Lux Kono smart thermostat review: Low-priced and well-connected, but light on advanced features

Lux has finally released a follow-up to its Lux Geo smart thermostat. The Kono is largely in line with the Geo's basic sensibilities of delivering smart features and style in a lower-priced high-tech thermostat. Priced at $150, the Kono is an affordable way to get smart connectivity in your heating and cooling controls, but you won't get much in the way of bells and whistles. One potential sticking point is pure aesthetics: The Kono's industrial design could appear stylish and techno-hip, or tacky and plastic looking depending upon your taste. Lux has cleverly made it so you can purchase an array of colored faceplates for the unit and swap them out in a second to suit your room's color scheme or general mood.