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| With a Wi-Fi-connected thermostat such as Nest, you can be just about anywhere and control the temperature in your house. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News, File) |
I was speaking with some friends this weekend, and knowing I'm a technology writer, they asked me what was new and exciting in my world.
I had to stop and think about it for a minute.
I see new things every week, but not very much of it excites me.
Then I thought about the technology I use every day and mentioned my home automation system and its integration with the Amazon Echo for voice control.
I've been tinkering with home automation for the past year. I started with a Wink hub, which I still use, but I think if I were to start over, I'd probably opt for a Samsung SmartThings hub.
Both the Wink and Samsung SmartThings hubs can control smart outlets, switches, sensors, lights and other home automation devices.
Both are also compatible with the Amazon Echo for voice control.
I have to admit, I love showing off voice control at my house.
From almost anywhere in my house, I can simply say, "Alexa, turn on the living room lights," and three lights will turn on in our living room.
I can also call out the lights individually (floor lamp, table lamp, ceiling fan), but I have them grouped in the home automation software, so just saying "living room lights" will turn them all off or on.
You can name your lights and rooms anything you like, and Echo will understand what you're asking.
You do have to be accurate with the commands, though.
Say the wrong name for the light, and she'll tell you she can't find the device you're asking her to control.
The Echo can also interact directly with smart thermostats including the Nest, Emerson Sensi, Ecobee 3 and Honeywell Wi-Fi Total Connect Comfort.
I have a Sensi, and I can say, "Alexa, set the thermostat to 72 degrees," and it just works.
Of course, my wife likes me to say please and thank you each time, but I don't always remember.
I realize it's not too difficult to get up and walk the 25 feet over to the thermostat and press a button or two.
I do marvel at the technology involved in my speaking to a virtual assistant who's always listening for her name, having Echo send my voice to Amazon's servers for voice recognition, then sending the proper command through the internet back to my router and wirelessly to my thermostat in just a second or two. That is truly what is exciting me these days.
I'm still fairly able-bodied, but for those who can't easily get up and change a thermostat or turn off the lights, controlling simple household functions with their voices might just make life a bit easier.
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