Josh.ai at CEDIA 2019 – Focus on Privacy, Integrations, New Features
Tags: Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, AI, IoT, Smart Home

DENVER — September 4, 2019 — Josh.ai, the fast-growing choice for voice and AI in the custom channel, has introduced new features at CEDIA 2019 designed to protect end-client user data and enhance user security. New partner integrations, including Ketra, Comcast, and Samsung, continue to extend Josh.ai’s vision of a natural and elegant control experience in the home.

“Our powerful intuitive interface and elegant experience have always been, and will continue to be, big selling points for Josh. With the rise of big tech AIs listening and gathering data, concern around data privacy has now become one of the biggest issues on clients’ minds. This has also become one of Josh’s greatest strengths, and a huge selling point for our integrators. Our continued focus on privacy, along with new exciting integrations and features, demonstrates our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences to the custom channel.” — CEO Josh.ai, Alex Capecelatro.

Josh.ai Goes All — In With Data Privacy and User Security

With its emphasis on local processing, Josh.ai has always been a company focused on a secure user experience. The company does not gather data for marketing purposes, and will never sell data to third-parties for advertising; all the data that Josh.ai gathers is used to make the user experience better. That said, users have the option to disable all data gathering and / or delete specific logs if they choose. Josh.ai has also announced new features around permissioning, allowing clients and integrators to specify more granular user roles throughout the Josh environment.

New Josh Features — iOS TV Remote, Concise Mode

Josh takes one more big step forward into AV control with the announcement of a TV remote built directly into the iPhone and iPad apps. Clients will now be able to control their TV via the Josh UI thanks to a new update with the Josh app. New TV features in the app, such as channel control and source selection, offer the client a natural and intuitive touch experience for control.

Josh is also happy to announce a new feature called concise mode. When activated, Josh will respond with shorter (one-word) confirmations when controlling certain devices in the home. For example, if you’re in the living room and ask for the lights to go on, instead of the response, “Your living room lights are now on,” Josh will simply reply “Ok.”

New AV Integrations & Features — Comcast, Samsung

In addition to existing integrations such as Sony, Dish, and LG, Josh has partnered with Comcast and Samsung on new native control. The Comcast integration offers control of live TV using both voice and the Josh app. Clients can ask for channels by name or number, which, when combined with Josh’s ability to do compound commands, offers an unparalleled experience. For example, Josh clients with Comcast can now say, “OK Josh, stop the music, close the shades halfway, dim the lights, and watch ESPN.” Functionality also includes the ability to navigate the Comcast guide and menu, play, pause, fast-forward, rewind, and select television content. Josh also now integrates with Samsung IP TVs, offering the ability to toggle power, control volume, and change sources.

New Lighting Integration — Ketra

Josh.ai is announcing native integration with Lutron’s innovative Ketra lighting system. In addition to on / off commands and adjusting brightness, clients will be able to adjust the color temperature and the hue of the lights via voice commands or the Josh app.

Enhanced Integrations & Features — Crestron SIMPL Thermostats, Sonos Favorites

Josh.ai has also released enhanced functionality with established partners. While Josh was already controlling Pyng/OS 3 thermostats, a new module now allows integrators to program Crestron thermostats into Josh via SIMPL as well. Additionally, Josh now auto-discovers and controls favorites from Sonos, making it easier than ever to voice command or tap to run your pre-defined playlists.

Learn More About Josh at CEDIA 2019