Home automation. Some love it, some hate it. With programmable thermostats, lighting, alarm systems, even yard irrigation able to be controlled by a computer, it’s becoming more commonplace. INSTEON, a major player in the home automation and lighting industry, has teamed with Microsoft to provide voice controls for their system via Cortana and the Windows Phone 8.1 handsets.

“The availability of voice interaction capabilities is a major development in the evolution of the home automation industry,” said Steven Guggenheimer, Corporate Vice President & Chief Evangelist for Microsoft.  “In recent years, consumers have become increasingly accustomed to voice-activated commands on their smart phones.  Bringing Microsoft Cortana voice interaction capabilities to the popular INSTEON line of products opens up a whole new world of connected home engagement and use cases that will enhance our lives.”