As the popularity of personal assistant devices like Alexa and Google Home grows, it is no surprise these voice-assisted platforms are being implemented in more industries and environments. According to research from Parks Associates, more than 442 million connected consumer devices are estimated to be sold by 2020. Within the broad category, personal assistant devices are predicted to have a 78.3 percent compound annual growth rate from 2015-2020.
As a result, companies like ecoBee, a smart thermometer provider, are combining smart tech with smart energy to save customers money, frustration, and even their carbon footprints, too.
EcoBee is shaping the way a typically bland and overlooked part of any household cannot only be more responsive to the user’s needs, but also to add features that go beyond saving energy and spice up a home. In its latest product roll-out, the ecoBee switch became the first of its kind smart thermostat with Amazon Alexa compatibility. Now, an ecoBee owner can adjust internal temperatures, control lighting, and even play the latest hit songs—all through the sound of the owner’s voice. This technology, ecoBee claims, has helped customers save an average of 23% on their home energy costs since 2013.
Nest, a now google-owned product created by Apple executives, accounts for 73 percent of dollars spent on these devices, compared to ecoBee’s 17. Competing with a google-backed product is not easy, but continuously innovating their signature product has helped EcoBee maintain the company’s success. With continued expansion of its wireless capabilities, more personalized features like built-in nightlights or custom lighting, and using Alexa to merge everyday life with everyday utilities—it seems ecoBee, and companies like it, remain undeterred from tech giants like Google and will remain important leaders in the transition to smart living.
