Josh.ai Begins Shipping Josh Edge Remote, Expanding AI-Powered Smart Home Control
Josh.ai has officially begun shipping Josh Edge, a new handheld smart home remote designed to simplify control while maintaining seamless access to the company’s AI-driven voice platform. Following a closed beta program with select dealers, Josh Edge represents the culmination of more than a year of dealer-informed product development, reinforcing Josh.ai’s close collaboration with the professional integration community.
From Concept to Production: Dealer-Driven Development
Josh Edge was first unveiled as a concept in February 2024 during Josh.ai’s Winter Launch Event, which also introduced new natural AI voices, the AVA Cinema Remote experience, Josh Touchscreen, app updates, and Nimble DevSuite. Shortly after, Josh.ai hosted a dealer-only webinar to preview the handheld remote and gauge partner interest.
Positioned as a response to long-standing dealer requests for a simple, intuitive handheld controller to complement voice-first smart home interaction, Josh Edge moved forward through a crowdfunding-style initiative. Dealers were invited to provide feedback and financially back the product if they wanted it built. According to Josh.ai, the funding goal was reached within the first hour, clearly signaling strong market demand.
“Our goal has always been to create products that are simple, private, and intuitive,” said Alex Capecelatro, CEO of Josh.ai, noting that the Edge roadmap was shaped directly by partner feedback.
Designed for Everyday Use in the Smart Home
After concept approval, Josh Edge advanced through hardware design, software integration, and a real-world dealer beta program. Feedback from installed homes helped inform final refinements and validate the remote’s readiness for broader release.
The remote features a machined aluminum chassis, balancing durability with a clean, ergonomic form factor. Josh.ai says Josh Edge delivers up to three months of battery life on a single charge and was engineered to meet a dealer-friendly price point. Physical controls include side-mounted volume buttons and customizable button mapping.
AI Voice Control Meets Universal Remote Functionality
At the core of Josh Edge is a tap-to-talk near-field voice control button, enabling quick access to Josh.ai’s voice platform. The remote is location- and context-aware, allowing natural commands such as “open the shades” or “watch ESPN” without additional qualifiers.
Voice requests are processed through the Josh.ai AI platform, including access to JoshGPT for conversational assistance beyond smart home control.
Below the voice interface, Josh Edge delivers a traditional universal remote experience with:
• Multi-directional navigation pad
• Dedicated AV transport controls
• Support for platforms including Apple TV, Roku, Kaleidescape, Dish, and Xfinity
Highly Customizable Controls for Integrators
The top section of Josh Edge features six programmable buttons, configurable through the Josh app on a per-room basis. These buttons can:
• Control lighting, shades, music, fireplaces, and other devices
• Trigger scenes such as Movie Time
• Act as shortcuts to favorite channels or streaming services
Josh.ai says dealers can choose from nearly 90 predefined button options, allowing each remote to be tailored precisely to the client and space.
Expanding the Josh.ai Smart Home Ecosystem
With shipments now underway, Josh Edge becomes the latest addition to Josh.ai’s growing lineup of voice- and AI-enabled smart home control products. The company says the remote reflects its continued focus on privacy, simplicity, and integrator collaboration, with solutions shaped by long-term dealer input and real-world installation experience.
For integrators seeking a refined alternative to traditional remotes—one that blends AI voice control, physical buttons, and room-aware intelligence—Josh Edge represents a new, purpose-built option designed for the modern smart home.
