Based on Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, airConnect enables Crestron customers to trigger personal settings on a room-by-room basis for lighting, temperature, shades, entertainment systems or any other devices connected to the control system when their smart phone is in proximity of the specially programmed NFC tag. The paper-thin tags, approximately one square-inch in size, can easily be embedded in convenient and multiple locations, such as behind wall keypads and faceplates.
 
Near Field Communication is a form of contactless communication between devices like smartphones or tablets. Contactless communication allows a user to use their smart device in close proximity of a NFC tag to send information without needing to touch the devices together or go through multiple steps setting up a connection.
 
Crestron airConnect also makes it possible to instantaneously know who a user is, where they are, the device they are interacting with, and take automatic action accordingly, opening up a wide array of options in personalized control that were not previously feasible. Homeowners can trigger personalised control settings, including music presets, lighting levels, room temperature, shade positions, and more, when their smart device is within proximity of the NFC tag.
 
“With minimal additional programming and simple modifications to current procedures, Crestron integrators will be able to personalise control based on the NFC technology,” said Fred Bargetzi, Crestron VP of Technology. “For existing customers, implementing airConnect requires no system reprogramming, just programming of the NFC tags, which can be done in minutes. And homeowners will be able to easily program their own settings on their smart devices.”
 
Many Android smart devices are currently NFC-enabled. Crestron will add iPhone and iPad support as soon as Apple enables these devices for NFC.
 
“airConnect introduces a level of personalisation that users could only dream of before,” said Sean Goldstein, Crestron VP of Marketing. “It enables the Crestron control system to recognise who you are and instantly activate your preferences, all by simply walking near a NFC tag with your smart device.”

Local release dates are yet to be confirmed.