MINNEAPOLIS — Honeywell has introduced its new Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat with Voice Control. The company said the new voice technology allows consumers to simply say, “Hello, thermostat,” to activate and control their home’s temperature.

What Honeywell says is a first-of-its-kind consumer device, the Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat with Voice Control uses advanced far-field voice-control technology, which recognizes commands such as “make it four degrees warmer” or “make it much cooler” — operating despite ambient noise and even from across the room. Upon installation, the thermostat immediately recognizes the homeowner’s voice and adjusts the temperature setting on request. The company said the cloud-based voice-controlled thermostat will get smarter over time, adding more commands based on its interactions with homeowners.

“For more than 100 years, our mission has been developing products and technologies that make life more comfortable and convenient for homeowners,” said Beth Wozniak, president of Honeywell Environmental and Combustion Controls. “Honeywell created the first programmable thermostat, the first touch-screen thermostat, and the first with a color-customizable screen. And now we are first with voice control. We are very proud to introduce a Wi-Fi thermostat that truly interacts with homeowners and offers a level of convenience not found anywhere else.”

“Most homeowners know the feeling of coming through the front door while juggling bags of groceries, a stack of mail, and keys to a less-than-comfortable temperature,” said Tony Uttley, general manager of Home Comfort and Energy Systems at Honeywell. “With this hands-free advancement, homeowners can simply speak to their thermostat, and it responds by adjusting the environment to their preferences. We believe the next generation of advancements in connected home technology means people don’t have to be tied to their devices. Instead, Honeywell devices are truly an extension of their lifestyle.”

In addition, the Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat with Voice Control allows homeowners to customize it to match or accent their home décor. The thermostat also offers Wi-Fi connectivity that allows consumers to regulate their energy usage and home comfort through their smartphone. Homeowners can adjust the thermostat by using the Total Connect Comfort smartphone app, which is available in Apple and Android versions.

The Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat with Voice Control will be available beginning November 2013 at a suggested retail price of $349.

For more information, visit www.wifithermostat.com.

Publication date: 9/30/2013

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