s primarily based in Rochester, New Hampshire, in the United States. They also had manufacturing facilities in Ironton, Ohio, and in Irelan ...

(later becoming

Enterasys Enterasys Networks, Inc. was an American networking company. Enterasys products included networking equipment ranging from routers, switches, and IEEE 802.11 wireless access points and controllers. The company formed in March 2000 as a spin-off ...

) in

Rochester, New Hampshire Rochester is a city in Strafford County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 32,492 at the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, making it the List of municipalities in New Hampshire, 6th most populous city in New Hampshire. In ad ...

. Helmke developed an interest in home automation and set about to find a software program that would fit his needs. After trying several programs, Helmke elected to create his own program (initially named ''AutoHome''), and launched that effort, as a part-time pursuit, under the company name "Keware". Shortly after release, Keware was renamed ''HomeSeer'' and AutoHome was renamed ''HomeSeer v1'' or ''HS1'' for short. At first, the software was compatible with X10 light switches, plug-in modules and controllers. Over time, support was added for additional products such as the ADI Ocelot, JDS Stargate controller and WGL W800 wireless receivers. An open

API An application programming interface (API) is a connection between computers or between computer programs. It is a type of software interface, offering a service to other pieces of software. A document or standard that describes how to build ...

coupled with a freely available SDK was added to encourage 3rd party development of plug-in (drivers) for support of additional technologies and products. HS1 included support for remote internet access and voice control using Microsoft speech technology (SAPI). As sales of HS1 increased, a message board forum was implemented to provide community-based support for HS1 users. In 2002, Helmke left his position at Enterasys to focus solely on HomeSeer. In 2003, driver support was added to HS1 for

Z-Wave Z-Wave is a wireless communications protocol used primarily for residential and commercial building automation. It is a mesh network using low-energy radio waves to communicate from device to device, allowing for wireless control of smart home d ...

, a wireless

mesh network A mesh network is a local area network topology in which the infrastructure nodes (i.e. bridges, switches, and other infrastructure devices) connect directly, dynamically and non-hierarchically to as many other nodes as possible and cooperate wit ...

technology. At that time, the technology was in its infancy with only a handful of lighting products available from ''Advanced Control Technologies'' and Sylvania. As of 2015, the Z-Wave Alliance reported there were more than 1,400 Z-Wave certified products including light switches, thermostats, door locks, water valves, garage door controllers, sensors and other products. In 2004, HomeSeer released its first hardware product, the ''ZU0100-001'' Z-Wave USB interface. This product functioned as a Z-Wave

transceiver In radio communication, a transceiver is an electronic device which is a combination of a radio ''trans''mitter and a re''ceiver'', hence the name. It can both transmit and receive radio waves using an antenna, for communication purposes. The ...

to allow HS1 software to communicate with wireless Z-Wave devices.

2005-2010

August 2005 marked the release of HS2 software. The new version was designed as a

web application A web application (or web app) is application software that is created with web technologies and runs via a web browser. Web applications emerged during the late 1990s and allowed for the server to dynamically build a response to the request, ...

to allow for remote set up and configuration, as well as remote control. A professional version (HSPRO) targeting custom installers and featuring advanced Z-Wave support with pre-licensed plug-ins, was also released. In December, the company's first hardware controller (PRO-100) was released. The PRO-100 was a fan-less design with DOM storage that included an embedded installation of HSPRO software. In 2006, HomeSeer released the ''Z-Troller'', a handheld Z-Wave network controller that doubled as a Z-Wave interface. Since Z-Troller was both a network controller ''and'' interface, it supported advanced features such as network optimization and network backup and restore. In October, the PRO-100 was upgraded to a faster Series II model. In 2007, HomeSeer released the ''HSM100'', a battery operated Z-Wave 'multi-sensor' with built-in sensors for

motion In physics, motion is when an object changes its position with respect to a reference point in a given time. Motion is mathematically described in terms of displacement, distance, velocity, acceleration, speed, and frame of reference to an o ...

