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.
