Start-up Company Aims to Make Legacy AC Systems ‘Smart’

Start-up Company Aims to Make Legacy AC Systems ‘Smart’
MUNICH— German start-up company Tado is using crowdfunding platform Kickstarter to launch Tado Cooling, an Internet-connected device the company says makes almost any remote-controlled air-conditioning system smart. The company said the device is compatible with 82% of the legacy remote-controlled air-conditioning units in the world. The device is wall-mounted and serves as a replacement for the AC system’s infrared remote control. It connects to the Internet via Wi-Fi. Together with the accompanying mobile app, Tado Cooling will automatically turn off the AC when no one is at home and detects the time the last person left the house. Also, using geolocation via the user’s smart phone, the device will know if its owner is about to reach the house, and so the AC will automatically start precooling. The device is expected to eventually go on general sale for $149, but the first 500 Kickstarter backers of the project can receive the device for only $69. Tado is hoping to raise at least $150,000 through Kickstarter.