temperature Temperature is a physical quantity that quantitatively expresses the attribute of hotness or coldness. Temperature is measurement, measured with a thermometer. It reflects the average kinetic energy of the vibrating and colliding atoms making ...

and light level. The HSM100 was well suited for home automation ''events'' that relied on some combination of its sensor data. HomeSeer's ''HomeTroller'' was also released in 2007 to provide functionality similar to the PRO-100 but at a lower price point. Unlike the PRO-100, the original HomeTroller was equipped with a conventional mechanical hard drive, active cooling (with fans) and embedded HS2 software. Subsequent versions were released with passive cooling (no fans) and with DOM,

SD card Secure Digital (SD) is a proprietary, non-volatile, flash memory card format developed by the SD Association (SDA). Owing to their compact size, SD cards have been widely adopted in a variety of portable consumer electronics, including dig ...

SSD A solid-state drive (SSD) is a type of solid-state storage device that uses Integrated circuit, integrated circuits to store data persistence (computer science), persistently. It is sometimes called semiconductor storage device, solid-stat ...

storage to improve reliability. In 2009, HomeSeer released its first

mobile app A mobile application or app is a computer program or software application designed to run on a mobile device such as a smartphone, phone, tablet computer, tablet, or smartwatch, watch. Mobile applications often stand in contrast to desktop appli ...

, a software program called ''HSTouch''. Originally developed for Apple's

iOS Ios, Io or Nio (, ; ; locally Nios, Νιός) is a Greek island in the Cyclades group in the Aegean Sea. Ios is a hilly island with cliffs down to the sea on most sides. It is situated halfway between Naxos and Santorini. It is about long an ...

platform, HSTouch gave HomeSeer users the ability to monitor and control their homes with their

iPhone The iPhone is a line of smartphones developed and marketed by Apple that run iOS, the company's own mobile operating system. The first-generation iPhone was announced by then–Apple CEO and co-founder Steve Jobs on January 9, 2007, at ...

s and

iPod The iPod is a series of portable media players and multi-purpose mobile devices that were designed and marketed by Apple Inc. from 2001 to 2022. The iPod Classic#1st generation, first version was released on November 10, 2001, about mon ...

s. A companion program, ''HSTouch Designer'', was also released for those who wished to customize the mobile app with their own screen designs and graphics. In 2010, HomeSeer released its

Android Android most commonly refers to: *Android (robot), a humanoid robot or synthetic organism designed to imitate a human * Android (operating system), a mobile operating system primarily developed by Google * Android TV, a operating system developed ...

version of HSTouch mobile app. In September, HomeTroller was upgraded to the S3 model.

2011-2013

In 2011, HomeSeer released the HomeTroller-SE as its new entry level controller. The -SE model featured a less powerful

CPU A central processing unit (CPU), also called a central processor, main processor, or just processor, is the primary processor in a given computer. Its electronic circuitry executes instructions of a computer program, such as arithmetic, log ...

and fewer features than the standard HomeTroller model but at approximately half the cost. An even lower cost ''HomeTroller-Mini'' was also in the works with a prototype unit debuting at CES 2011. However, the HomeTroller-Mini design was later abandoned before release because of parts availability and cost issues. In 2013, HomeSeer released HS3, a significant upgrade to the HS2 version. HS3 included an all-new JQuery web

GUI Gui or GUI may refer to: People Surname * Gui (surname), an ancient Chinese surname, ''xing'' * Bernard Gui (1261 or 1262–1331), inquisitor of the Dominican Order * Luigi Gui (1914–2010), Italian politician * Gui Minhai (born 1964), Ch ...

, redesigned automation 'engine', multi-network Z-Wave support and new counter and timer features. A professional version, ''HS3PRO'', was also released to service the dealer channel. HomeSeer's HomeTroller Zee was also released in 2013. The Zee was based on the Raspberry Pi1 model B computer, included HS3 software and was bundled with an Aeon Labs Z-Stick Z-Wave interface. HomeTroller Zee replaced the HomeTroller-SE as the company's entry level home controller.

