Page 31 - Green Builder April 2017 Issue

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SMART AND CONNECTED TECHNOLOGY

Amazon Echo Dot

While it’s not new, Amazon’s latest Echo smart controller
remains innovative and is becoming an increasingly important
and convenient part of daily life. The hands-free, voice-
controlled device works with lights, fans, switches,
thermostats, garage doors, sprinklers and more in conjunction
with compatible devices from numerous manufacturers like
Belkin, Nest, ecobee, Philips and Honeywell.
Yes, users can order a pizza while on a couch across the
room, and you can send music streaming throughout the
Allegion Schlage LE house with Alexa’s optional Voice Service and multiple Dot
units. But they can also track appointments, check traffic,
Wireless Mortise Lock order office supplies and groceries, and even use it as an
alarm clock.
Amazon’s not releasing details, but down the road it’s
Getting into and out of an office or high-rise apartment just projected that later generations of Echo could make phone
got easier. Allegion’s new Schlage brand LE Wireless Mortise calls, read mail and even recite sections of technical
Lock now connect a smartphone or tablet to the type of documents like building code. But that classic Alexa voice?
keycard-activated electronic lock found in hotels, apartments, Don’t worry—that’s not changing anytime soon.
offices, hospitals and universities. The result? It can’t be much
simpler to get into your building of choice.
LE Series locks combine the features of a lock, credential
reader, door position sensor and request-to-exit capability,
simplifying installation and operation. It makes multiple keys
for different locks a thing of the past. (Of course, traditionalists
can still use the typical key to get in.)
With built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, the LE Series locks can
connect directly to smartphones or tablets, as well as an
existing Wi-Fi network, which enables automatic updates from
the host software. The lock battery functions up to two years,
during which wireless access is uninterrupted.
For industry reps, it’s one more selling point for multi-family
apartments and other structures. For builders, it’s an
opportunity to pick up a few points toward LEED status.

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