Leapfrogging the one-device HomeKit “smart plugs” previously released by iHome, ConnectSense has debuted the Smart Outlet with Apple HomeKit ($80), which combines two Siri-controlled wall power outlets with a 2.4-Amp USB port. Using Wi-Fi, the Smart Outlet lets you separately monitor and control each of the three-prong outlets, while the side-mounted USB port has enough power to refuel any iPad — including the iPad Pro — or iPhone at full speed.
Designed with a subtle light bar running across the top, bottom, and front, the Smart Outlet easily replaces a single three-prong outlet, plugging in and covering the existing wall plate with no need for special wiring. ConnectSense notes that Apple’s HomeKit provides end-to-end security for its monitoring and control features, enabling you to safely use Siri or a free app for iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to turn off lights or activate connected devices from afar. When paired with other accessories, HomeKit also enables you to create “scenes,” simultaneously turning off your lights, locking your door, closing your garage door, and setting your thermostat. A gallery is below…
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80 buck outlets…..welcome to bankruptcy
To be fair, I just had to replace an outlet in my house this weekend. $18.
So 400% increase over conventional outlets?
Yes but with these you have to replace the outlet and THEN plug this in, so you’re basically going to pay the $18 no matter what and then additional to have this feature.
With Wi-Fi, 2.4A charging, and voice control, none of which are offered in a conventional outlet.
hello from bankruptcy!
I’ve the X-10 system for almost 40 years, in various apartments, townhouses and 3 houses I’ve lived in. They aren’t elegant, they are inexpensive and they’ve been reliable. However, with all the standalone UPS unit I have in my home now, there is a real problem with controlling some of the remote units – and some of these are from my original system in 1976.
When they work – the X-10 system is wonderful. However, short of rewriting the whole house or disconnecting the UPS units, I’ve been searching for a replacement system.
I’m considering switching over to the Insteon system as they now have a HomeKit compatible controller. The Insteon “endpoint” components aren’t cheap, but it works via both carrier current (which is how the X-10 system works) as well as WiFi. As long as it works, to me, it will be worth it.
YMMV
Rewiring not rewriting. Damn iPad spell checker / correcter! ;)
It will be interesting to read the reviews and see if people experience the same problems they had with the iHome Smart Plug. I have 1 of the iHome outlets and have had no problems but reviews on Amazon and elsewhere are filled with complaints about the device needing resets, Siri not finding them, etc… My own belief is that most people have no clue how their wireless router is configured and misunderstand the limitations of wireless networking.
About the only thing these are good for is lamps. Most things today don’t like being disconnected from power or will not turn back on with out you interacting with them threw their own switch or remote when power is back on.
Best advice if you thinking of getting these to controler something before you buy for that item turn on the device and unplug it wait a few minutes and plug it back in if it don’t come back on with out you having to actually hit buttons on the item it self or use its remote then this is worthless to you.
I’ve seen to many people spend money one remote outlets and then find it can’t work what they wanted it for.
That’s what I keep saying. Outside of lights I wouldn’t connect anything to a switch that turns on/off (even conventional switches). I used the Lutron Caseta line (HomeKit enabled) for my family room and living room and have been very happy with them. If they weren’t so expensive per dimmer I’d have converted my whole house already.
So would this work with my TV/cable box? Would like to turn both off/on with Siri together, but two concerns: 1) the outlet won’t do what I want it to do based on your comment. For example, when I turned my cable box on, unplugged it, and plugged it back in, it reset the cable box rather than just turning right back on; 2) Is there a way to make the two outlets work together, even though there are separate sockets?