Ecobee4 Thermostat to Come With Built-In Alexa Voice Assistant

Wow, so what does this mean for Apple's homekit, which (from the outside looking in) appears to be floundering?

It's still included here. I think the issue is the fact that you need an Apple device to reach Siri. I don't think Apple is ready yet for Siri on 3rd party devices so if this thermostat wants direct voice control they will have to go with a service like Alexa. Maybe in the future Siri will be more open to working with other brands and Ecobee5 will include it in place of Alexa. Don't know.
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I won't be upgrading to this! First Nest with Google and now Alexa (CIA) will be spying on us. Great. How about they fix their wireless temperature sensors first? They're always disconnecting—even ones that are only 15ft away line of sight! Their software could use a redesign too. It feels very Android-like since it's all custom and doesn't follow iOS design patterns. It's clunky and not organized well. I also feel like HomeKit has become slower to respond, and things like using Control Center to adjust the temperature is really glitchy as you'll change the temp and then it jumps around to another temperature just about every time. So you're kind of forced to use the clunky app to get it just right. I miss the Nest I had at my old house but refuse to buy something that Google makes because their values when it comes to privacy don't line up with mine.

I don't have the issues you're having but I did want to comment on the remote sensors. First, I had 2 that would disconnect but stopped after installing a new battery and going through the reset process. Basically put the battery in upside down for about 30 seconds then install a new one. Second, I would like to see humidity sensing added to the remote sensors along with one that can go outside. I would prefer if the outside temperature came from my back patio instead of a weather service that is close enough. Otherwise I really like my Ecobee's and recommend them to anyone looking for a better thermostat.

I'm not happy about this. Hopefully configureable to be completely disabled. Even then, I don't like my thermostat having a microphone.

The good thing is Ecobee3 is fantastic, will be around a while and is now $50 cheaper than before. I could have saved $150 on my purchase of 3 but I'm not too disappointed.

At this point I don't want Alexa in my house due to privacy concerns.

Apple needs to release a Siri "dot" to compete with these home assistants, however, HomeKit has allowed for voice control of Ecobee for quite a while now.

Great move by Amazon. I cant believe Apple hasnt done something similar allready with Siri, as connected they with speaker makers.

Alexa will be huge if Amazon keeps this up.

I don't see the benefit to havin Alexa on a thermostat. Every place I've ever been in would have the thermostat sitting in a hallway or somewhere like that (not easily within voice/audio range). Not an ideal place to talk to an Alexa device.

I would think that would be an ideal place for an 'Alexa Extension'. Simple commands as you come home, lights etc

Wow, so what does this mean for Apple's homekit, which (from the outside looking in) appears to be floundering?

I don't see how this changes anything. I'm more likely to have my phone/iPad/Mac next to me to give hands-free Siri commands vs me standing next to my thermostat to give Alexa ones. The Home app is still working flawlessly for me. Shows temp for all five of my sensors and I can adjust temp/settings as always.