2014

In January 2014, HomeSeer introduced voice programming and automatic camera support for their controllers. Voice programming allowed users to create automation events solely by voice using any Android mobile device. Automatic camera support was designed to automatically detect and configure settings for Foscam brand IP cameras. This allowed the cameras to be viewed with the HSTouch mobile app. In March, HomeSeer released the model WFTT07 ''Control Pad'' free-standing 7" Android tabletop

touchscreen A touchscreen (or touch screen) is a type of electronic visual display, display that can detect touch input from a user. It consists of both an input device (a touch panel) and an output device (a visual display). The touch panel is typically l ...

embedded with their HSTouch mobile app. The unit was designed to function as a WiFi connected control

portal Portal may refer to: Arts and entertainment Gaming * ''Portal'' (series), a series of video games developed by Valve ** ''Portal'' (video game), a 2007 video game, the first in the series ** '' Portal 2'', the 2011 sequel ** '' Portal Stori ...

for HomeSeer controllers. In April, HomeSeer launched ''MyHomeSeer-Remote'' (''MyHS'') remote access web service for HS3. MyHS simplified the process of enabling remote access to HomeSeer systems by eliminating the need to adjust router settings or use

DDNS Dynamic DNS (DDNS) is a method of automatically updating a name server in the Domain Name System (DNS), often in real time, with the active DDNS configuration of its configured hostnames, addresses or other information. The term is used to desc ...

technology. MyHS was also designed to optimize connection performance in the home by automatically providing a direct

LAN Lan or LAN may refer to: Science and technology * Local asymptotic normality, a fundamental property of regular models in statistics * Longitude of the ascending node, one of the orbital elements used to specify the orbit of an object in space * ...

connection for users attempting to access their systems on the local sub-net. In September, HomeSeer released their ''HomeTroller-SEL'' to replace the HomeTroller-SE as the company's mid-level controller. Compared to the WindowsXP-based SE, the new SEL model included a faster CPU, twice the

RAM Ram, ram, or RAM most commonly refers to: * A male sheep * Random-access memory, computer memory * Ram Trucks, US, since 2009 ** List of vehicles named Dodge Ram, trucks and vans ** Ram Pickup, produced by Ram Trucks Ram, ram, or RAM may also ref ...

and SSD storage, all running on a

Debian Debian () is a free and open-source software, free and open source Linux distribution, developed by the Debian Project, which was established by Ian Murdock in August 1993. Debian is one of the oldest operating systems based on the Linux kerne ...

distribution of

Linux Linux ( ) is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an kernel (operating system), operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991, by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically package manager, pac ...

. Also in September, HomeSeer released their ''A2Z-Link'' Z-Wave bridge module and the ''HSM200'' Z-Wave multi-sensor. * The A2Z-Link module was similar in design to the HomeTroller Zee but also included a newly developed

protocol Protocol may refer to: Sociology and politics * Protocol (politics) Protocol originally (in Late Middle English, c. 15th century) meant the minutes or logbook taken at a meeting, upon which an agreement was based. The term now commonly refers to ...

to allow other controller manufacturers to communicate with Z-Wave devices using simple

JSON JSON (JavaScript Object Notation, pronounced or ) is an open standard file format and electronic data interchange, data interchange format that uses Human-readable medium and data, human-readable text to store and transmit data objects consi ...

ASCII ASCII ( ), an acronym for American Standard Code for Information Interchange, is a character encoding standard for representing a particular set of 95 (English language focused) printable character, printable and 33 control character, control c ...

commands. A2Z-Link was conceived as an OEM product; not intended for direct to consumer sales. * The new HSM200 was line-powered, allowing the unit to function as a Z-Wave

repeater In telecommunications, a repeater is an electronic device that receives a signal and retransmits it. Repeaters are used to extend transmissions so that the signal can cover longer distances or be received on the other side of an obstruction. Some ...

