Oomi Z-Wave-Based Smart Home Platform Launches Through Kickstarter for Summer Release

A smart home system called Oomi launched Thursday via Kickstarter, offering contributors a starter kit for $229, roughly half off the $449 suggested retail price the system will command when it ships midyear. Developed by Fantem, Oomi’s peg is simple setup and use centering on patent-pending “Tap-and-Touch” technology, the company said. When an Oomi device is tapped using the Oomi Touch tablet, options for setup, configuration and tutorials for the device are displayed on the tablet screen, said Fantem. Oomi is "lowering the barrier to entry for home automation for consumers of all types -- whether tech-savvy or not," the company said. Oomi uses Z-Wave for communication and will be able to control 1,200 Z-Wave products when it ships, Fantem said. The Oomi system has self-learning algorithms and adaptive automation, said to learn the user’s habits, schedules and preferences. Oomi can “determine if the user’s commute will take longer than expected and automatically re-set their alarm clock to wake them up earlier so they are not late for work,” Fantem said. The starter kit includes a hub, tablet and compatible wall outlet switch, it said.