Whether you're considering joining the test group or waiting for the public release, here's some info on the amount of effort required, what you'll need and what it'll cost. If you already have a CM15a you can spend less than $35 for everything you'll need and less than an hour setting up the controller so you can start using Home Genie. You'll only need to use a PC/laptop to download the image and put it on the Micro SD card.
While you're waiting for your Pi to arrive, read up on Home Genie and how to use it here (you can skip right down to Setup):
https://genielabs.github.io/HomeGenie/#/get_startedAs for what's needed to get started, here's a list of everything you'll need and where to find them:
1. An X10 CM15A available from X10.com or ebay. Cost is typically under $50 on ebay or $80 delivered from X10.com. No software or configuration is required - just plug it in.
2. A Micro SD card that's at least 4GB, typical cost for a name brand 8 or 16GB is about $6 on Amazon.
3. A Raspberry Pi Zero W, typical delivered cost from online sources is around $15.
4. A 5 volt DC 2.5 amp power supply with micro USB connector, typical cost around $8.
5. An adapter to plug the CM15A's USB cable into the Pi's micro USB port (OTG adapter), typical cost is $5.
Items 3,4 & 5 can be purchased as a kit for $27 w/free shipping on Amazon and also includes a case, heat sink, HDMI cable and more. This is the best deal I've found online and the one I bought. Search for "Vilros Raspberry Pi Zero W Basic Starter Kit- Clear Case Edition-Includes Pi Zero W -Power Supply & Premium Clear Case" or click this:
https://goo.gl/gkuzCt It's cheaper than the sum of just the three parts you need!
In less than 1 hour from the time you open the package you'll be looking at the Home Genie screen by following the simple steps that will be provided. Absolutely no prior knowledge or experience with a Pi or Linux is needed. The image that Tuicemen has created has everything baked in and ready to eat!
Tuicemen is looking for more pre-release testers right now so PM him to get onboard! The more feedback he gets the better the end result will be.