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CES 2015: iDevices Announces HomeKit-Enabled 'Switch' Smart Plug

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Apr 12, 2001
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iDevices today announced its upcoming Switch smart plug, a HomeKit-enabled device that allows users to remotely control a variety of devices around the home. The system takes advantage of the existing iDevices Connected app to give users control over the plug, which plugs into a standard electrical outlet and connects to the home's Wi-Fi network to provide control over a device plugged into Switch.

idevices_switch.jpg
With HomeKit integration for Switch, users will be able to take advantage of a number of iOS features in the system, including the ability to use Siri to control their devices. Switch requires no dedicated hub device or subscription services, making it simple to set up.
- Siri - Switch's HomeKit integration provides an easy, secure way to control Switch using Siri on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. You can even create your own commands to control multiple home settings. For example, you can automatically turn off lamps connected to your iDevices Switch, lock your doors, close the garage door and set the thermostat to the desired temperature, all with one command.

- Remote Access - iDevices designed a custom IoT cloud for Switch so that users can access their home from wherever they are with no additional hub required.

- Create Custom Events and Schedules - Through the iDevices Connected app, users are able to design custom events (or schedules) that fit their lifestyle. The iDevices Switch has the unique ability to remember events and make sure they happen even when the user is away.
Click to expand...
Switch also includes several personalization options including the ability to upload photos from around the home to personalize the control app and make it easier to identify devices, as well as a built-in highlight on the Switch itself with customizable color choices.

Switch launches later in the first half of 2015, and The Verge says the device will cost $49.99.

iHome is also announcing a similar iSP5 SmartPlug smart plug that will launch later this year, but details remain scant at this time. Like iDevices' Switch, iHome's SmartPlug supports HomeKit and is a Wi-Fi enabled plug that allows users to control individual devices without the need for a hub. iHome does tout that multiple SmartPlugs can be grouped together into "scenes" to control various devices together. Pricing and an exact launch timeframe for SmartPlug have yet to be announced.

Article Link: CES 2015: iDevices Announces HomeKit-Enabled 'Switch' Smart Plug
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2015/01/05/ces-idevices-switch-smart-plug/
$50 to automate my reading light? I'll manually flip the switch, thanks.
 
Can somebody explain the advantages of using HomeKit vs some open standard like SmartThings uses, or WeMo etc? I'm not really up to date on any of those, but it would seem that:

1. No controller is needed for the devices to operate, so setup would be more straightforward.
2. HomeKit is controlled by Apple so I would imagine they made it really secure which:
3. Would allow developers access to a lot of persona information stored on the device (with the user's approval), whereas Apple might not allow them to access that data with an open standard.
4. Access to things like voice control through Siri.
5. You don't have to worry about hardware breaking if you want to update your protocols? I.e. Apple can control HomeKit, and make sure that if they ever update it, previously existing hardware wouldn't break, whereas an open standard might be able to be updates for certain devices, but others would break etc....

Like I said, I'm not terribly familiar with this stuff, but some clarity would be nice. Thanks!
 
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Or you could buy a remote one from Amazon that doesn't use your iOS device, but rather a separate remote, get 5 of them and 2 remotes for $35...
 
While home-kit is a nice standard, I still hate the fact there isn't one app that can control everything from thermostat, to cameras, to switches, to garage door opener, to alarms.

Until Apple or someone makes a device that sits in my kitchen, living room, bedroom, and sun room, that can take 'Siri' commands, I will not buy into this. Something like a cheaper Amazon Echo or possibly an Apple TV with built-in microphone.

If I have to keep my phone on me, unlock it, open an app, just to do something - it does not make it easy, or quicker. All I'm doing is making someone more wealthy.
 
I can see some practical uses for this automation (door unlocking when hands are full of groceries; Christmas lights; etc), but some of those examples are just laziness!!! lol

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unplugme71 said:
While home-kit is a nice standard, I still hate the fact there isn't one app that can control everything from thermostat, to cameras, to switches, to garage door opener, to alarms.
Click to expand...

While the concept of home automation has been around for many years, along with open standards, it's only been the past couple of years when the "big boy" tech companies have gotten into the foray that things are really moving forward. Now we'll need to see who wins out or if a standard protocol will emerge. Of course, each big company will try to make their protocol the standard, and as far as Apple is concerned, they don't have a very good track record of making their stuff open to others unless it's under some type of fee-based certification program. Apple promised to open-source the FaceTime protocol, for example, and that never happened, so I don't hold much hope that the same will happen with HomeKit.
 
Can't believe it wouldn't fold the cloths or do dishes!

iDevices like this are the lazification of America.
 
it seems like sometimes it would be faster just to turn the light on and off by yourself. opening up the app and then picking which switch you want to turn on seems like it would take more time.
 
LostMyiPhone said:
Or you could buy a remote one from Amazon that doesn't use your iOS device, but rather a separate remote, get 5 of them and 2 remotes for $35...
Click to expand...

Six month later you'll throw that trash away and get the real thing.
 
What's all this talk about unlocking your phone opening an app and all that?

Swipe down from the lock screen, press the button on the (hopefully existing) widget that corresponds to the switch. Done.
IMG_1943.PNG
 
I only see this being useful with robust automation (time, location). Ex: Lamps or other items turn on as I enter my house - no manual input needed. How well it integrates with siri still seems ambiguous.

Using this primarily as a manual remote control for a lamp or something doesn't seem that useful. And there are plenty of low-tech solutions for lights and switches at your local hardware store (motion sensors, timers, etc.).
 
More trouble than it is worth, for now. But they will undoubtedly make an Apple Watch App that does this. So you won't be reaching for your phone you will be reaching for your wrist. Touch wrist, bring up Siri, issue command, done.
 
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