Voice-controlled smart appliances aren’t new, but IAI Smart is taking a noticeably different approach at CES with a new lineup of Emerson Smart devices that process voice commands entirely on the appliance itself. There’s no smart speaker required, no companion app, and no broadband connection involved. All voice recognition and command processing happens locally, a design choice aimed squarely at users concerned about privacy, security, or unreliable internet access.
The Emerson Smart lineup—including tower fans, space heaters, air fryers, and smart plugs—uses IAI Smart’s proprietary SmartVoice technology. Each appliance has a built-in microphone and listens for a device-specific wake phrase such as “Hey Fan,” “Hey Heater,” or “Hey Air Fryer.” Most models also include an onboard speaker that provides audible feedback, confirming commands without routing anything through cloud services or third-party platforms.
IAI Smart is careful not to position SmartVoice as a replacement for Alexa- or Google-based smart home ecosystems. Instead, it’s being marketed as an alternative for users who want voice control without the trade-offs of always-connected IoT devices. Because voice data never leaves the appliance, recordings and usage patterns remain entirely within the home. The system also eliminates dependence on internet connectivity, making it appealing for households with limited broadband speeds or restrictive data caps.
The most feature-rich products in the lineup are the Emerson Smart SmartVoice Air Fryers. Offered in 5.3-quart and 10-quart sizes, priced at $129.99 and $169.99 respectively, the air fryers support more than 1,000 voice commands and include over 100 cooking presets. Users can issue natural commands such as “Cook salmon,” “Reheat pizza,” or “Increase temperature,” enabling hands-free operation throughout the cooking process.
IAI Smart is also debuting three SmartVoice-enabled tower fans measuring 29 inches ($89.99), 40 inches ($99.99), and 42 inches ($119.99). These models feature wide-angle oscillation, LED touch controls, and 15-hour sleep timers, with the largest variant adding an integrated aroma diffuser. Completing the lineup are SmartVoice fan-heaters in 25-inch ($129.99) and 32-inch ($169.99) sizes, delivering up to 1,500 watts of heating power alongside safety features such as tip-over protection and automatic shutoff timers.