Take home automation to the next level using Building 36 custom voice shortcuts for Siri. To run a scene, customers can say "Hey Siri, I'm home from work," or any phrase of their choice to perform automation commands using an iOS 12 device. 

Live video streams can also be brought up through Siri voice shortcuts by invoking Siri and speaking a chosen phrase like, "Siri, show me my kitchen." A live video stream window then appears on the customer's mobile device. This shortcut works for any video camera or video doorbell and allows for quick, hands-free access to the customer's video devices. 

Compatibility

Important: The Shortcuts app must be installed on the iOS device.

Voice shortcuts for Siri are available with:

  • iOS 12 devices (i.e., iPhones, iPads, Carplay, and HomePod speakers)
    • The iOS device must have an unlock mechanism (e.g., passcode, Touch ID, etc.) to run scenes.
  • Residential and commercial customers 
  • All countries where Siri is supported

There is no additional fee for Siri custom voice shortcuts. 

Available Siri shortcut options

  • Create the custom voice shortcuts to run a scene. 
    • Scenes can include locks, lights, thermostats, etc.
    • Control both individual lights and light groups
    • Arm/Disarm the security system 
    • View live video
  • Set up and manage the voice shortcuts using the Customer app:
    • Choose as many unique phrases as desired to trigger a given action
    • Choose if Siri is available from the lock screen.

      Note: Secure actions (i.e., scenes and disarm) require the phone to be unlocked.
       
    • Choose the exact phrase Siri says back to the user to confirm an action was successfully completed
  • Create different voice shortcuts for each property linked to the customer login. This avoids the possibility of unintentionally turning off the lights at a vacation home instead of the user's main property. 

To create custom Siri voice shortcuts:

Note: This feature can only be set up using the Customer app. 

  1. Log into the Customer app.
  2. Tap 
  3. Tap App Settings. 
  4. Tap Siri Shortcuts. 


     
  5. Tap  to select the shortcut to create a custom phrase for. 

    ???
     
  6. Add the custom phrase. 

Example commands

Create creative custom phrases of the user's choosing

A custom response can be created for Siri to say back to the user to confirm an action has been completed.

Example: Say "Hey Siri, it's bedtime." to turn off the lights, turn on the night light, and turn on the sound machine to prepare the kids for story time.

Control individual lights or light groups 

With a single phrase, individual lights or light groups can be adjusted. Siri can also help create the perfect ambiance by dimming a light or changing the light color for dimmable and multicolor bulbs. 

Example: Say "Siri, turn on the entrance hall light" to turn on the hall light or "Siri, turn on the living room lights" to turn on all lights in the living room light group. 

Control the home from anywhere on the go
  • Is it dark when the user comes home from the store and their arms are full of groceries? Just say "Hey Siri, turn on the lights".
  • Driving home and want to run the Home Scene? Just say "Hey Siri, I'm home from work."
Quick access to live video 
  • The user is in the middle of preparing dinner when someone rings the doorbell? Just say "Hey Siri, show me my front door" to quickly access the doorbell camera's live video feed.
  • The user is in bed upstairs when they hear a loud crash downstairs. Just say "Hey Siri, show me my living room" to quickly access the living room live video feed.

Combine Building 36 voice shortcuts with commands from other apps

The Shortcuts app enables you to create personal shortcuts with multiple steps from your favorite apps. Start from hundreds of examples in the Gallery or drag and drop to create your own. 

Example: Say "Hey Siri, goodnight" to turn off all the lights in the house, set the user's device to do not disturb until morning, set their alarm for work, lock all the doors in the house, and set the thermostat to their ideal temperature.

To integrate with the Shortcuts app:
  1. Log into the Customer app.
  2. Tap .  
  3. Tap App Settings.
  4. Tap Siri Shortcuts.
  5. Tap the Share Activity with Siri toggle to the ON position.
  6. When prompted, tap Share.