KANSAS CITY, MO — (Marketwired) — 10/06/14 — SmartHome Ventures, makers of , a self-installed home automation service that allows consumers to monitor and control their home from anywhere with one simple app, has released an update to its app and web dashboard, adding simple yet powerful features to support ease of use of its professional-grade operating system. These upgrades, paired with a newly announced partnership with top-tier design agency , underscore SmartHome Ventures– unwavering focus on the consumer experience.
Mark Rolston, founder of argodesign, will serve as the new Chief Creative Officer for SmartHome Ventures. He and the argodesign team bring more than 25 years of design innovation and groundbreaking work for some of the world–s largest and most innovative companies, such as Disney, Ford, GE, HP, Microsoft and AT&T. An early pioneer of software user experience, he helped forge the disciplines around user interface design and mobile platforms that underpin the market today.
“Because this type of product is new to the world, our opportunity is to set the standard for the category,” Rolston said. “With the new technology that PEQ represents, we recognize that people will bring these products into their homes to control the experiences they hold most dear. So our success depends on creating an experience that is beautiful, intimate and easy to use. I–m genuinely excited to be working with a company that shows commitment where it matters — giving the user an experience of value and delight.”
Focusing on simplicity and ease of use, the upgraded user interface includes changes to design as well as added capabilities. Highlights of the user interface (UI) upgrades include:
Added ability to activate a PEQ device from within the mobile app allows users to easily set-up and expand their smart-home network from a smartphone or tablet.
Upgraded customization lets users personalize their PEQ dashboard layout to fit their smart home needs.
Updated functions on mobile device and tablet add pinch-to-zoom feature on live camera feeds.
Ability to test-drive the PEQ app enables anyone to download the app and experience a PEQ home virtually.
“Two key factors in driving mass-market adoption of smart-home technology are ease of use and overall consumer experience,” said Steve Bosch, VP Product and Strategy for SmartHome Ventures. “We are committed to continually improving the PEQ experience for our customers, and the improvements we announced today are just the beginning. We are excited to have Mark on board to help us create a world class user experience that sets PEQ apart as the standard for consumers in the smart home market.”
The PEQ app is available now for iOS and Android phone and tablet users in the Apple app store and Google Play or on the web at . Follow PEQ on and for real-time updates.
SmartHome Ventures is making the smart home simple. The company–s flagship service PEQ brings professional-grade home automation to the mass market. Investors in SmartHome Ventures include OpenAir Equity Partners. Visit for more information.
argodesign is a product design consultancy, growth partner to entrepreneurs, and incubator of new products and experiences. Their team of experienced designers and expert technologists create product experiences of delight, simplicity and value. Visit for more information.
Vicki Cook
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