Honeywell introduces the much-anticipated second generation of its Lyric Thermostat, prompting the inevitable question: is it worth the investment? Given the glitches associated with its predecessor, many are eager to determine if Honeywell has successfully addressed these issues.
The initial Lyric thermostat, launched in July 2014, emerged as a response to Nest’s renowned Learning Thermostat. While Nest, a product of Google, boasted enticing features such as Wi-Fi connectivity and a dedicated app for both Android and iOS devices, Honeywell’s debut faced operational challenges.
Efforts to establish a seamless connection between the thermostat and users’ phones were hindered by glitches. Notably, the feature allowing users to set a radius from their phones, triggering automatic switches between Away and Home modes, proved unreliable.
Now, with the release of the new Honeywell Lyric Thermostat priced at $250, consumers are eager to learn about improvements. Despite the new model’s introduction of customization for the range setting, certain issues persist.
An enhanced feature of the second-generation Lyric Thermostat is its compatibility with Apple’s HomeKit platform. Users can now leverage Siri for both local Wi-Fi and remote thermostat control. The integration of Siri as a voice control assistant is a significant step forward, allowing users to manage their thermostat conveniently through their iPhones or Apple TVs.
However, the implementation of HomeKit is not without its challenges. Users must carefully follow installation instructions, confirm their iCloud accounts, and ensure the correct settings are enabled. Pairing the thermostat with Apple TV, while offering voice control convenience, presents an additional hurdle for users seeking remote access.
Regrettably, Android device users will find themselves excluded from utilizing Honeywell’s voice assistant, limiting the accessibility of this feature.
In conclusion, the second-generation Honeywell Lyric Thermostat, priced at $250, introduces notable enhancements, particularly with the inclusion of Siri for voice control. Yet, it falls short of delivering the anticipated array of groundbreaking features. The persistence of glitches from the original model suggests that software updates may be imperative for a seamless user experience. Moreover, Honeywell should address installation complexities to ensure broader customer satisfaction, acknowledging that ease of use is paramount in the competitive smart thermostat market.