Windows 10 PCs Control Smart Home Via Cortana

Windows Central reveals Windows PCs are getting a new capability-- the Cortana Menu application has a "Connected Home" section, allowing users to sign in to different smart home control services.

Connected Home WindowsCurrently Connected Home is limited to 5 services, specifically Wink, Insteon, Nest, SmartThings and Hue. It runs on both Windows 10 desktop and mobile, and once connected users can manage the devices linked to service in question, such as Hue lights or Nest thermostats, through the Microsoft voice-controlled assistant.

The revelation comes as Microsoft and Harman Kardon start shipping the fruit of their recent collaboration-- the Invoke, a cylindrical speaker promising "rich, captivating sound" as well as the capabilities of the Cortana digital assistant. Like rivals such as the Amazon Echo the Invoke can also control connected devices.

Microsoft is currently rolling out Connected Home update to the Cortana Notebook.

Go Cortana Notebook Adds Connected Home Integrations for Hue, Nest, More (Windows Central)