PRESS RELEASE
Leading roof window manufacturer VELUX and smart home leader Netatmo release an automatic smart sensor-based windows system
London, July 4th 2018 - Today, The VELUX Group, the world’s leading roof window manufacturer, and Netatmo, a leading smart home company, announce the availability of the ‘smart windows system’ called VELUX ACTIVE with NETATMO. The system enables automatic and smart sensor-based operation of roof windows, blinds and shutters.
VELUX ACTIVE with NETATMO is the world’s first ’plug-and-play’ smart home system launched within the global window business. Built on the newest smart-sensor technology and developed in collaboration with Netatmo, the VELUX smart windows system thinks and acts on the occupants’ behalf. It monitors the temperature, humidity and CO2 concentration inside the home to improve air quality, climate, ventilation and sun screening and thus creates healthier indoor living conditions.
VELUX ACTIVE with NETATMO brings together a smartphone app, an indoor climate sensor, a departure switch and an internet gateway run by advanced algorithms that control the fully-automated operation of roof windows, blinds and shutters.
“The trend for smart homes to help us live more comfortable and healthier lives is increasing and this innovation positions VELUX for more growth in this rapidly developing product segment.” says Kent Holm, SVP, global product management, The VELUX Group.
VELUX ACTIVE with NETATMO is the first smart roof window system that connects with Apple HomeKit, allowing homeowners to manage indoor climate control at home or remotely across all Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV and HomePod. The system can be controlled using Siri®, Apple’s voice-controlled intelligent assistant, or with the touch of a button on the Apple Home app.
Easy to install, just plug and play
The system is designed for homeowners to easily install it by themselves and comes with its own app allowing people to manage their indoor climate control system in line with personal needs and external weather data through their phones or tablets.
“VELUX ACTIVE with NETATMO is the result of two stunning technologies: high standard and quality VELUX roof windows and Netatmo’s know-how for creating simple and useful products and applications. By automating the opening, closing and shading of roof windows, we can make a big difference and improve indoor climate so users don’t have to worry about it. We created a smart sensor-based solution that is not only easy to use and reliable, but also beneficial for user’s wellbeing,” added Fred Potter, founder and CEO of Netatmo.
Controlling fully automated roof windows, blinds and shutters
VELUX ACTIVE with NETATMO comes in three parts – a sensor, gateway and departure switch - and is compatible with all VELUX INTEGRA® electrical products. A sensor, placed in the room with a roof window installed, measures CO2, humidity and temperature and monitors external weather data from online services. The sensors come embedded with advance algorithms that activates ventilation and protect against heat.
There are three ways to use the system – sensor-based operation, smartphone control and manual control. For sensor-based operation, users do not need to do anything. The smartphone control allows users to adjust or stop automatic functions and, control the roof windows manually. The manual control is good for when homeowners are leaving their property; they can simply push the departure switch button to close all windows for safety.
Price and availability
The VELUX ACTIVE with NETATMO starter pack retails for 249€. The additional indoor climate sensor retails for 99€. All products are available on www.velux.com/active and on www.netatmo.com.
The ventilation and heat protection algorithms
The ventilation algorithm improves indoor climate by using room climate sensors to measure CO2, humidity and temperature, plus external data received from online weather forecast services that report temperature, wind and humidity. The algorithm calculates whether opening the roof window will improve the indoor climate or not, then calculates to which degree the window needs to open and for how long. The last check the algorithm does, before opening the roof window, is to make sure that it is not raining by receiving data from the rain sensor integrated in the VELUX INTEGRA® electrical roof window.
The heat protection algorithm is proactive and works by closing the shutter or blind before the room gets too hot. Based on input from an online weather service (including temperature, forecast conditions and length of the day), the algorithm calculates the risk of a room becoming overheated and then determines during which hours shutters and blinds should be rolled down to prevent overheating.
- 46% of consumers in the US and Europe believe smart homes will be mainstream within the next four years (Bluetooth survey)
- We spend up to 90% of our time indoors (WHO)
- 8 out of 10 % of consumers are unaware indoor air is more polluted than air outside (YouGov survey)
- Indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than air outside (US EPA)
- VELUX ACTIVE with NETATMO includes an indoor climate sensor, departure switch and internet gateway
- VELUX ACTIVE with NETATMO solution is compatible with VELUX INTEGRA® electrical roof windows and manual roof windows upgraded with a solar motor.
- The VELUX ACTIVE with Netatmo app is compatible with Apple iPhones and Android smartphones
About Netatmo
Netatmo is a revolutionary smart home company that develops intuitive, beautifully designed consumer electronic products. Artificial intelligence is designed into all Netatmo’s products and they are therefore, truly smart. The user experience is seamless, helping everyone create a safer, healthier and more comfortable home. Netatmo carefully designs the mechanics, electronics and embedded software of all its products to the highest standards. The mobile and web applications are designed to be simple to operate, yet deliver a rich user experience.
Through its program “with Netatmo”, Netatmo develops connected solutions with leading brands in the building industry to be integrated into residential home infrastructure, whether new-build or renovation. In November 2015 Netatmo completed a series B funding round of €30 million. The company previously raised €4.5 million in 2013. For more information, visit www.netatmo.com.
About The VELUX Group
For more than 75 years, the VELUX Group has created better living environments for people around the world; making the most of daylight and fresh air through the roof. Our product programme includes roof windows and modular skylights, decorative blinds, sun screening products and roller shutters, as well as installation and smart home solutions. These products help to ensure a healthy and sustainable indoor climate, where people work, learn, live or play. We work globally – with sales and manufacturing operations in more than 40 countries and around 10,200 employees worldwide. The VELUX Group is owned by VKR Holding A/S, a limited company wholly owned by non-profit, charitable foundations (THE VELUX FOUNDATIONS) and family. In 2017, VKR Holding had total revenue of EUR 2.5 billion, and THE VELUX FOUNDATIONS donated EUR 168 million in charitable grants. For more, information, visit www.velux.com.
