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Ecobee: Transitioning Legacy Products
Ecobee has recently announced a significant development affecting some of its oldest thermostats. The “Ecobee Smart Thermostat” (Model # : EB-STAT-02) and the Ecobee Energy Management System (EMS) business thermostat (Model #: EB-EMS-02) are set to lose web access on July 31, 2024. While many devices from Ecobee share similar names, these specific models are considered legacy products due to their age and technology.
The EB-STAT-02, known as “the world’s first Wi-Fi enabled thermostat,” made its debut back in 2008 and ceased sales in 2013. In a dramatic departure from the current Ecobee designs, this device sported a white rectangle appearance that connected to a sizable “equipment interface module.” Moreover, it featured an old-fashioned resistive touchscreen, which was considered cutting-edge at the time, and a user interface reminiscent of early iOS versions. The EB-EMS-02, developed two years later as a commercial iteration of the Stat 02, required a subscription fee to function.
As expected from a dated Internet-connected device, the Wi-Fi capabilities of the Stat 02 are subpar by modern standards, supporting only 802.11b/g (Wi-Fi 3) encryption up to WPA2. Despite attempts to update the firmware, the security of a 16-year-old internet-connected device raises concerns, ultimately necessitating its disposal.
Continued Support and Customer Relations
According to Ecobee’s support page, although the Stat 02 and EMS-02 will no longer have connectivity features post-July 31, they will still function as local thermostats. Bryan Hurren, Ecobee’s VP of product design, reassured users that other legacy Ecobee products will remain operational for the foreseeable future, instilling confidence in the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
In light of the impending changes, Ecobee has demonstrated remarkable post-launch support by offering a 30 percent discount on new products to users affected by the discontinuation of the older devices. This proactive approach to customer outreach showcases Ecobee’s dedication to maintaining positive relationships and fostering goodwill among its user base.
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