Amazon Echo can now be used to control an Ecobee3 connected thermostat using voice commands. For example, users can say, “Alexa, set my thermostat to 72,” or, “Alexa, increase the temperature in my house,” and the Ecobee3 politely oblige.
Amazon Echo and the Ecobee3 are integrated through an API called Alexa Connected Home skills. The new network of connectivity is the latest in Amazon’s smart home devices.
The $249 Ecobee3 is the first thermostat to directly integrate with Amazon Echo, but other smart thermostats, such as Nest, can be controlled with Amazon Echo with complicated IFTTT recipes. The Ecobee3 is also compatible with Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings and Wink.
“We’re excited to provide Ecobee3 users with added functionality and convenience through Amazon Echo. Amazon has been a tremendous retailer to work with, and we are looking forward to expanding that relationship through thermostat integration with Echo, which offers complete home voice control.”
For instructions on how to connect visit the Ecobee site.
This is just the latest example of how Amazon Echo continues to get smarter. We’ve also seen Amazon Echo control an electric wheelchair and control a 3D Robotics Iris+ drone with voice commands.
[Source] Ecobee
