The cylindrical voice command assistant Amazon Echo is now incorporating the SmartThings hub in its quest to popularize the smart-home.
SmartThings devices as well as devices that do not belong to this category can be connected to Samsung’s device’s power outlet and controlled. All what the customers have to do in order to control these devices is start their vocal commands with the name of Echo’s virtual assistant “Alexa”.
For example, if your coffee maker is connected to the SmartThings power outlet, you can request a cup of coffee. Thanks to its extensive compatibility, SmartThings can now connect with other devices than WeMo, OSRAM and Wink, this addition making the device more friendly and useful for the customers. Door locks, electrical windows, speakers and smart TVs are now on the list of the objects that can be controlled vocally by the device.
In order to put them to use, these functions will have to be enabled from the Alexa App, which will be available for Android and iOS platforms. It can be done by simply going into the “Skills” section from the menu and enabling the operations you want to use.
When the Amazon Echo was first released in November 2014, it could only be acquired on the market by the premium members who signed up for an invite. The new device, however, will debut for everyone in the United States.
Both parties will benefit from this alliance. SmartThings will strengthen the credibility of the smart-home vision Amazon had when they first produced Echo, cementing its position at the top of the chain of “connected” homes.
The date when the Amazon and Samsung devices will band together has not yet been announced, but word says that the product will become available out in the first quarter of 2016.
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