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Ecobee's SmartThermostat Gains 'Hey Siri' Support With Free Software Update Rolling Out Now

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Ecobee today announced that its HomeKit-enabled SmartThermostat with voice control is gaining "Hey Siri" support with a free software update that is beginning to roll out now and will be available over the next few weeks for all users.

ecobee-smartthermostat-hey-siri.jpg

"Hey Siri" support allows users with a HomePod or HomePod mini to control the SmartThermostat with voice commands for tasks such as setting the temperature and sending Intercom messages. The thermostat relays the requests through a HomePod or HomePod mini connected to the same Wi-Fi network to ensure privacy and security. Users can also continue to control the thermostat in the Home app on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

Apple announced at WWDC 2021 that HomeKit accessory makers would be able to integrate ‌Siri‌ voice control for the first time, allowing the accessories to support ‌Siri‌ features such as Personal Requests, Intercom messages, timers, and alarms. As mentioned, Hey ‌Siri‌-enabled accessories are required to relay requests through a ‌HomePod‌ or ‌HomePod mini‌.

In addition to a HomePod or HomePod mini, users need a device with iOS 15 or iPadOS 15 or later to use Siri voice control on the SmartThermostat.

Ecobee's SmartThermostat with voice control is regularly priced at $249.99 in the United States and is available to purchase on Ecobee.com and through select partners, including Amazon, Lowe's, Home Depot, Best Buy, or an Ecobee certified installer.

Article Link: Ecobee's SmartThermostat Gains 'Hey Siri' Support With Free Software Update Rolling Out Now
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2021/10/12/ecobee-smartthermostat-hey-siri-update/
I have been able to change the temperature on the Ecobee via HomePod/Siri for a while now. Let's see what the new firmware is going to change.
 
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vipergts2207 said:
Curious as to why this doesn't work with an ATV as well.
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I had the same thought when Apple introduced Siri 3rd party "integration".
forums.macrumors.com

What's New With HomeKit in iOS 15

So if I understand the Siri Third Party Accessory integration, you need a HomePod to act as a sort of hub? WTF? What is going to be the motivation for companies to integrate Siri if their customers are just going to get bent when their new device "doesn't work" when they try to talk to it...
forums.macrumors.com forums.macrumors.com

Careful asking such questions. I was berated for thinking it was silly to have to spend an additional $99 when I already had what seemed like capable HomeKit hubs (3 AppleTVs).
 
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MacBird said:
I have been able to change the temperature of the Ecobee via HomePod/Siri for a while now. Let's see what the new firmware is going to change.
Click to expand...
I believe this is using the eco bee mic and speaker, relaying the request to a homepod for processing, then sending commands back to the eco bee.

value is Apple keeps its system locked down, and extracts value from device partners Whole not competing directly with them in every market segment. Or mining their customer data. Apples customer data and the device customer data stays divided in their respective platforms.

This may be useful for other smart speaker/mic products that have their own ecosystem but no assistant abilities that are being squeezed by their partners. One in particular, if they can come to terms with Apple.
 
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JarvisMeier said:
You mean other than the fact the atv doesn’t have a microphone/speaker built in and having an always listening remote would kill the battery?
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The thermostat itself is what is listening, not the HomePod. It has a microphone and speaker. The thermostat also supports Alexa voice control using that hardware.

"The thermostat relays the requests through a HomePod or HomePod mini connected to the same Wi-Fi network to ensure privacy and security."
 
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JarvisMeier said:
You mean other than the fact the atv doesn’t have a microphone/speaker built in and having an always listening remote would kill the battery?
Click to expand...
No, but the Ecobee thermostat that is the topic of this thread does have a speaker and always on mic built in. They were asking why the message has to be routed through a HomePod Mini and why not ATV? I still think it's a valid question, but right now we're just stuck with Apple's design.
 
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So it seams that any Ecobee thermostat "with voice control" will get this feature? I have 2 Ecobee 3's (oops) Ecobee 4's, but I'm not 100% clear if they are compatible.
 
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If it has to go through a HomePod I dont see it being a benefit for me. By the time I'm next to the thermostat to speak to it I am also by a HomePod that can hear me which will do whatever the thermo can natively. If you have not updated to a smart thermo, I do recommend Ecobee. I have had my series 3 for many years now. The system has small temp sensors you put in your rooms that you can use for setting temperature preferences so its not dependent on the location of the main thermostat. Typically in an odd place its not very good at temp where you are. Anyhow, I dont need to upgrade at this point.
 
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siddavis said:
So it seams that any Ecobee thermostat "with voice control" will get this feature? I have 2 Ecobee 3's, but I'm not 100% clear if they are compatible.
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I don't think they are. I have an ecobee 3 as well and they don't have a microphone or speaker because Alexa functionality wasn't something ecobee supported back then. Of course I don't have any HomePods either, as I've got some surround sound and bookshelf setups for my audio needs. Looks like I'm 0 for 2 on accessing this new feature lol. Oh well, not exactly a big deal anyway.
 
siddavis said:
So it seams that any Ecobee thermostat "with voice control" will get this feature? I have 2 Ecobee 3's, but I'm not 100% clear if they are compatible.
Click to expand...
The 3 is not compatible with this feature. You will need one "with voice control". Previously it only worked with Alexa. They have light switches too that I guess will be Siri capable at some point.
 
I think this is a great development. I’d love to see Siri everywhere. I’d also like to see Siri not suck.

for me, I seek out and will pay more for things without microphones. Getting harder and harder to find devices without them though. So if it’s going to be a voice assistant future, I’d rather it be Siri since Apple respects privacy.
 
ugahairydawgs said:
They should be. That's the model I have and they have Alexa built in.
Click to expand...
If you have Alexa built-in then you have at least an ecobee 4.

Setting up and using Alexa with your ecobee thermostat

This FAQ page is a great starting place for your Alexa-related questions. Please read to learn how to link and unlink Alexa to your ecobee device, which ecobee devices have Alexa Built-in and other FAQs, and for basic troubleshooting support.
support.ecobee.com support.ecobee.com
 
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I lift my wrist to ask Siri for a timer while cooking dinner. The HomePod in the next room is like ok can do. Ha.
 
vipergts2207 said:
If you have Alexa built-in then you have at least an ecobee 4.

Setting up and using Alexa with your ecobee thermostat

This FAQ page is a great starting place for your Alexa-related questions. Please read to learn how to link and unlink Alexa to your ecobee device, which ecobee devices have Alexa Built-in and other FAQs, and for basic troubleshooting support.
support.ecobee.com support.ecobee.com
Click to expand...

Ah....been a while since I bought it so I guess that's right.

Sorry original guy....looks like you're SOL.
 
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