Microsoft wants to turn W10 PCs into smart home systems with HomeHub

Microsoft is reportedly working on the HomeHub functionality for Windows 10 that should make the PC the central component in smarthomes. The company is said to plan to enable control for accessories such as Philips Hue, Nest and SmartThings.

Part of HomeHub is a new always-on screen view that allows household members to pin calendar items, to-do lists, and notes. Family members can also share a desktop view for joint access to, for example, a calendar. The feature would be useful for smaller hardware with screens, similar to the Echo Show, which was revealed by Amazon on Tuesday. HP and Lenovo, among others, are said to be working on small all-in-ones for the living room or kitchen.

Microsoft’s personal assistant, Cortana, can be used for control via voice commands. Microsoft would have plans to support smart home products such as Philips Hue, Nest, Insteon, Wink and SmartThings with the Home app. According to The Verge, which has had access to the plans, Microsoft will hold an event in China on May 23 to reveal more about HomeHub.