Your browser is out-of-date!

Update your browser to view this website correctly. Update my browser now

×

Josh.ai ‘Distills’ Home Control with Josh Micro

Josh.ai, an innovator in voice technology for the custom integration channel, has debuted Josh Micro, a new hardware platform combining a home control processor, far-field microphone array, and streamlined user interface — all in a package that fits in the palm of your hand.

Josh.ai, an innovator in voice technology for the custom integration channel, has debuted Josh Micro, a new hardware platform combining a home control processor, far-field microphone array, and streamlined user interface — all in a package that fits in the palm of your hand. 

Built specifically for the custom integration channel, Josh Micro uses far-field voice detection and artificial intelligence to unify home technology and redefine how users interact with their home. Check out a video here.

“While designing Josh Micro, our goal was to distill home control down to its simplest form, providing an effortless interaction in any environment. Utilizing a series of sensors, far-field microphones, and touch capacitive surfaces, Josh Micro sets the stage for a beautiful experience in the home,” said Josh.ai CEO Alex Capecelatro.

Josh Micro combines the functionality of a control system and a far-field microphone in a single package. The tiny device is capable of running an entire home.

The goal of system redundancy in mind, each Josh Micro is a full control system creating a network of multiple devices throughout the home. By changing the design model from one processor in the home to one processor per room, Josh Micro offers what its believes is a highly scalable business model for dealers. 

Each Josh Micro ships preloaded with Josh automation software, instantly connecting to the home’s network and automatically discovering connected devices. Integrators can configure a Josh system without custom programming, making installs among the fastest in the industry, according to the company.

Josh integrates with Crestron, Control4, Lutron, Sonos, Autonomic, Nest, Chamberlain, Aprilaire, and Sony, and Josh voice commands are natural, utilizing technologies such as anaphora (memory), compound commands, and audio, and video deep-linking. 

While Josh Micro can use a wake word to start listening (“Hey Josh”), it can also start listening by utilizing a built-in motion sensor or a simple tap of the surface.

A first in the industry, Josh Micro can intuitively understand where it is, making room-specific commands simple. Rather than having to specify a location for voice commands, simply say “turn on the lights” to activate the room you’re in.

Josh Micro is the first hardware product capable of accepting compound commands, which are a string of commands issued at once, creating ad-hoc scenes on the fly. For example, “Open the shades, dim the lights, stop the music, and watch Breaking Bad.” 

Josh Micro’s form factor was designed to fit any room, with the option to wall, rack, and surface mount. While voice control is central to Josh.ai, there are times when a simple switch or dial is appropriate. The top surface of Josh Micro includes a multi-purpose tap area — a touch-capacitive surface that can be programmed to activate any scene. By default, a single tap activates the microphone and a double tap mutes the device. A Josh Micro installed by the front door, for example, can be configured to activate the “I’m Home” scene on a single tap and the “Goodbye” scene on a double tap. Each room can be configured.

Around the edge of the surface is a smart touch ring — a UI that adapts to the last command given. For example, when asked for music, the dial adapts to control volume, and when asked for lights, the dial adapts to be a dimmer. In many rooms this replaces traditional keypads. 

Josh Micro has built-in motion, touch, temperature, humidity, and ambient light sensors that can be used for scene triggers and automation. These sensors provide even more control and customization for home automation.

Choose between a wireless Wi-Fi setup and power over any 120V outlet, or get power and/or data over POE, making Josh Micro appropriate for large custom projects and wall-mounted installs. 

Close