Insteon announced today that it has added new features to its home automation and control app for Windows 8.1 phones, including integration with Cortana, Microsoft’s intelligent assistant. Users will now be able to speak to their homes and perform tasks using Cortana’s natural language capabilities.

Features of the assistant include the ability to vocalize inquiries, launch applications, setup and send reminders and receive recommendations, as the virtual assistant becomes familiar with the home owner’s preferences. Some examples of commands a user might speak to Cortana are:

• “Insteon, turn on ‘Movie Time’,” which will adjust the light settings for movie viewing.
• “Insteon, adjust ‘Living Room Thermostat’ temperature down,” which will tell the system to turn down the temperature to the user’s specifications.

Insteon developed the app integration with Cortana through its partnership with Microsoft. When asked if the app would include integration with Apple’s Siri or Google’s voice capabilities, CEO Joe Dada replied, “Not at this time, but it’s something that we’re anxious to build in to our apps down the road. Integrating with Cortana was the next step in the evolution of our strategic relationship with Microsoft.”

Cortana integration in the INSTEON Windows Phone app is expected to appear within the coming months. The home automation company also recently announced that its products will be made available in Microsoft retail stores throughout the United States.