ControlThink's new Z-Wave USB Adapter is firmware-upgradeable

While we have interns to switch off the lights and regulate Engadget HQ temperature, plenty of folks rely on the Z-Wave standard for home automation. Unlucky for them, most Z-Wave adapters need to be replaced every year or so to support new protocol features, so ControlThink built what it's billing as the "industry's first upgradeable Z-Wave USB Adapter." The cute little USB dongle goes for $40, and runs at 4x (40kbps) speeds, but is backwards compatible with 1x devices. We know, you can hardly contain your excitement.

[jdame @ Mar 31st 2008 9:53AM]

I couldn't get a lot of info from the site, but if i can control this device with my non zwave harmony 880 through my htpc then I'm sold.

[patsy @ Mar 31st 2008 9:53AM]

Wow, that's truly awesome. Now all we need are cheap and readily available Z-Wave components, and we're all set. I'm jumping up and down already!

[DiscoCat5 @ Mar 31st 2008 10:09AM]

lawlzzzzzz this certainly is a freakishly exciting story..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................NOT.... APRIL FOOLS!

[packetsniffer @ Mar 31st 2008 11:08AM]

@DiscoCat5
Funny.

(You know it's only March 31st and not April 1st yet, though, right?)

[Reader @ Mar 31st 2008 3:06PM]

I had to check my calendar to make sure... didn't think I forgot the 31st

[John Stracke @ Mar 31st 2008 4:05PM]

Clearly, Engadget HQ needs to install an Intern USB Adapter.

[DiscoCat5 @ Mar 31st 2008 10:11AM]

ho dear the "NOT", my entire punchline was left out of that last joke... yes yes go ahead and demote my comment... :(

[DiscoCat5 @ Mar 31st 2008 10:12AM]

Oh dear the "NOT", my entire punchline, was left out of that last comment/reply/joke... yes yes go ahead and demote my comment... :(

[Flashpoint @ Mar 31st 2008 10:13AM]

My only question is can this be used with an XBOX360 instead of the Microsoft 360 wifi adapter ($90)

I got Verizon Fios and their Actiontec router refuses to recognize the 360's wifi adapter. [ or its the other way around - the adapter doesn't recognize the router ]

[Erwos @ Mar 31st 2008 10:25AM]

This isn't a WiFi adapter - it's for a proprietary RF scheme used by the Z-Wave home automation protocol.

It's your router that sucks, FYI.

[DiscoCat5 @ Mar 31st 2008 10:13AM]

It would appear that i have fallen victim of my own brilliant April Fooling scheme.
Ah well theres always next year "sigh"

[Cursor @ Mar 31st 2008 10:47AM]

3 completely off topic nonsense posts to this thread... wow...
FAIL!

[Jman @ Mar 31st 2008 11:23AM]

Z-Wave rocks, nice addition ControlThink!