The Verge:

• Honeywell is rethinking the way it tackles home automation with Lyric. It’s a $279 Wi-Fi thermostat (available today to purchase through HVAC contractors; it’ll be available in Lowe’s stores by August) that is one of the most visually appealing products in the space, as well as an obvious response to the Nest Learning thermostat. But perhaps more importantly, Lyric is also a platform. The company’s ambition is to launch a full suite of Lyric products that can all be controlled your smartphone.

 

• This product is a competitor of the Nest wherein it uses Internet of Things data to connect your devices. For example, if you want to control your HVAC unit with your phone, you can do so through a command. This goes the same for your switches, lighting, TV, and more. It depends on what you connect on your phone.

 

• However, if you need repairs, e.g., your furnace smells like burning, you will still need to contact professionals to inspect your unit. Then, when it’s fixed, you can then connect your unit to your phone.

Good to see competition in the space and maybe an option for those of you who don’t like Nest’s new overlords.