Lowe's Packages Remotely Controlled Smart Home Services

Lowe's is leveraging a portfolio of connected products and key partnerships to offer the Iris cloud-based home management system. Iris will allow customers to remotely control their homes' thermostats, locks, lighting and appliances via their smartphones or computers, and also monitor home security with video cameras and door, motion and fire sensors.

"Because of Lowe's partnerships with manufacturers, utilities and service providers, Lowe's has the ability to offer a simple, intuitive home management solution at a great value," said Greg Bridgeford, Lowe's executive vice president of business development in a statement. "Lowe's, through Iris, is working to connect the broadest range of products in the industry and deliver the benefits of a smart home solution that were previously only available to the most affluent consumers."

Iris will be available in Lowe's stores and on Lowes.com by mid-2012.