At last, recently published FCC documents have revealed what the new Iris hub is going to look like. They even give some insight into some of the new technologies that are going to be in it. Our initial investigation of FCC documents indicates the new hub will contain as many as 4 USB ports and will have a built-in Bluetooth Low Energy radio.
Let’s take a more detailed look at the new Iris hub…
User guide submitted to FCC.
As part of the submission process to gain FCC approval for electronic devices a manufacturer must submit various forms of documentation. In their submission to CentraLite on submitted a Lowe’s branded user setup guide.
FCC Approval statement for the new Iris hub. FCC ID T3L-SS009
And on the second page of the setup guide is the FCC ID for the new hub. Every electronic product manufactured receives an FCC ID number after the completion of the testing and approval process.
Top of the new hub Iris hub chassis.
Along with the submission were various photos of both internal components and the external chassis. The view from the top offers little speculation, but it shows that the new hub will be a little smaller.
Bottom of the new Iris hub case.
The view from the bottom shows a curious Apple Mac-Mini-style cover. This is likely how the batteries will be accessed.
Internal view of the new Iris hub chassis.
Gone is the battery pack that Iris hubs use today. The battery compartment appears to be sized to hold standard AA batteries.
Top view of the new Iris hub motherboard.
The printed circuit board looks nothing like the original hub further confirming the long suspected rumor that AlertMe is parting ways with Lowe’s. Of particular interest is that there appear to be 2 USB risers that may contain 2 ports each. Four USB ports in the new hub would be a very useful change!
Bottom view of the new Iris hub motherboard.
The bottom of the printed circuit board shows nothing of any interest.
New Iris hub during Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) testing.
And most the most interesting find of all is the revelation that the new hub will in fact contain Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. This photo is from the BLE test setup. A similar looking photo was published from the WiFi test setup.
Of course these photos just cover the hardware. Nobody outside of Lowe’s knows what new features that Iris will gain. We will continue to monitor the FCC databases and our other sources for new information.