French startup, ProKNX, has launched Aragon, a unique, offline voice control system for the home.
According to the home automation system manufacturer, Aragon is the first internet-free voice assistant. Fitting into a flush-mounted box, the user needs to install one Aragon device in each room where voice control is desired, as long as there is an existing compatible home automation system in place already.
Aragon is part of the range that works with Snips/Sonos, which does not require any cloud services, meaning that the device is not depending on an internet connection and there is no need to create a cloud account.
One of the biggest worries among homeowners regarding voice assistants is security – who is listening? However, Aragon is designed according to the privacy-by-design model to protect the user’s privacy. Anything said is not recorded or stored and all software runs directly on the device for added reasurrance. Software updates out of the user’s control are never imposed.
The device has a small form factor and is made to fit inside a flush-mounted, in-wall box and is compatible with a vast range of switch fronts from a variety of different manufacturers.
Connected through standard Power over Ethernet (PoE), a single cable provides both data connection and electric power to the device. The simple installation is plug-and-play and is set up automatically.
Aragon integrates with most major automation servers.
The first release of Aragon will be available in English, French and German.