Lights, Camera, Appliances: Branto’s Smart-Home Orb Controls It All
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A smart home hub is a dumb purchase if most of your appliances aren’t smart, too. So Ukrainian startup Branto developed a hub that has a built-in 360-degree camera and speaker for security and telepresence, in addition to being able to operate gadgets over Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, and infrared. That’s a lot of functionality for $399, and it works even if your power or Wi-Fi goes down.
Today, Branto unveiled its stylish little smart orb at TechCrunch’s CES Hardware Battlefield, and its now available for pre-order on Kickstarter.
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The Branto team started the company because it was frustrated by expensive smart-home hubs that only worked with devices few people own. “A really well-equipped smart home system will cost about $50,000. That sum seemed exorbitant,” Branto CEO and serial entrepreneur Max Mets says.
As much as we want the future here now, it’ll be a while until the average person upgrades their lights, locks or sound systems. Branto’s product is designed to be useful now while being compatible with the next generation of Internet-ready appliances.
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- Telepresence – A rotatable 1080p HD video camera for 360-degree views, microphones, and speakers that let you see, hear, and talk to someone in your home from your smartphone
- Videoconferencing – The camera can also connects to a TV to let you make video calls from home
- Security – The night-vision video camera, plus motion and sound detectors, let Branto operate as a home security system, notifying you if there’s suspicious movement or noise in your home and sending you video footage
- Infrared Control – A transmitter lets you control your television and any other infrared devices like an air conditioner or media center so you can ditch your standard remotes
- Audiostreaming – Branto can stream music, radio, and audiobooks, either through its dedicated speaker or through external speakers its connected to.
- Smart Appliance Control – Lights, locks, thermostats, and more can be operated via Branto
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With $850,000 in funding, Branto hopes to raise a Series A after its Kickstarter. The plan is for the device to be sold through the company’s website, brick and mortar electronics and mobile operator stores, and other online retailers.
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The question is whether the straight-forward, all-in-one system will resonate with consumers who have plenty of options. There are already hubs from SmartThings, Belkin, and Logitech that have momentum, name brands, and retailer relationships. There are also security systems, including Google/Nest Dropcam, iControl, Scout, Canary, Simplisafe, and iSmartAlarm, some of which are eying the home automation market.
But if you’re looking for an easy entry point that can grow into a full-fledged hub if you really get caught up in the smart-home revolution, Branto can be your eyes and ears.
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