. HSM200 also included an

RGB The RGB color model is an additive color model in which the red, green, and blue primary colors of light are added together in various ways to reproduce a broad array of colors. The name of the model comes from the initials of the three ...

LED A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor device that emits light when current flows through it. Electrons in the semiconductor recombine with electron holes, releasing energy in the form of photons. The color of the light (corresp ...

indicator that could be controlled by HomeSeer systems to change colors when things happened in the home. In November, the HomeTroller S6 becomes HomeSeer's new

flagship A flagship is a vessel used by the commanding officer of a group of navy, naval ships, characteristically a flag officer entitled by custom to fly a distinguishing flag. Used more loosely, it is the lead ship in a fleet of vessels, typically ...

home controller, replacing the PRO-100.

2015

In January 2015, HomeSeer released the Z-NET, an IP-enabled remote Z-Wave interface for use with its HS3-based systems. Since Z-NET works over a network connection, it can be placed nearly anywhere in the home and may also be used in outbuildings, vacation homes or other secondary residences. In April, HomeSeer launched its

IFTTT IFTTT (, an acronym of Conditional (computer programming)#If–then(–else), if this, then that) is a private commercial company that runs services that allow a user to program a response to events in the world. IFTTT has partnerships with dif ...

channel. IFTTT is a web service that allows users to create ''recipes'' that connect products, services and apps from more than 200 different companies around the world. The principal benefit of launching the channel is that it provides web-based integration for products, services and apps for which there are no native HomeSeer drivers (plug-ins). For example, a HomeSeer/IFTTT user could activate the

ESPN ESPN (an initialism of their original name, which was the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network) is an American international basic cable sports channel owned by the Walt Disney Company (80% and operational control) and Hearst Commu ...

sports network IFTTT channel and create a recipe to launch a HomeSeer event to turn on their TV and speak an alert when a sporting event begins. In May, HomeSeer released its HomeTroller Zee S2 controller, based on the Raspberry Pi2 computer. Compared to the original Zee, the S2 model included a faster CPU, had twice the RAM and it included an internal

Sigma Sigma ( ; uppercase Σ, lowercase σ, lowercase in word-final position ς; ) is the eighteenth letter of the Greek alphabet. In the system of Greek numerals, it has a value of 200. In general mathematics, uppercase Σ is used as an operator ...

500 series Z-Wave module for native Z-Wave support. At the same time, several HomeSeer products underwent and achieve
Z-Wave Plus certification
. These products included HS3 software, HomeTroller Zee S2, HomeTroller-SEL, HomeTroller S6, Z-NET, SmartStick+ and A2Z-Link. In December, HomeSeer released its Skill (app) for the

Amazon Echo Amazon Echo, often shortened to Echo, is a brand of smart speakers developed by Amazon (company), Amazon. Echo devices connect to the voice-controlled Virtual assistant, intelligent personal assistant service. ''Amazon Alexa, Alexa'', which resp ...

. The Skill allows HomeSeer users to control their systems by voice using the Amazon Echo.

2016

In March 2016, HomeSeer released a line of Z-Wave Plus lighting products. The line included the HS-WS100+ wall switch, HS-WD100+ wall dimmer, HS-WA100+ wall accessory (for 3-way circuits), HS-PD100+ lamp module, HS-PA100+ appliance module and HS-DTA19+ smart light bulb. In September, a Z-Wave motorized water valve was released. Model HS-WV100+ was offered in 3 valve sizes; 3/4", 1" and 1.25". Support for Amazon's Alexa technology was also added to allow Alexa devices to control HomeSeer system devices and events.

2017

In 2017, HomeSeer released three battery operated Z-Wave sensors. HS-DS100+ (door/window sensor) was released in January and HS-MS100+ (PIR sensor) and HS-LS100+ (water sensor) were both released in December. Support for Google Home was also added to allow Google Home devices to control HomeSeer system devices and events. In May, Z-Flash was released as a commercial software tool, designed to update firmware in Z-Wave products.

