But I do love my smart thermostat.
Not only does it automatically cool down the house at night and warm it back up in the morning. But it’s linked into Google Home and I can just say “Hey Google, lower the thermostate a degree”.
It’s magic!
“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic” - Authur C. Clarke
Hey Google, lower the thermostat a degree.
“I’m afraid I can’t do that, Dave.”
> “Hey Google”
What’s the essential reason that the processing for this has to be done by an unknown server in an unknown place owned by a place like Alphabet, who suppresses search results under command of FBI and CIA?
That’s a long and dubious signal chain!
Wouldn’t you rather just say “thermostat, lower it a degree” and have it all happen in your house?
Wouldn’t that be more advanced?
“Not only does it automatically cool down the house at night and warm it back up in the morning. But it’s linked into Google Home and I can just say “Hey Google, lower the thermostate a degree”.”
We recently went on a three week vacation. While waiting for our bags to be unloaded I reset the thermostat back to the normal schedule.
When we got home a nice comfy 73.
But it’s linked into Google Home and I can just say “Hey Google, lower the thermostate a degree”.
—
“I’m sorry, Dave. I afraid I can’t do that.”
Are you too lazy to get up and adjust the thermostat yourself?
I have both Nest and Ecobees in different houses. I much prefer the Ecobees, will probably strip the two out of a house I’m selling to replace the Nest and a generic non-smart in another house.
No way in Hades I’m giving a utility the ability to control them without a fight.
Oh, and I hate Google and minimize my interaction whenever I can.
But I really do think the Ecobee superior.