iNet's Budii is an ADSL modem/router with seven Ethernet ports and 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi. It can also be used with fibre and cellular modems.
While routers with phone handsets are no longer a rarity, Budii goes two steps further and supports a DECT 'home smartphone' and tablet. Both are Android based, but the hardware is still going through Google's certification process and Google Play won't be available until that is completed.
The base unit includes battery backup to allow calls to made for around 20 minutes following a blackout, as well as an answering machine, provision for an analog phone line to supplement or as an alternative to a VoIP service, and two USB ports for sharing storage devices.
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Budii also includes ZigBee technology, a wireless mesh networking system with low power consumption that is used in a variety of applications including home automation.
iiNet plans to release its SmartLife home automation system in the second half of 2013, starting with a power usage monitoring and control system developed in conjunction with the CSIRO.
"We're looking forward to revealing more about SmartLife when we launch it later this year," said iiNet CEO Michael Malone.
"We've also got a few other exciting developments on the horizon that will focus on home automation and that will allow customers to integrate their security systems, among other things. Budii really will be the missing piece that will provide a complete solution for the connected home."
The Budii with one handset will cost $399, or $19.95 per month for equipment rental when bundled with an iiNet broadband plan. Budii tablets and additional handsets will be sold separately.
