“…the ecobee Switch+ will allow users to ask Alexa for control of lights and temperature throughout the home, while also getting the latest news, weather, or even a joke from the voice assistant.”
ecobee, Inc. is known for the smart thermostat, but has been doing more than the temperature, pursuing its vision of invisibly integrated voice assistants in any room of the smart home. Taking advantage of the growing popularity of voice assistants, ecobee Inc, recently launched its smart light switch, the ecobee Switch+ equipped with built-in far-field technology and support for Alexa Voice Service, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, SmartThings, and IFTTT.
A long way from the clapper, the ecobee Switch+ will allow users to ask Alexa for control of lights and temperature throughout the home, while also getting the latest news, weather, or even a joke from the voice assistant. ecobee Switch+ will cost $99 (USD) in the U.S. and $119 (CAD) in Canada and is available for online pre-order starting March 13, 2018 and in stores March 26, 2018. It works with any light controlled by one switch with a neutral wire and supports most energy-efficient light bulbs, such as the LiFX. It is also rated to control 600w incandescent or 150w LED and CFD loads.
“Voice is something that comes naturally to people, so it creates these really incredible, personal experiences that help make life a little easier. Our research finds voice-based services are actually outpacing all other ecosystems at a rate of three to one,” said ecobee President and CEO Stuart Lombard. “With ecobee4 and now ecobee Switch+, voice literally weaves into the very fabric of your home, taking us one step closer to a whole home voice reality, which is proving to be the future of the smart home.”
Not your grandma’s light switch to be sure, the product is set to debut at the South by Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas.
Follow Us