We’ve already seen some interesting new HomeKit accessories out of CES 2016 including the first Siri-controlled ceiling fans, and now iDevices is expanding its current lineup of HomeKit-compatible products with four new gadgets that make home automation even easier. The Apple accessory maker is showing off its new Socket, Wall Switch, Dimmer Switch, and Wall Outlet which will let you control and automate standard light bulbs and other appliances using iOS and Siri. iDevices already offers a HomeKit Switch and Outdoor Switch (plus Thermostat), and today’s newly announced gear includes hard-wired solutions and ways to turn any lightbulb into a smart lightbulb.
If you want to control your lights from iOS and Siri but don’t want to invest in expensive light bulbs with built-in Wi-Fi, iDevices Socket will connect between your current light socket and ordinary light bulbs. Socket lets you toggle lights on and off as well as change brightness levels, and a built-in nightlight on the unit can change colors as a bonus effect.
iDevices is also offering another method for making your lights smarter with the Wall Switch and Dimmer Switch. Both products replace standard light switches and add iOS control as well as LED nightlights on the hardware. Switch features standard on/off toggling, while Dimmer Switch adds brightness adjusting.
Finally, Wall Outlet is iDevices’ hard-wired solution for adding a smart outlet to your home. While Switch connects to the existing outlet and can easily be moved between rooms, Wall Outlet is a more permanent solution that looks like a traditional electrical outlet. It features two outlets which can be controlled individually, and Siri control and app automation for whatever you plug in.
Pricing details and specific release dates aren’t yet available, but we’ll keep an eye on this space throughout the year with updates when the new HomeKit gear is available.
iDevices says Socket is coming during Q1, Wall Switch and Dimmer Switch in Q2, and Wall Outlet in Q3 so each product should be available before the next holiday season.
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Very cool. I haven’t jump on board yet and been on the sidelines, but Im ready to try it out.
I’ve been using X10 for about the last 40 years – successfully – and now that some of that old hardware is failing and the fact that the X10 Windows-based software seems to have gone “belly-up” I’m looking for a way to automate my house without having to rewire. I only wish more manufacturers would come out with compatible hardware.
Got in on the ground floor of X10, nice.
The welcome part of HomeKit (and I assume whatever Google is doing) is it should limit the number of things they need to be compatible… iDevices doesn’t need to work with Hue, Wemo, Insteon, Nest, and iHome. Having said that… if we end up with 4-5 different HomeKit-esque solutions, we’re not any further ahead.
Somebody please fill me in. Are all of these devices compatible with each other or are we seeing a new proprietary war starting? Apple has HomeKit, my youngest son is using Wink at his home. I’m sure others are out there too.
It seems like they all have their own systems, but… so iHome has a bunch of stuff that all connects to their app and is controlled in their app. Hue has all of their bulbs and an API for people to write apps to control their lights and switches, Wink (or Insteon) has a hub with a bunch of devices that all work with that hub. I don’t think that’s changing. Ideally Philips wants you to only buy Hue bulbs, Insteon wants you to buy their bridge and devices that work with their bridge. HomeKit is a way for these companies to make their devices visible to a central ‘thing’ (HomeKit) that can then coordinate with other companies. You can use the Hue app to control Hue stuff and the Insteon app to control the Insteon stuff… or an app like Home (http://www.selfcoded.com/) that shows you all devices on your network that work with HomeKit and lets you control them regardless of who makes them. HomeKit allows you to group things across companies. So my Hue bulbs and iHome Smart Plug controlling a lamp in my TV room can all be turned on by saying “Turn on the lights in the TV room” even though they’re made by different manufacturers. Clear as mud?
Finally! I’ve been waiting for someone to introduce a homekit wall outlet. I don’t want to have a bunch of modules on all my outlets. Great! Look forward to these.
I’m currently using Lowe’s Iris system. It’s pretty comprehensive. I’ve got every light switch and in my house hooked up and sensors on every door and window in the house. It controls my alarm, smoke detectors, temperature/thermostat, and lights. I don’t have Siri support, but I’ve got almost everything automated via motion detectors, scheduling, and door sensors. I rarely have to open the app. And when I do, it’s very fast. I’m a big fan.
Random humor but you ended your post with “I’m a big fan” and at the time of reading, the next thing below your post is the article about Hunter Fan Company’s new home kit enabled fans…
Looking forward to the dimmer switches so my wife, who is disabled, can control lights without asking me to help. She’ll love it.
Good compact design, just that onw of three peice was faulty. But overall nice works well on 240v. Good seller very good service