It looks like Microsoft is determined to disrupt Amazon’s goal of controlling the smart home. On July 19, Microsoft (NASDAQ:$MSFT) announced that it has entered into a partnership with Johnson Controls (NYSE:$JCI) to build a thermostat. GLAS was unveiled in a YouTube video, and it appears that the thermostat – which will be built by Johnson Controls – will have a translucent touchscreen display that will let owners alter room temperatures, see calendar information, and check both energy usage and air quality.
What we know so far is that the GLAS thermostat will run on Microsoft’s Windows 10 loT Core operating system, and it will have Cortana voice services. This is significant news because GLAS will be one of the first thermostats to have Cortana integration. Additionally, Microsoft disclosed that GLAS will have sensors that detect when you’re in the room, and the thermostat will monitor indoor and outdoor air quality. What does that matter? Well, all of these sensors will help save energy by changing settings on the go.
One thing investors and marketers will notice about Microsoft’s promotional YouTube video for GLAS is that it appears to market this as a thermostat for businesses and commercial properties. Why? Because it’s designed to be powered by Microsoft’s Azure cloud services.
As of right now, it’s still not clear as to whether GLAS will be available to consumers, or when it will launch.
Featured Image: twitter
