Light switches were designed to be simple and straightforward; flick it on or off and you’re done. However Ecobee wants to try and make it a little “smarter” and has since launched the Ecobee Switch+ which will probably be one of the smartest light switches that you’ll ever own, at least until someone else comes along and one ups them.
While we have seen “smart” switches, the Ecobee Switch+ probably takes the cake because it actually comes with Amazon’s Alexa digital voice assistant built into it. We’re not just talking about it being compatible with Alexa through devices like the Echo speakers, but it actually has Alexa inside of it. This means that even if you don’t own the Echo speaker, you can use your voice and command the Switch+ to do all sorts of things that Alexa can.
Naturally this would include the ability to turn your lights on and off, play music, ask for the weather, and so on. It even comes with built-in motion sensors that can tell when someone is in the room and will turn the lights on, or it will turn the lights off after it detects that no one is around. This can be useful in saving electricity especially if you’re the forgetful type.
However despite Alexa integration, the Switch+ is not exclusive to Amazon and will play nicely with HomeKit, Google Assistant, SmartThings, and IFTTT. Unfortunately with it being so smart, it is pretty damn expensive as far as light switches are concerned and will be priced at $99 and is available for pre-order on Amazon with a release set for the 26th of March.
Filed in . Read more about Alexa, Amazon, Connected Objects and IoT (Internet of Things).