After unveiling their new GLAS smart thermostat last
year, Microsoft has now made it available to preorder priced at US$ 319. To recap
the Microsoft GLAS smart thermostat incorporates the Cortana personal assistant
designed by Microsoft to compete with the likes of Apple’s Siri and Amazon’s
Alexa services. The GLAS thermostat has been built using Windows 10 IoT to help
simplify the process of combining the different technologies needed to make a
full in-home solution and as such GLAS is the latest personal device built
using the Cortana Devices SDK.
Microsoft has incorporated a number of unique
features into the GLAS thermostat, as well as adding the ability to utilise Azure
IoT Hub device management capabilities. Which was rolled out within the Windows
10 Fall Creators Update. This allows Microsoft to update the thermostat
efficiently providing new features and security updates when required. GLAS has
also been coupled with Johnson Controls deep experience to provide both
automation and control to offer users a “seamless and interactive experience”
you can either control with your voice or any supported connected devices says
Microsoft.
Thanks to the integration of Cortana users can
adjust temperatures as well as learn more about both indoor and outdoor
temperatures or current weather forecast by merely saying “Hey Cortana, set the
temperature to 68 degrees,” and GLAS will adjust the temperature. Cortana can
also be used directly through the smart thermostat to manage your calendar
inform you of traffic delays, answer questions and more. You can also access
the GLAS smart thermostat remotely and make alterations using the companion
smartphone application, which is available for iOS and Android, and a Windows
10 app.
