Lowe's to launch 'smart home' service

Mooresville-based Lowe's is preparing to officially roll out its new home management system, Iris, which will offer consumers the ability to control most of their house functions and appliances with a smartphone, tablet or computer.

The product, which was announced earlier this year, is one of the new smart home options consumers have to remotely control their house and, hopefully, improve energy efficiency and security. The basic smart home kit will start at $299, and can - Lowe's says - be installed by the homeowner.

Homeowners can sign up for customized alerts and controls related to their house for $9.99 a month, Lowe's says. The system will be customizable to focus on things like home security, energy efficiency, or the needs of an elderly person.

"The new services will allow customers to control thermostats, locks, lighting, and appliances. Customers can also monitor and protect their homes with video cameras and door, motion, and fire sensors," Lowe's said in an earlier news release about the product.

Lowe's is rolling out Iris with an event and demonstration in San Francisco next Wednesday. I'll try to write something more detailed about the system's capabilities and costs for the Observer after the event (I won't be in San Francisco though, so hopefully Lowe's will live-stream it).