If you read the release from the magazine that Steve linked to, you will see that the EI dedicated controller is not a part of the system until the third or fourth upgrade level. So the first couple levels of Lifeware are being marketed to the builders just as Alan fears, running on the same box as web browsers, media players etc. ALso, these packages include plasmas, distributed audio systems and other hardware. Who determines the end price to the homebuyer? The builder? the lucky CI? EI? Lots of questions to answer before this announcement is to be taken seriously.
Also, regarding the builder deal. Steve says that this will be great for CI's just like the BB deal etc. We are only providing the marketing to builders, the EI dealers will still get all the business. However, it also says that EI will sell the parts to basically anyone the builder designates (not in so many words, but the effect is the same). So what is to stop the builders from designating there own guys, buying and installing the product? It seems like nothing is stopping this.
Here is a quote from the release:
"CBUSA members will be able to sell “good, better, best” home control packages to homebuyers, with installation performed by local Lifeware-certified dealers. If a builder would prefer to use an installer that is not Lifeware-certified, EI will certify that installer."
What is MSRP on the dedicated Lifeware controller? The "HD" touchpanel? Other hardware? And software for that matter?