Rachio smart sprinkler controller first to be directly integrated into Google Assistant
Thursday March 30, 2017
DENVER -- Rachio announced its smart sprinkler controller is the first and only to be directly integrated into the Google Assistant.
In addition, Rachio said the controller will be compatible with the SmartThings platform as a certified Works with SmartThings partner. These integrations make it even easier for homeowners to control their sprinkler systems.
Rachio said Internet-connected devices are exploding in popularity and expected to hit 46 billion in 2021, a 200 percent increase from 2016 (Juniper Research).
As many of these gadgets may not have traditional screen-based interfaces, voice assistants will play an important role in how people engage with them, the company said.
Rachio said its simple-to-use app lets people manage their sprinkler system from any smart mobile device, and the addition of the Google Assistant makes it even more convenient.
People can now use any supported Google Home device to control almost every aspect of their sprinkler system, by simply saying, “OK, Google, ask Rachio to stop watering,” or “OK, Google, tell Rachio to set a rain delay.”
In addition, Rachio said it is adding the advanced scheduling capabilities of SmartThings to its functionality. SmartThings users can soon add their Rachio controller as a “Thing,” and manage their sprinklers directly within the SmartThings App.
Homeowners will appreciate the option to incorporate Rachio into SmartThings routines, such as using a ‘door open’ sensor to stop watering a specific zone, the company said.
The integration is slated to go live in mid-April.
The new integrations further solidifies Rachio’s position as the most connected smart sprinkler controller on the market and gives homeowners the most flexibility to incorporate Rachio into their existing smart home ecosystems, the company said.
Rachio’s comprehensive portfolio of smart home integrations currently includes Amazon Alexa, Nest, Xfinity, Control4, Crestron, IFTTT, Nexia and Wink and now the Google Assistant.
“The smart home industry is experiencing explosive growth thanks to technologies like voice control,” said Chris Klein, Rachio CEO.
“By adding the popular Google Assistant to the Rachio ecosystem, we’re making it even easier for people to make smart choices around irrigation. We’re committed to staying at the forefront of the smart home by partnering with leaders in the space and continually driving innovation.”
Rachio said it can save homeowners up to 50 percent on their monthly water bill by constantly monitoring weather and automatically adjusting irrigation schedules for precision watering.
Rachio’s Weather Intelligence™ taps a home’s Wi-Fi network and connects to a network of thousands of weather stations. It analyzes past and future weather reports, and considers these stats, as well as a yard’s soil type and lawn conditions so homeowners no longer need to worry about watering schedules.
The intuitive app enables homeowners to monitor and adjust their schedule from their mobile devices, saving water and money with EPA WaterSense Certified irrigation technology.
The Rachio smart sprinkler controller can efficiently manage up to 16 zones and is compatible with nearly every home sprinkler system.
Learn more or purchase at Amazon, Apple.com, Home Depot, BestBuy.com and Rachio.com, and download the free Rachio app on iTunes and Google Play, as well as at Rachio.com.
For additional information on WaterSense rebates through the EPA, visit http://rachio.com/rebates.
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