Microsoft Cortana Now Controls Honeywell Thermostats, Integrates IFTTT

Cortana can take voice commands to control Honeywell Lyric and Honeywell Total Connect Comfort thermostats, among other smart home products.

REDMOND, Wash. — Cortana, the virtual assistant by Microsoft, can now be used to control additional home automation products, including Honeywell Lyric and Honeywell Total Connect Comfort thermostats.

The device is similar to Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant for Windows and Windows phones. It is also available for iOS and Android devices. Microsoft announced the expansion of Cortana’s skills on a Feb. 16 blog post.

The digital assistant was already compatible with devices through Samsung SmartThings, Nest, Philips Hue, Wink and Insteon. Other devices now supported by Cortana include LIFX’s WiFi connected light bulbs, TP-Link’s Kasa WiFi slim smart plugs and Geeni’s products, including its smart surge protector.

Users can control the devices using the assistant on Windows 10, iPhone, Android and the Harman Kardon Invoke speaker.

Cortana IFTTT Integration

Cortana users have gained additional built-in functionality now that the virtual assistant works with IFTT, which derives its name from the programming conditional statement “if this, then that.”

Here’s how Microsoft explains IFTT compatibility: Using IFTTT, you will be able to customize your experience by creating your own phrases to use with services on IFTTT. For example, you could turn your lights off by saying, “Hey Cortana, let there be light” or put money towards that next concert trip on Qapital by saying, “Hey Cortana, penny for my thoughts.” Use triggers and responses on IFTTT to make Cortana your truly personal assistant.

Consumers can also use Applets on IFTTT with the assistant to trigger multiple actions with a single phrase. For example, when watching a movie at home, a user can say, “Hey Cortana, movie time,” and it will turn down Hue lights, turn on a Harmony TV and adjust a connected smart thermostat.

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