Looks like Nest and Honeywell aren’t the only players in the smart thermostat game anymore. A French startup called Netatmo has just launched a new Web-connected thermostat that does a lot of the same tricks, but under a sexier (more minimalist) hood.
Designed with the help of renowned French industrial designer Philippe Starck, Netatmo is an exercise in minimalism. The modest little box measures roughly 3.25 inches on each side and has no visible buttons on it’s face. Instead, the display’s white frame can be clicked up or down to raise or lower the temperature as needed. The device also comes with a set of five interchangeable colors, so you can customize it to fit with the rest of your home’s decor.
In terms of specs and features, Netatmo has everything you’d expect from a card-carrying Nest competitor – wicked simple setup, Wi-Fi connectivity, a slick smartphone app, and the ability to learn your preferences and automatically adjust your home’s temp. The companion app (iOS and Android) lets you monitor the current temperature from anywhere in the world, make real-time adjustments, schedule temp changes, or even get detailed metrics on your energy usage over time.
Much like other smart thermostats on the market, the idea here is that over time Netatmo will learn your personal habits (things like what hours of the day you’re away and what temperatures you prefer when you’re home) and save energy by staying one step ahead of you. So, despite the fact that it’ll put you back around $240 in the short term, there’s a good chance Netatmo will end up saving you money in the long run.
The devices are expected to become available sometime early next year, so stay tuned for updates. Find out more at Netatmo.com
Images via Designboom
