iControl for your iPhone

PALO ALTO, Calif.--IControl Networks, a provider of Web-based home monitoring and control solutions, has been selected to develop applications for Apple’s iPhone, one of two companies to be publicly announced thus far. IControl will develop a home automation application for the iPhone allowing users to remotely control devices. “We’re taking the iControl user experience and providing that on the iPhone, which is an unparalleled mobile platform in terms of features,” said Paul Dawes, chief executive officer of iControl. IPhone users will have the ability to remotely arm and disarm their security system, view live video feeds and remotely control and manage their home devices through the iPhone application, he said. IControl did not announce a release date for its iPhone product, but Dawes said it is expected sometime this fall. IControl’s selection was part of the $15.5 million series B capital round it landed in April, led by venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers (search “iControl raises” at www.securitysystemsnews.com). KPCB is leading a $100 million investment initiative, called iFund, that funds ideas and products for the iPhone and iPod Touch platform. “The capital round money will be used by iControl for development and marketing purposes,” said Dawes, “and the iPhone development is certainly one of the things we’re doing.” While Apple has not provided capital for the iFund, Apple will “provide KPCB with market insight and support,” according to KPCB’s Web site. KPCB reportedly received more than 1,700 applications from companies vying for selection to develop applications for Apple. Seattle-based Pelago Inc. was the other company to receive financial backing through the iFund for its location-based application, Whrrl, that helps users find nearby businesses and places of interest. KPCB is reportedly considering 10 other applications.