Amazon’s Map View displays smart home devices on a digital floor plan.
Amazon's Map View displays smart home devices on a digital floor plan.
Introducing Map View: Amazon’s New Way to Control Your Smart Home Devices
During Amazon’s annual fall event, the tech giant unveiled an exciting new feature called Map View. This innovative addition to the Alexa app will revolutionize the way users control their compatible smart home devices. Map View is set to debut on select phones in the US later this year, starting with LiDAR-equipped iOS devices.
So, what exactly is Map View? It allows users to create a digital floor plan of their home using their smartphone. Once the floor plan is created, Map View will display all the devices that are added to it. No more fumbling around trying to remember which device is where. Instead, users can simply tap on the device within the floor plan and control it directly. For example, you can effortlessly switch on lights, adjust the volume of an Echo speaker, or even change the temperature – all with just a tap.
But Map View isn’t limited to just device control. This innovative feature also allows users to view live camera feeds right within the app. Whether you want to check on the security of your home or see what your pets are up to, Map View has got you covered.
One of the key advantages of Map View is its intuitive user interface. Users won’t have to memorize the names of every device they own but can instead rely on the visual representation of their home. It’s a straightforward and user-friendly approach that simplifies the smart home experience.
Amazon has emphasized that Map View is an opt-in experience, giving users full control over which rooms to include in the floor plan and which devices to add. Additionally, users can delete their floor plans at any time, providing flexibility and privacy.
Compatibility-wise, Map View will initially be available on LiDAR-equipped iOS devices. This includes iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and all iPad Pro models. This ensures that a wide range of users can take advantage of this exciting new feature.
Interestingly, this development from Amazon aligns with their ongoing pursuit of acquiring iRobot, a leading company specializing in mapping technology embedded in their cleaning devices. Given that iRobot’s Roomba devices already have the capability to map out homes for cleaning purposes, it’s not hard to imagine how this technology could integrate seamlessly with Map View.
In conclusion, Amazon’s Map View feature represents an exciting leap forward in smart home technology. By providing users with a visual representation of their homes and allowing seamless control over their devices, it simplifies the smart home experience. With Map View, managing and interacting with smart home devices has never been easier. Stay tuned for more updates from Amazon’s 2023 Devices event!
