Microsoft uploaded a video to YouTube this week, with no accompanying press release, to unveil the company's smart home technology plans.
The video featured a smart thermostat, called GLAS and developed by Johnson Controls, which has Microsoft's Azure cloud service and its voice-activated assistant Cortana integrated into the device.
"GLAS is a thermostat that moves with us. Its daily reporting provides the insights needed to create the perfect atmosphere for your business, your home, the places you want to visit, the places you need to visit," the video states.
This suggests Microsoft is looking to use the thermostat in businesses and not only private homes.
Johnson Controls is a multinational conglomerate that produces heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment and automation systems for buildings. The company invented the first thermostat.
Microsoft says in the description that GLAS uses Windows 10 IOT Core, Cortana voice services and Azure Cloud, to create a "simple to use, elegant thermostat that brings leading energy savings and air quality monitoring to everyday spaces".
Other players in the smart thermostat space include Alphabet's Nest, Ecobee and Honeywell, none of which are available in SA.
Other GLAS features highlighted in the video include it knowing when there are people in the room, and a constant monitoring of indoor and outdoor air quality that intelligently changes its settings.
The company says by having GLAS intelligently change its own settings, it is capable of saving energy.
"Heating and cooling account for roughly 48% of the energy use in a typical US home, making it the largest energy expense for most families. In the commercial building sector, the cost is approximately 40%," says Microsoft.
Microsoft and Johnson Controls hope to reduce this amount with GLAS.
It is not known when the device will be available to purchase.
There has been no further information from either company. However, YouTubers have expressed their enthusiasm for the new product.
Tom Van commented: "Microsoft positioning itself to be at the top of the tech industry again... watch out Apple and Alphabet."
Andrew Maxwell said: "I love the design of this. Very clean hardware, UI, and UX."
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