Emerson SmartVoice Devices Work Offline Without Wi-Fi or Hub
▼ Summary
– IAI Smart has launched a new line of Emerson Smart appliances that use voice control without requiring apps, Wi-Fi, or a smart home hub.
– The devices utilize on-device SmartVoice technology with built-in microphones, processing commands locally to keep personal information within the home.
– The initial product lineup includes SmartVoice Tower Fans, Fan-Heaters, Electric Plugs, and Air Fryers, each with various models and price points.
– These appliances respond to numerous preset voice commands, with the air fryers featuring over 1,000 commands and 100 cooking presets.
– The products are now available for purchase from major retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon, and the Emerson SmartVoice website.
A new wave of smart home appliances is arriving with a significant twist: they don’t require an internet connection to function. Emerson SmartVoice devices operate entirely offline, using on-device processing to respond to voice commands without needing Wi-Fi, a smartphone app, or a central hub. This approach prioritizes simplicity, privacy, and reliability for everyday household items.
The technology, developed by IAI Smart, centers on built-in microphones and local speech recognition. Each appliance responds to specific wake words and a library of preset commands. Most models also include a small speaker to provide audible feedback. By keeping all processing on the device itself, personal data and voice recordings never leave the home, addressing common privacy concerns associated with cloud-based assistants. Company CEO Jason Jiang stated the goal is to make voice control effortless and accessible, removing the technical barriers that often complicate smart home setups.
The initial product lineup includes several popular appliance categories, all featuring this offline voice capability.
SmartVoice Tower Fans are offered in three sizes: 29-inch ($89.99), 40-inch ($99.99), and 42-inch ($119.99). They provide three speed settings, a 15-hour sleep timer, and an LED touch display. Users can control them with over 40 voice commands. An integrated scent diffuser is also included for those interested in aromatherapy.
For cooler weather, the SmartVoice Fan-Heaters come in 25-inch ($129.99) and 32-inch ($169.99) models. They deliver 1500 watts of wide-angle heat and include safety features like anti-tipping protection and auto-shutoff timers. These heaters also recognize more than 40 voice commands.
Adding voice control to existing devices, the SmartVoice Electric Plugs are available in three configurations. A single-outlet plug costs $24.99, a dual-outlet version is $29.99, and a model with two AC outlets plus both USB-A and USB-C ports is priced at $34.99. The AC outlets respond to over 30 preset commands, though the USB ports function independently without voice control.
Perhaps the most feature-rich offering is the SmartVoice Air Fryer, available in 5.3-quart ($129.99) and 10-quart ($169.99) capacities. IAI Smart claims these units support an impressive library of over 1,000 voice commands and more than 100 cooking presets. This allows for hands-free operation of tasks like preheating, setting timers, or selecting specific modes, such as instructing the appliance to “reheat pizza” from across the room.
These Emerson SmartVoice products are now available for purchase through major retailers including Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon, as well as directly from the Emerson SmartVoice website.
(Source: The Verge)
