Still Using OS 3? Now’s the Time to Upgrade to Control4 X4
You invested in a smart home to make life simpler and more seamless, but if you’re still running Control4 OS 3 or older, you may be living with a system that no longer reflects what’s possible or expected in modern home automation.
Control4’s latest operating system, X4, delivers the experience homeowners originally imagined when they first brought technology into their homes.
Whether you're already using Control4 or exploring ways to future-proof your home during a remodel, let’s explore what X4 offers and why the upgrade is worth it.
MORE ON SMART HOMES: How Can Whole-Home Automation Make Me More Efficient In 2025?
A Smarter, More Visual Home Screen
The first thing you’ll notice about X4 is the redesigned home screen. It’s no longer a grid of static icons; instead, it shows you live, real-time status updates. You’ll be able to see which lights are on, what music is playing, and which AV zones are active right when you walk in or open the app.
There’s no more guessing or clicking through multiple menus, either. With X4, you can instantly see what’s happening across your entire home at a single glance. Compared to OS 3’s layout, this is a shift from basic device management to whole-home visibility and control.
Automation Responds to Life, Not Timers
OS 3 introduced the concept of “scenes,” which are pre-programmed sequences that could be activated with a single tap. But X4 introduces “routines,” automation based on real conditions, not just schedules.
That means your system can now respond to occupancy sensors, geofencing, or environmental triggers. When the last person leaves the house, the lights turn off, the doors lock, the shades close, and the security system arms automatically, without needing to remember or intervene.
Faster Access to What You Use Most
Another significant improvement in X4 is the ability to create custom widgets on your home screen or mobile dashboard. These widgets offer one-touch access to your most-used controls with no menu-diving required.
If you frequently adjust the front gate, manage outdoor lighting, or control AV for sports night, you can build shortcuts that put those functions front and center.
Your home will respond to your lifestyle because the control system is finally built around your habits.
Better Integration for Apple Households
For those in the Apple ecosystem, X4 adds a deeper level of integration. Beyond the basic HomeKit support in OS 3, X4 introduces Siri Shortcuts and CarPlay compatibility.
X4 now lets you trigger automations with a simple voice command or tap a shortcut on your dashboard while driving. Arrive home to the perfect temperature, playlist, and lighting scene set in motion before you even pull into the driveway.
It’s a smoother, more connected experience for households that rely on Apple devices every day.
Ready for What’s Next
Not all platforms can keep up with the pace of new smart devices hitting the market. X4 is designed with the future in mind, offering support for Matter and Zigbee 3.0, the two major industry standards shaping the next generation of home tech.
Older Control4 systems running OS 3 can’t support these protocols. That means newer smart plugs, appliances, or lighting systems may not easily integrate, or worse, could be entirely incompatible. Upgrading now ensures your home stays connected and current, not stuck behind outdated tech.
Improved Media Control for Everyday Living
For homes with multi-zone audio or dedicated media rooms, X4 brings an improved media interface that simplifies speaker grouping, zone control, and volume adjustments.
Hosting friends for dinner? You can instantly group the dining room, kitchen, and patio speakers, play the perfect playlist, and control volume for each zone independently.
Upgrade With Ease
At Capitol Technology Group, we specialize in designing technology experiences that are as intuitive as powerful. If you're currently running OS 3, we’ll help you upgrade to X4 without the guesswork. We’ll assess your current system, handle the installation, and make sure everything runs smoothly.
