Cisco announced recently the availability of Cisco Connect Cloud, a software platform for Linksys Smart Wi-Fi routers that redefines and dramatically simplifies how consumers connect, control and interact with their connected devices, including personal entertainment and home appliances. Cisco Connect Cloud is designed to handle all the tiresome and complicated technical aspects of home network set-up and connecting devices to the network. This enables the average person to get on with using and enjoying their Internet service, as well as a wide range of new uses enabled by the home network. Cisco also announced the availability of its Cisco Connect Cloud mobile app which provides easy access to Cisco Connect Cloud on a smartphone or tablet, while at home or on the go. One breakthrough feature with Cisco Connect Cloud is SimpleTap. SimpleTap lets consumers connect devices to their Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router with as little as one tap of a button or with a quick swipe or scan of a device or tag, making it easier than ever to add devices to the network. Additionally, Cisco unveiled the first set of mobile apps from third party developers that provide extended experiences to Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Routers. There are six new developer apps including an app that lets people search and "beam" online videos to a Smart TV or AirPlay compatible device; an app that helps install home monitoring cameras and enables monitoring at home and on the go, and apps that give parents easy ways to keep their children safe online, even when mom and dad are not at home. "We are changing the game when it comes to the connected home, ushering in a whole new level of experiences, simplicity and convenience," said Brett Wingo, vice president and general manager, Cisco Home Networking. "The next-generation connected home is being brought to life for our customers with Linksys Smart Wi-Fi routers, Cisco Connect Cloud, apps and our partnerships across the industry." With the proliferation of mobile devices in the home, consumers are increasingly needing to connect their new devices to the home network ? a task that many find complicated and time consuming. With SimpleTap, connecting devices to the home network is magically simple. When installing new devices such as Smart TVs, printers or tablets, anyone can now use the Cisco Connect Cloud mobile app on their smartphone to get their compatible device connected in a matter of seconds. Connecting is as easy as pressing the virtual Wi-Fi Protected Setup button in the mobile app and, in the near future, as easy as scanning a Near Field Communications (NFC) tag that may be bundled with or integrated in various consumer electronic (CE) products. – SG
