The HomeKit-compatible version of the Ecobee 3 smart thermostat, officially announced last month, goes on sale in U.S. Apple Stores today, reports The Verge. Apple has sold the original version since November of last year. The HomeKit-enabled model allows the thermostat to be controlled by Siri.
While Apple’s online store listing has not yet been updated to mention HomeKit-compatibility, it’s likely that the new version will ship from there too.
HomeKit was officially documented by Apple last month, the company confirming our report that the Apple TV would act as the gateway device. The support page has since been updated with a full list of Siri commands.
You can read the full press release below.
Via The Verge
ecobee Inc. today announced that ecobee3, the first smart thermostat to support Apple HomeKit, is now available at Apple Stores across North America. The beautifully designed ecobee3 uses remote sensors to deliver comfort in the rooms that matter most.
ecobee3 HomeKit-enabled Smart Thermostat Now Available at Apple Stores
“We’re excited for Apple customers to get their hands on the first smart thermostat that supports HomeKit”
“We’re excited for Apple customers to get their hands on the first smart thermostat that supports HomeKit,” said Stuart Lombard, president and CEO of ecobee. “The new ecobee3 plays an integral role in the connected and energy-efficient home by allowing users to remotely control temperature in the rooms that matter most with simple commands using Siri.”
Designed for homes with more than one room, the ecobee3 smarter Wi-Fi thermostat and remote sensors measure temperature and occupancy in multiple locations, resulting in increased comfort when you’re home and energy savings when you’re away. The sleek and functional ecobee3 addresses hot and cold spots in the home and conserves energy to deliver savings immediately after installation. The ecobee3 saves homeowners an average of 23 percent on their heating and cooling bills.
HomeKit allows users to communicate with and control connected accessories in their home. It enables them to discover HomeKit accessories, configure them and create actions to control their devices. Users can group actions together and trigger them using Siri. HomeKit is built on a secure foundation with end-to-end encryption which provides customers a secure connection between their iPhone, iPad or iPod touch and HomeKit-enabled accessory.
Pricing, Availability and Compatibility
The HomeKit-compatible ecobee3 is available for $249 in Apple Stores across North America. The ecobee3 thermostat comes with one free wireless remote sensor and supports up to 32 sensors total. Additional remote sensors can be purchased in a package of two for $79.
The ecobee3 is designed to be compatible with 95 percent of residential heating and cooling systems in North America and does not require a C-wire when using the included Power Extender Kit. To ensure ecobee3 will work in your home, visit www.ecobee.com/compatibility.
