The Zio^® product portfolio has expanded to include the Zio Lite wall module, which utilizes Sylk™ technology, making it easy for contractors to add peripheral devices to controllers, such as wall modules, sensors, actuators, and input and output (I/O) modules. 

I believe it is clear that we are just at the beginning of this revolution, and it is likely that the changes and improvements in these devices are going to be released nearly as frequently as new cell phones enter the market. 

Although the market for smart thermostats has struggled to gain traction, recent developments — particularly the purchase of smart thermostat maker Nest Labs by Google for a reported $3.2 billion — indicate that growth is likely to accelerate, according to Navigant Research.

The NEWS was very busy at the AHR Expo in New York City, visiting as many booths as possible in search of new products. Below is a comprehensive list of all the residential control products we found on the show floor.

On Jan. 13, Google Inc. announced it had entered into an agreement to buy smart thermostat manufacturer Nest Labs, Inc. for $3.2 billion in cash. 

With a touch of the help button, the VT4000 Audioaire™ thermostat plays the service company’s custom audio message. 

On Jan. 13, Google Inc. announced it had entered into an agreement to buy smart thermostat manufacturer Nest Labs Inc. for $3.2 billion in cash.