Ecobee's SmartThermostat Gains 'Hey Siri' Support With Free Software Update Rolling Out Now

Ecobee today announced that its HomeKit-enabled SmartThermostat with voice control is gaining "Hey Siri" support with a free software update that is beginning to roll out now and will be available over the next few weeks for all users.

ecobee smartthermostat hey siri
"Hey Siri" support allows users with a HomePod or HomePod mini to control the SmartThermostat with voice commands for tasks such as setting the temperature and sending Intercom messages. The thermostat relays the requests through a HomePod or HomePod mini connected to the same Wi-Fi network to ensure privacy and security. Users can also continue to control the thermostat in the Home app on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

Apple announced at WWDC 2021 that HomeKit accessory makers would be able to integrate ‌Siri‌ voice control for the first time, allowing the accessories to support ‌Siri‌ features such as Personal Requests, Intercom messages, timers, and alarms. As mentioned, Hey ‌Siri‌-enabled accessories are required to relay requests through a ‌HomePod‌ or ‌HomePod mini‌.

In addition to a HomePod or HomePod mini, users need a device with iOS 15 or iPadOS 15 or later to use Siri voice control on the SmartThermostat.

Ecobee's SmartThermostat with voice control is regularly priced at $249.99 in the United States and is available to purchase on Ecobee.com and through select partners, including Amazon, Lowe's, Home Depot, Best Buy, or an Ecobee certified installer.

Top Rated Comments

carlsson Avatar
29 months ago
"Hey Siri, what's the temperature?"
waiting...
waiting...
waiting some more...
Siri: "I found this about 'Temperature' on internet:"

?
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gsmornot Avatar
29 months ago
If it has to go through a HomePod I dont see it being a benefit for me. By the time I'm next to the thermostat to speak to it I am also by a HomePod that can hear me which will do whatever the thermo can natively. If you have not updated to a smart thermo, I do recommend Ecobee. I have had my series 3 for many years now. The system has small temp sensors you put in your rooms that you can use for setting temperature preferences so its not dependent on the location of the main thermostat. Typically in an odd place its not very good at temp where you are. Anyhow, I dont need to upgrade at this point.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
thei3ug Avatar
29 months ago

I have been able to change the temperature of the Ecobee via HomePod/Siri for a while now. Let's see what the new firmware is going to change.
I believe this is using the eco bee mic and speaker, relaying the request to a homepod for processing, then sending commands back to the eco bee.

value is Apple keeps its system locked down, and extracts value from device partners Whole not competing directly with them in every market segment. Or mining their customer data. Apples customer data and the device customer data stays divided in their respective platforms.

This may be useful for other smart speaker/mic products that have their own ecosystem but no assistant abilities that are being squeezed by their partners. One in particular, if they can come to terms with Apple.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
smithrh Avatar
29 months ago

Sounds like a cool feature to me.
I think it's hot! I'm a fan of this!
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Saint_Blaise Avatar
29 months ago
Is this the best HomeKit thermostat currently available?
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
vipergts2207 Avatar
29 months ago

You mean other than the fact the atv doesn’t have a microphone/speaker built in and having an always listening remote would kill the battery?
The thermostat itself is what is listening, not the HomePod. It has a microphone and speaker. The thermostat also supports Alexa voice control using that hardware.

"The thermostat relays the requests through a HomePod or HomePod mini connected to the same Wi-Fi network to ensure privacy and security."
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iPhone 15 General Feature Black

New iOS Features Coming in 2024 for Messages, Apple Music, and More

Thursday December 28, 2023 7:30 am PST by
2024 is just a few days away, and there are many iOS 17 and iOS 18 features that are expected to launch throughout the year. Below, we have recapped new iOS features expected in 2024, including Stolen Device Protection, collaborative Apple Music playlists, AirPlay on hotel room TVs, app sideloading in the EU, next-generation CarPlay, roadside assistance via satellite outside of the U.S., RCS ...
iOS 17

iOS 17.3 Will Add These Two Useful Features to Your iPhone

Sunday December 24, 2023 8:59 am PST by
Apple released the first beta of iOS 17.3 earlier this month, and the upcoming software update includes two new features so far. iOS 17.3 will likely be released in January like iOS 16.3 and iOS 15.3 were, but February is also a possibility if testing is prolonged. Below, we provide additional details about the new features in iOS 17.3 so far. Stolen Device Protection Earlier this...
iPhone 17 Five Features Header

iPhone 17: Five Features Apple Plans to Save for 2025

Thursday December 28, 2023 2:00 am PST by
Apple's iPhone development roadmap runs several years into the future and the company is continually working with suppliers on several successive iPhone models concurrently, which is why we sometimes get rumored feature leaks so far ahead of launch. The iPhone 17 series is no different, and already we have some idea of what to expect from Apple's 2025 smartphone lineup. If you plan to skip...
Mac Gaming

Apple Discusses Push Towards High-End Mac Gaming in New Interview

Thursday December 28, 2023 6:19 am PST by
Inverse's Raymond Wong today published an in-depth overview of Apple's increasing push towards high-end gaming on the Mac. The story includes commentary from Apple marketing managers Gordon Keppel and Leland Martin. One of the biggest reasons that gaming has improved on the Mac in recent years is the switch from Intel processors to Apple silicon, resulting in MacBooks providing...
Apple Watch Series 9

Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 Available in Apple Stores Starting Today, Online Sales to Resume Tomorrow

Wednesday December 27, 2023 2:28 pm PST by
Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 are back in some of Apple's retail stores in the United States today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Select stores will have availability today, while all stores will have the Apple Watch models back in stock by December 30. Online sales of the devices are set to resume tomorrow by 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Apple is able to begin selling ...
iPhone 15 Blue Three Quarters Perspective Camera Closeup Feature

6 Essential iPhone Camera Tips for Taking Great Photos

Tuesday December 26, 2023 3:00 am PST by
Apple's iPhones include several headline camera features that are worth using, such as Portrait Mode and Photographic Styles. But if all you want to use is the standard photo mode, there are still several tools and settings that can improve the composition of your pictures and help you capture the perfect shot using more traditional techniques. Whether you are the owner of a new iPhone or a...
Apple Watch Series 9

Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 Sales Ban Paused by US Appeals Court

Wednesday December 27, 2023 8:49 am PST by
The ban on imports of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 models has today been temporarily paused, meaning that the devices can now go back on sale for a short while longer in the United States. Apple filed an emergency request to the United States Court of Appeals following President Biden's decision to decline a veto on the sales ban, allowing it to take effect earlier this week. ...