Microsoft Glas: The voice-activated thermostat

Smart home systems are all the rage in the tech industry at the moment. Apple has HomeKit, which controls lights and electronics remotely, while Amazon and Google offer various voice-activated devices designed to make daily chores a bit easier.

The most recent piece of tech to join the list is a smart thermostat from Microsoft called Glas, which is aimed at reducing energy consumption from home heating and cooling systems.

Powered by Windows 10 IoT core and built by Johnson Controls, the thermostat has minimalistic and sleek design comprising a translucent screen and a metal wall mount.

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Users can either manually control the temperature of their home or let the system automatically set the conditions. They can also adjust the conditions while they are away and even monitor the amount of energy they are saving.

In addition, the Glas can be controlled using Microsoft's Cortana voice-command system, although it has yet to be revealed how that will be integrated with the device.

Microsoft says it hopes the smart thermostat will cut down people's electricity bills - heating and cooling accounts for around 48 per cent of energy used in the US home.

There's no word on a UK release date or prices, but Business Insider says the Microsoft Glas could be an indicator for "more smart gadgets featuring Cortana popping up over the next year".