Today, in a blog post, SmartThings announced it now works with Amazon Echo, the online retailer’s wireless speaker that responds to voice commands. When it first appeared, the Echo was a bit limited in capabilities, at least compared to what it can do now. In the past few months, the Echo has added the ability to read synced Kindle audiobooks aloud, reorder items from Amazon, and relay information on scores and schedules from MLB and MLS. In terms of smart-home functionality, the speaker has been able to control WeMo and Philips Hue products since April.
The SmartThings integration means you can say, “Alexa, turn on the lights,” and if you have a compatible bulb installed — like a Cree or Osram — the Echo will switch it on for you. Similar commands will also work with anything plugged into the SmartThings power outlet, so if you have your coffee maker connected, you can summon a cup of Joe via voice command.
Lights, switches, and the outlet were all that were mentioned in the blog post as far as what the Echo can control, but that’s by no means the extent of the products SmartThings is compatible with: speakers, door locks, and thermostats are all on the list.
In our review of the Echo, we were really impressed by its responsiveness to voice commands and were interested to see what functionalities would be included down the line. Considering Amazon’s push to integrate into the home with things like Dash, it’s not surprising that it’s pushing to make the speaker compatible with every smart-home system possible.
Editors' Recommendations
- The latest Philips smart lock can read your palm to open your front door
- Echo Hub vs. Echo Show 15: Which is the best smart home gadget?
- Echo Hub vs. Echo Show 8: Which is the best option for your smart home?
- Echo Show 8 vs. Echo Show 10: is the bigger device a better smart display?
- What is IFTTT and how can you use it in your smart home?