Jonathan Takiff: Unlock or unplug remotely with home automation

THE GIZMO: We're tracking two stories with a common theme - established tech companies plunging into new product categories. First, there's Verizon and Comcast's entry into home automation/security services. Then, Sony's first tablet computers.

WELCOME TO JETSON-VILLE: Buoyed by research showing consumer interest in home automation, Comcast and Verizon are introducing services that make you master of your domain.

In a recent demonstration of the forthcoming Verizon Home Monitoring and Control system, actors demonstrated what you'll soon be able to do in real life. All use your smartphone, tablet, laptop, PC or television (if you're a FiOS customer) to monitor and control devices in the home.

With security cameras in place, you'll be able to observe remotely if the babysitter's doing her job. Fearful you left the toaster oven on or lights ablaze? If they're connected to a smart power switch, you can shut them down remotely. You can even unlock the front door without a key.

Wondering if your child came home after school? An automatic notification via SMS or email signals when the front door was opened.

On your way out of town and forgot to adjust the AC? There's a way to fix that remotely, too.

Verizon has fine-tuned the system with automation specialist 4Home (a Motorola company) and Schlage, which supplied the smart door locks and (Trane-branded) thermostat.

The latter also offers its own home-control system, Schlage LiNK, with monthly monitoring service priced a buck below Verizon's $9.99. But then you don't enjoy system monitoring on your FiOS-connected TV.

Verizon hasn't announced hardware pricing; however, Schlage's LiNK starter kit with a wireless keypad door lock, an Internet-connected "Bridge" (the brains of the system) and a light module goes for $299. A companion thermostat is $149; cameras are $189. Most components are wireless and user-installed.

TAKING IT TO XFINITY: Comcast's new Xfinity Home Security offering's primary mission is guarding the house, with police and fire-alarm protection (coming later in the Verizon system).

XHS also offers some home-control features - triggering lights, appliances, security cameras and a programmable thermostat. Here, you'll do the monitoring on both a wall-mounted color touch screen (which also serves up weather forecasts, sports scores and such) or via an iPhone or iPad, PC or Mac.

You can't unlock the door remotely, but XHS will alert you when a door's been opened.

Now rolling out across the country, Xfinity Home Security hardware packages run $199 (basic) and $299 (preferred), installation included. Monthly monitoring/access fees are $29.95-$39.95.

LATE TO THE PARTY: Displacing Apple may never be possible, but Sony would happily settle for the No. 2 market share with its first tablet computers, coming soon at "competitive prices."

There are several features that make these Android 3.0 tabs "uniquely Sony," explained Sony Electronics President Phil Molyneux at a recent preview.

The larger, 9.4-inch tab (code-named S1) has a wedge-shaped profile - easier to hold and type on.

The S2 is a clamshell computer, resembling a mature Nintendo DS game system, that unfolds into top and bottom 5.5-inch touch screens. These displays can share a page of content or be used for distinct purposes with, say, a keyboard or video-game controls on the bottom.

The dual-screen S2 will be available first in a 4G/Wi-Fi-connected version serviced by AT&T, with mobile connectivity in either prepay or subscription forms.