Smart Homes and the Sola Development with Harish Consul (Episode 152)
In this episode, Teri welcomes Harish Consul, President, and CEO of Ocgrow Group of Companies. Harish shares how Ocgrow’s partnership with Amazon brings innovation to the Sola development in Calgary. The Sola development is a 172 unit luxury condo building that offers Alexa enabled units and super-fast Gigabit Ethernet (15-18 times faster than current speeds) to residents. Ocgrow will continue to offer additional integrations and hardware for Sola Calgary to offer a seamless lifestyle for its’ residents.
Welcome, Harish Consul!
Harish founded Ocgrow, a privately held investment company involved in real estate development & venture capital. It focuses on investment, development & ownership of multi-family and commercial properties in Western Canada. Harish has been involved with tech companies for over 25 years. Harish built up great relationships with Silicon Valley professionals and Amazon back in the mid-’90s.
Sola Project in Calgary
The Sola Project is a real estate development project in Calgary that is now recognized as Canada’s most innovative development. Ocgrow wanted to combine tech and real estate to bring innovation to Calgary. The Sola is a luxury condo building with 172 units that is owned and managed by Ocgrow.
Ocgrow’s partnership with Amazon means that every resident will be able to utilize the power of Alexa Voice to order online, open the door, view your deliveries when you are away from home and even lock your door; all done remotely.
Ocgrow is also working on bringing Gigabit Ethernet to Sola and it will be the fastest internet in Western Canada; about 15-18 times faster than the highest current speeds.
How is Each Unit at Sola Set Up to Be Alexa Enabled?
Sola intelligent hub that is built into the closet. Each intelligent hub will have a high-speed Gigabit Ethernet connection and the property will have its own hub that will allow Alexa to be enabled throughout the property. Residents will have the option to pick a basic or luxury package based on how elaborate they want the functionality to be. Amazon will also be introducing new devices and services that residents will be able to participate in.
Why Harish Choose Amazon Alexa?
Harish had a good relationship with Amazon that was formed back in the ’90s and was lucky enough to meet Jeff Bezos.
What’s Coming Up Next?
New API’s will be coming out that will allow for even more customizations.
Ocgrow is also looking into creating custom voice assistance using Alexa technology. Users will be able to put in their own API’s and have corporate and building features and customize them from the restaurants and services that are being delivered.
The Power of Living in an Alexa Enabled Property
If you are living in a unit that is above a commercial area and you have favorite restaurants that you normally order from; you will never have to call the restaurant again or use your phone to place the order. Alexa will be able to place the order based on your “voice commands” and it really becomes a very seamless process. Furthermore, it provides shortcuts for everyday errands that would normally take more of your time.
What is the Future of Ocgrow Properties?
Everything will become more and more integrated. From booking your airline flight to your frequent flyer number or booking a ride, everything will get plugged into your calendar. Harish also stated that things such as medical diagnostics will become available via the Alexa device and there will be innovations in every vertical. More and more tasks will be done through voice in real-time.
How Will Consumers Handle New Hardware Coming Out?
Ocgrow will offer a base hardware package and the users will have to upgrade to get additional services. Harish predicts that a lot more buildings in Calgary and Vancouver will be planning upgrades.
Learn More About Harish Consul, Ocgrow, and Sola Calgary
Sola Calgary Website
Connect with Harish Consul on LinkedIn
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