“Hey Alexa, Turn On My Kogan Air Con & Bedroom Lights”

Kogan.com has thrown down the gauntlet against traditional retailers, releasing a suite of smart home products compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. The new range takes on the likes of Philips’ Hue lights and Hisense’s portable air conditioners for a “fraction of the cost.”

Opening pre-orders today, Kogan has unveiled two new portable air conditioners which connect to either Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. The products claim to “dehumidify, heat and cool” in one portable unit.

Users can say, “OK Google, set the air conditioner to 21 degrees” for hands-free control, or schedule the unit to turn on/off at certain times via Kogan’s SmarterHome app.

The SmarterHome app is also designed to integrate all Kogan branded smart home products – e.g. its recently released smart heaters.

The 14,000 BTU portable air conditioner will retail for $899, with a larger 18,000 BTU variant selling for $999.

Set to further intensify market competition, Kogan has launched a limited time pre-order offer providing air-con buyers free shipping, 4 x Kogan smart light bulbs, 4 x Kogan SmarterHome plugs and a Google Home smart speaker.

Taking on Philips’ Hue smart lights, the new range includes a pack of four Kogan smart light bulbs for $69/pack [white] or $89/pack [ambient].

By comparison, Kogan.com currently sells a single Philips Hue ‘White and Ambiance’ smart light bulb for $85.

Similar to Philips’ Hue, consumers can interact with Kogan’s smart lights via Google Assistant [or Alexa] to turn on/off lights via voice commands – e.g. “OK Google, turn on the lights in the bedroom.”

Available in either screw-in or two prong bulbs, the new Kogan smart lights are available in white or ambient options.

Consumers can select over “16 million” colour options via Kogan’s SmarterHome app, set scheduled timers and more.

Also joining Kogan’s SmarterHome range is a set of ‘smart plugs’, which claim to turn any “dumb device” into a Google Assistant or Alexa supported product.

Consumers are simply required to plug devices into Kogan smart plugs prior to power outlets.

Accessed via the Kogan SmarterHome app, consumers can ask Google or Alexa to turn items on/off, whilst obtaining information on energy consumption.

A pack of four Kogan smart plugs will be available to pre-order for $99.

Kogan.com Director of Exclusive Brands, Sergiy Bobrovnychyy, asserts the new range will make smart home technology “more affordable” and accessible than ever before, enabling consumers to create a connected home ecosystem for less.

Product Specifications:

Kogan SmarterHome™ 18,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner — $999

WiFi 2.4Ghz control
Works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for voice control
Ideal for rooms up to 35sqm
Reverse cycle: heating and cooling in one appliance
Includes dehumidifying and fan functions
24H timer function
Intelligent self-evaporative water system
No hub required

Kogan SmarterHome™ 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner — $899

WiFi 2.4GHz control
Works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for voice control
Ideal for rooms up to 30sqm
Reverse cycle: heating and cooling in one appliance
Includes dehumidifying and fan functions
24H timer function
Intelligent self-evaporative water system
Auto swing function – provides direct airflow wherever it’s needed
No hub required

Kogan SmarterHome™ Smart Bulbs — $69 (4 pack white bulbs in B22 or E27) or $89 (4 pack ambient bulbs in B22 or E27)

B22 (two prong base) and E27 (screw-in base) plug options
10W, 1050 lumens dimmable LED bulbs (equivalent to the 70W Incandescent bulb)
Works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for voice control
Control remotely using Kogan SmarterHome™ App
Set on/off schedules that automate your lighting to suit your lifestyle
Available in white and ambient settings (multicolour option)
Use preset scenes or create your own to suit your mood (ambient bulb only)
Energy efficient — 10 kWh/1000 hours power consumption with 25,000 hours lifespan
Wifi 2.4Ghz control
No hub required