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

Tuesday October 12, 2021 6:46 am PDT by Joe Rossignol

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
"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.

Tags: Ecobee, HomeKit Guide, Siri Guide

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Top Rated Comments

carlsson

65 months ago

"Hey Siri, what's the temperature?"
waiting...
waiting...
waiting some more...
Siri: "I found this about 'Temperature' on internet:"

😒

Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)

gsmornot

65 months ago

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.

Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)

smithrh

65 months ago

Sounds like a cool feature to me.

I think it's hot! I'm a fan of this!

Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)

thei3ug

65 months ago

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.

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.

Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)

vipergts2207

65 months ago

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?

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."

Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)