European Custom Installer

System Integration for the Connected Home

Cortana Powers Smart Thermostat

  • PDF

The thermostat is the next device category to receive voice control via Cortana as Johnson Controls reveals GLAS, a slick looking controller featuring the Microsoft smart assistant.

GLAS CortanaThe GLAS offers a translucent touchscreen as well as voice control, and packs sensors allowing it to detect whether people are in the room or not, and if not to turn the HVAC system on or off. It can also check air quality and energy usage. Of course, Cortana allows users to simply speak to the GLAS, and one can also control it by speaking to their phone.

Being a co-development with Microsoft, the GLAS also makes use of the Azure cloud computing solution to provide insights on air quality and more. Meanwhile, behind the actual hardware is is a Windows 10 IoT core.

The GLAS is not the first thermostat to feature a smart assistant-- after all, the Ecobee4 has Amazon's Alexa built in. The promotional video shows the GLAS used within commercial properties, so it is unclear whether it will hit the consumer market as yet.

Watch Johnson Controls Reinvents the Thermostat