Control4 X4 – what is it, and worth the hype?

We recently attended the EI Live! exhibition in Farnborough, the annual showcase for smart technology and services from across the global custom install industry. As you would expect, it’s a show we like to attend and hear “from the horse’s mouth” about new developments and trends within the sector, and latest products and innovations from the smart home industry’s foremost brands.

Of particular interest to us this year was Control4 X4 software, the new upgraded operating system and user interface for ADI / SnapOne’s leading smart home control system.

Pitched as being able to elevate the smart home experiences, Control4 X4 has been created to provide a more personalised and intuitive way to control and manage connected devices – TVs, audio, lighting and shades, security etc.

ADI / Snap One [parent company of the Control4 brand] announced the launch of Control4 X4 as “a major leap forward in automation, delivering a flexible, intuitive, modern, customer-centric and powerful control experience – empowering both professional integrators and end-users alike.”

Majik House has worked with Control4 pretty much since it was launched in 2004, and in the subsequent 21-years it has become a ‘go-to’ solution for us. This is due to its compatibility with such a broad spectrum of third party devices and systems but, for Majik House, one of the biggest appeals is its ease of use for our clients.

Whether it’s a remote control, touchscreen or mobile app, the user experience has always been excellent, so you can appreciate why the launch of the X4 operating system and promise of improving this experience had us intrigued.

X4 is all about the personalised experience, and the new ‘widgets’ allow users to make their home screen bespoke with quick access to frequently used functions and the ability to re-arrange, re-size and change room view layout. The Routines functionality enables users to create and edit straightforward automated actions and schedules, again with even more flexibility and interactivity.

One of the big advances is X4 also boasts expanded integration with Apple HomeKit, with direct control of connected devices and Control4 from iPhone, desktop and Siri voice commands.

In a recent press release, Jason Winchester, SVP Chief Product Officer said “The Control4 experience has progressed from a programmed system into an intelligent, adaptable smart living experience… we know that users want simplicity, more intuitive access to rich features, and modern aesthetics all in one convenient package.”

Since the EI! Live show we have been testing and evaluating X4 in our own homes and here in the showroom, and our opinion is that Jason is right – this latest offering from Control4 is a great advancement in their offering and well worth the hype.

If you’d like to find out more, please get in touch at info@majikhouse.com and we’d be happy to arrange for you to visit our showroom here in the South Lakes.