Jordan O'BrienDespite having been usurped by Control4’s announcement earlier today, Crestron isn’t letting its competitor have all the limelight when it comes to Amazon Echo and Alexa voice control support. At CEDIA 2016 Crestron is also showing off its home automation system’s compatibility with Amazon’s hit device.
Crestron Technology Professionals can now leverage Alexa Voice Service to build voice controlled scenes and settings that are fully customised to their clients’ lifestyles. This is similar to how the integration is working with Control4 – with users able to set specific scenes and activate them using their voice. Integration is not limited to basic functions such as lighting and temperature; homeowners can choose from an unlimited range of voice control options for their homes.
Amazon Alexa and Crestron will be demonstrating the new integrated voice control solution at on the show floor, stand 2510, at CEDIA 2016 for custom installers who want to check it out first-hand.
“Crestron customers expect a truly integrated home technology experience,” says John Clancy, VP of residential systems at Crestron.
“We’ve been collaborating very closely with Amazon Alexa engineers to make sure we offer an uncompromising voice control experience that is every bit as seamless and satisfying as tapping a button on a beautiful Crestron touch screen, remote control, or designer keypad. You can ask Alexa to set the mood for dinner, or to play a movie in the bedroom, or let her know it’s too cold in the bathroom. Just say the word and your Crestron system responds immediately.”
Crestron Technology Professionals can define and deploy Amazon Alexa skills using new software modules that interface with both the Smart Home Skill API and the Alexa Skills Kit SDK. These modules are for use with homes using both Crestron 3-Series processors (available October 1st) and Crestron Pyng App (coming soon).
Crestron is promising more detailed information regarding its Alexa support sometime in the future – it’s also promising a comprehensive suite of training resources specifically for its dealers. One advantage over Crestron’s adoption is also the fact that it doesn’t appear that users will have to pay a yearly fee, unlike on Control4’s integration.