2024

On February 26, 2024, HomeSeer announced via its blog that as of March 12, 2024, they would be making changes to their MyHS service which would require a paid subscription to enable integration with Alexa, Google Home and IFTTT cloud connected services.

Compatible technologies and products

HomeSeer systems are designed to integrate with the following technologies and products using a mixture of native and 3rd-party drivers (plug-ins):

Compatible technologies

, open standard *

Zigbee Zigbee is an IEEE 802.15.4-based specification for a suite of high-level communication protocols used to create personal area networks with small, low-power digital radios, such as for home automation, medical device data collection, and oth ...

, open standard *

Google Home Google Nest, previously named Google Home, is a line of smart speakers developed by Google under the Google Nest brand. The devices enable users to speak voice commands to interact with services through Google Assistant, the company's virtual ...

* X10, an older industry standard *

Insteon Insteon is a proprietary home automation (domotics) system that enables light switches, lights, leak sensors, remote controls, motion sensors, and other electrically powered devices to interoperate through power lines, radio frequency (RF) communi ...

, proprietary system (2005-2022) * UPB, a proprietary software protocol developed by Powerline Control Systems * PLCBUS, a proprietary power-line communication protocol A complete listing of compatible technologies may be found on HomeSeer's website.

Compatible products

Light switch In electrical wiring, a light switch is a switch most commonly used to operate electric lights, permanently connected equipment, or AC power plugs and sockets, electrical outlets. Portable lamps such as table lamps may have a light switch mounte ...

es and plug-in modules *

Thermostat A thermostat is a regulating device component which senses the temperature of a physical system and performs actions so that the system's temperature is maintained near a desired setpoint. Thermostats are used in any device or system tha ...

s * Door locks * Garage door controllers * Water valves *

Security systems A security alarm is a system designed to detect intrusions, such as unauthorized entry, into a building or other areas, such as a home or school. Security alarms protect against burglary ( theft) or property damage, as well as against intruders ...

* TVs, audio/video receivers and related products * IP video cameras * Environmental and security sensors A complete listing of compatible products may be found on HomeSeer's website.

Recognition, awards and reviews

* ''

TechTV TechTV was an American cable television channel with a focus on technology. It was launched as ZDTV on May 11, 1998, by computer magazine publisher Ziff Davis, Ziff-Davis following two short-lived technology-based programs by the company. Init ...

'' awards HomeSeer Best of CES for 2004 in Home Automation/Home Networking category. * ''SafeSmartLiving.com'' awards HomeSeer 3rd place in list of Best Smart Home technologies in 2014. * ''AllHomeRobotics.com'' names HomeSeer HomeTroller-SEL "the power-user’s favorite" in 2015. * '' Inc.'' nameed HomeSeer one of 10 Amazing Home Automation Companies You Need to Know in 2015. * ''

The Huffington Post ''HuffPost'' (''The Huffington Post'' until 2017, itself often abbreviated as ''HPo'') is an American progressive news website, with localized and international editions. The site offers news, satire, blogs, and original content, and covers p ...

'' names HomeSeer one of Top 18 Home Automation Companies Who Will Run Your Home in 2015. * ''University Chronicle'' names HomeSeer as one of the key market players in home automation in 2015. * ''TheWireCutter.com'' ranked HomeSeer HS-WD100+ as the Best Z-Wave In-Wall Dimmer in 2017. * ''ASecureLife.com'' includes HomeSeer in list of Best Home Automation Systems in 2019. * '' TopTenReviews.com'' ranks HomeSeer #1 (Gold) award winner in Home Automation Systems in 2021. * ''BuildYourSmartHome.co'' calls HomeSeer's HomeTroller S6 The "Ferrari of Z-Wave Controllers" in 2022.

References

External links

* {{Official website, http://www.homeseer.com, HomeSeer official website Automation software Software companies based in New Hampshire Bedford, New Hampshire 1999 establishments in New Hampshire Home automation companies