As announced at Apple’s WWDC conference earlier this year, Siri voice support has come to the Ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control — the first hardware not made by Apple to get it, with many others to follow. Ecobee said a new software update bringing the change rolls out over the coming weeks.
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With the rollout, users can activate Apple’s intelligent assistant by saying “Hey Siri” to their Ecobee SmartThermostat. That will get them hands-free help setting the temperature, sending an intercom message and more.
The software update is beginning to roll out now and will be available over the next few weeks for free to all SmartThermostat customers, the company said.
“We’re excited that customers will be able to talk to Siri directly from Ecobee’s SmartThermostat with voice control, offering Apple customers a more seamless experience throughout the home,” said Ecobee founder and CEO Stuart Lombard said in a press release.
HomePod mini required
By design, the SmartThermostat will send voice requests through a customer’s HomePod mini on the same network, providing a level of privacy customers have come to expect from Apple. Users can also control the SmartThermostat using the Home app.
This will be par for the course regarding third-party devices getting Siri support, Apple has indicated.
Previously, Ecobee’s SmartThermostat interacted only with the Amazon Alexa voice assistant. Now it can work with both Siri and Alexa, but not at the same time. The software update will also make the SmartThermostat an AirPlay 2-enabled device.
Hardware and software requirements
To enable Siri on an Ecobee SmartThermostat, you’ll need a HomePod mini running software version 15 and an iPhone running iOS 15 or later. The SmartThermostat must be up to date with firmware 4.7.5.352.
The Ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control is currently available at the company’s website, Amazon and other retailers for $219 (regular retail price is $249).
Where to buy: Amazon
