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Tado confirms smart air-conditioning controller funded, aiming now for Apple HomeKit support

tado

Tado, the location-aware alternative to the Nest smart thermostat, has confirmed that it has achieved its Kickstarter goal to launch a device to control existing air-conditioners, turning them into smart cooling systems.

 

We talked about the GE-backed Quirky Aros in March which can now be purchased at Amazon.

Tado is now aiming to raise an additional $50k to allow Tado Cooling to integrate with Apple’s HomeKit, enabling Siri control.

If HomeKit is integrated, our customers will be able to use the tado° app together with some key iOS features such as Siri or TouchID.

  • Imagine setting your tado° to sleep mode or adjusting the desired temperature with a simple voice command.
  • Imagine giving your AC a little boost just by placing your finger on the home button.
  • Imagine combined scenarios with other connected devices …

Tado says that its system will be compatible with 82 percent of existing air-conditioning units, with a control unit working in the same way as its smart thermostat: using an app to track the location of those in the household, automatically turning off air-conditioners when the last person leaves the home and pre-cooling the home when it detects that someone is on their way back.

Low-energy Bluetooth is also used to track the position of people within the home, automatically adjusting air-conditioners within different rooms.

Tado Cooling will retail for $149, but Kickstarter backers can pre-order for $99, with units expected to ship in August. The existing product is fully funded, but currently needs an additional $47,000 in the next six days to add HomeKit support.

Other iOS controlled home cooling systems on the market and in the news include Big Ass Fans.

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Comments

  1. Patrick G (@PatTheCarNut) - 10 years ago

    Then Siri will reply, “Would you like me to call home?” or “I don’t know what you mean by “call my gnome to twenty one the bees” “

  2. rakinjannot - 10 years ago

    Combine this with “Hey Siri” and home integration just got a whole lot cooler

    “Hey Siri, can you turn the heat down?”
    “Already on it, sir”

  3. jakexb - 10 years ago

    “The existing product is fully funded, but currently needs an additional $47,000 in the next six days to add HomeKit support.”

    Really? $47k more to support HomeKit??

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Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Ben Lovejoy

Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!


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