Lowes Iris Adds Home Voice Control, Garage Door Opener & More

The Lowes Iris home automation system now offers an expanded lineup of convenience and safety to users who choose to install the DIY home automation system from Lowes with voice control, a garage door control that doesn’t require a new garage door, sprinkler control, leak detection with water shutoff and more.

Iris is an affordable home automation system sold at Lowes that allows users to install the system on their own and without a long-term contract and or expensive monthly fees. A user will need a starter kit ranging from $179 to $299 to get going, and an hour for installation of the basic system. From there the Iris system at Lowes includes items that are guaranteed to work with the Iris system, taking the guesswork out of finding home automation components.

The new Iris announcements at CES focus on safety, energy efficiency and convenience and will work with the existing Iris systems on store shelves and in homes.

There are three new water focused Iris components, one of which is an essential add-on for users with basements,rentals and vacation homes.The Iris Water Flow Meter measures water usage and can detect pipe leaks with a sensor that attaches to the outside of existing pipes. If a leak is detected the companion Iris Water Shut Off Calve can automatically turn off the water to prevent damage.

The Iris Smart Sprinkler Systems connect to a lets users control Sprinkler system and can communicate with a sensor to determine if the flowerbed or yard is already wet. In other energy efficiency news the Iris system can connect to a Whirlpool water heater and Sylvania light bulbs.

A new Iris universal Garage Door Controller kit connects to an existing garage door opener system and commandeer it to offer an iPhone or Android controlled garage door without the need for a new opener or monthly fees. Also arriving is iVee, which allows users to use voice commands to control a thermostat or lighting with Iris.

In addition to the standard home automation users can upgrade to a “Care” package that helps keep an eye on loved ones and identify changes to a daily routine with the ability to send alerts to the caretaker.