After selling his Slingbox invention, Blake Krikorian had a bit of time on his hands. OK—maybe not. However, Krikorian made time to meet with Crestron, and now the two have announced R2 Control for Crestron.

This new software app transforms any Android smartphone or tablet into a fully functional Crestron touchpanel. That means you can control lighting, A/V, thermostats, security, and any other product attached to your Crestron system, all via your Android device of choice.

First announced at last September’s CEDIA Expo, the R2 has been in beta for seven months. Krikorian originally conceived R2 for his own personal use.

“In addition to being able to control aspects of my home via Crestron remote controls and iOS devices, I really wanted to be able to use my new Android-based phone,” says Krikorian. “I desired a software platform that allowed me to further optimize the home control experience for general purpose smartphones and tablets, beyond the industry’s current state of the art. R2 and Android provides the flexibility to do just that.”

Besides being able to control all of your Crestron-connected devices (even across multiple homes!), R2’s key features (via Crestron) include:

• Communicates with Crestron 2-Series and 3-Series control systems via WiFi and cellular network
• Controls multiple systems/homes from one Android device
• Uses the same Crestron development tools to create projects for R2. R2 touch panel projects are created using the existing and familiar development tools such as SIMPL Windows, VTPro, D3 and System Builder.
• Compatible with Mobile Pro/Mobile Pro G™ apps: runs projects created for iOS devices
• Quick access: ability to disable screen unlock requirement; Device’s built-in proximity sensor can automatically wake device
• Automatic project UI scaling: resizes Mobile Pro and Mobile Pro G projects to the native resolution of any Android device
• Visual, haptic and audible feedback: provides clear confirmation of key presses
• Optimized performance for Android: takes advantage of Android’s multitasking and flexibility to deliver an experience optimized for home and building control
• Support for multiple and custom resolutions: in addition to R2’s built-in UI display scalar, an upcoming VTPro add-on (coming soon) enables developers to optionally create pixel-perfect projects for any screen size.

R2 falls under the id8 Group Productions umbrella. Krikorian founded id8 Group Holdings in 1999. It’s the first id8 product since the Slingbox, which branched off in 2004 into Sling Media, Inc. Sling Media was bought by Echostar in 2007.

Rachel Cericola - Contributing Writer

Over the past 15 years, Rachel Cericola has covered entertainment, web and technology trends. Check her out at www.rachelcericola.com.