Savant has introduced a unique touchscreen remote control. It’s called the Savant Touch Remote and it uses the latest iPod touch as the interface. It uses iOS 4.2 with a custom Savant app on top. Users can control their multi-room A/V systems and still download apps, use FaceTime for calling and perform other typical iPod functions just like normal.

The remote also includes 18 backlit hardware buttons for adjusting volume, menu navigation and more. Savant bundles it with a dock that charges the remote, and your color choices include black or white. There is RF connectivity in addition to Wi-Fi.

You may recognize the ZAGG name as the company who offers the full line of invisibleSHIELD protective films for notebooks and mobile phones. The film is fantastic and keeps your gadgets from getting scratched and marred. ZAGG has announced some details on a new product that is coming next year called the ZAGGbox.

The device serves several functions including storing, recording, and playing media. It can transcode video to a version for TV and for the iPod or iPhone at the same time. The device has a universal remote and can control other devices with an IR blaster.

Having music in each room of your house is a great feature for music fans and fans of home automation. Many of the music servers that offer multi-room audio allow you to listen to different tracks and sources in each room.

CasaTools has announced its latest multi-room music server called the CasaTunes XL music Server. The system allows you to play music from multiple sources like your PC, iTunes, iPhone, AM/FM tuner and more. Each room can listen to their own songs and different sources.

My family and I are in the process of buying a new home. One of the first things I started lobbying the wife for (don’t laugh, any married guy will tell you that is an integral part of a relationship) was some serious home automation goodness. I want everything to be automated in the home and talk in the voice of HAL.

Schlage has announced a new deadbolt that will be perfect for my new house and is about as geeky as a deadbolt gets. First, you don’t need a key to unlock it. The lock opens via a 4-digit code that is entered on a 10-digit keypad. The lock can be set up to notify the homeowner via a text when a specific code is entered.

Those seeking complete keypad control of everything automated in their room know Control4 to be one of those who offers products for this. The company has announced a new in-wall touch screen, the Control4 7-inch POE Wall Mount Touch Screen, at around $1,200.

The Control4 7-inch POE Wall Mount Touch Screen sports a seven-inch wide display screen in a 16×9 format. It offers full control of whole-home automation, including a home theater, multi-room music, advanced temperature control, security integration and smart lighting.