Kohler introduced its new smart faucet, Sensate Touchless Faucet with Kohler Connect, that users can control with simple voice commands.
“The Sensate faucet with Kohler Konnect is your voice-controlled kitchen assistant,” the company says. “You can use simple commands to turn the water on and off and dispense measured amounts of water.”
Because of the faucet’s voice activation, the company calls it “multitasking at its finest.” While a consumer is cooking in the kitchen, they can tell their preferred assistant device to turn the faucet on to start filling a pot with water, all while they chop vegetables without even pausing. By using specific voice commands, the user can tell the faucet to fill different levels, such as a pasta pot or a sink. For good measure, the faucet also features a four-minute shut-off so that it will not be left running by accident. The faucet also monitors a consumer’s usage, which is viewable on the Kohler Konnect app. And if the use is unusual, the faucet sends a direct alert to the Kohler Konnect app.
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Using voice commands, users can tell the faucet to dispense specific amounts of water, starting at 8 ounces minimum. “If you like to cook, you can dispense just the right amount of water for a recipe, virtually eliminating the need for water measuring cups with the measured pour functionality,” the company says. The company says users must tell assistants such as Alexa to address Kohler with a phrase such as “Alexa, ask Kohler to turn on my faucet.”
Some examples of voice commands that the faucet will respond to include:
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Turn on my faucet.
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End my faucet.
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Fill my sink.
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Begin my coffee pot.
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Give me 1 cup of water.
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Pour 16 ounces of water.
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How much water have I used?
The faucet is also optimized for the more traditional faucet interactions, according to the company. Using the touchless technology, users can also activate the faucet with a wave of their hand, and the faucet will respond in 20 milliseconds. With its handheld, two-function pull-down spray head, the faucet can switch from a stream of water to a powerful blade-shaped spray, and with a single-lever control, users can switch temperatures easily. Its head is finished to minimize mineral buildup, which can be cleaned off with a cloth, and its magnetic docking system ensures the spray head stay in place. Because the faucet is electrically powered, there are no batteries users must replace.
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Topped off with corrosion and tarnish-resistant finishes, the faucet is available in six colors: polished chrome, vibrant stainless, matte black, oil-rubbed bronze, and two vibrant ombres colors that pair rose gold with titanium and polished nickel. Its spout measures 150-and-a-half inches; its flow rate is 1-and-a-half gallons per minute; and its pressure reaches 60 psi. For the smart home integration, the faucet is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Home Kit. Wifi is required to access all the features, and an LED light indicates the faucet is ready for use.