iHome's HomeKit-Compatible 'iSP5 SmartPlug' Now Officially Available

[MacRumors]

Following an initial publicity push in early June for the first batch of devices working in tandem with Apple's HomeKit home automation service, iHome today announced that its iSP5 SmartPlug is now ready for a wider launch. The SmartPlug is one of the first official HomeKit-compatible products, allowing its users to interact with the power settings of any device -- from a lamp to a fan -- that is plugged directly into it.

The available app can be downloaded for both Android and iOS, but Apple users will specifically be able to control their home electronics with their voice thanks to Siri integration. Part of the iHome Control series of devices, the new iSP5 SmartPlug will let customers group multiple SmartPlugs into different "scenes" that let them control entire rooms of their home at once, and even create schedules and timers for the plugs to turn on or off the device connected to them.

"iHome products are already in more than 30 million homes and we've built a reputation over the last decade as a highly trusted consumer electronics brand. The move into the smart home market was a natural fit for us," said Ezra S. Ashkenazi, CEO of iHome. "The iHome iSP5 SmartPlug, the first in our series under the iHome Control label, offers consumers the ability to turn virtually any small appliance into a smart product that can be controlled remotely with almost any iOS or Android device."

Notably, the iSP5 SmartPlug doesn't require a dedicated hub as with products like the Philips Hue lighting system, but instead works directly with a standard Wi-Fi router. iHome notes that the SmartPlug is just the "first in a planned series of products," with promised announcements of new devices joining the iHome Control series in the coming weeks and months.

Those interested can purchase the iSP5 SmartPlug from iHome's official website and Amazon for $39.99, with a larger retail rollout expected in the next few weeks.

Article Link: iHome's HomeKit-Compatible 'iSP5 SmartPlug' Now Officially Available

 

[Crosscreek]

Apple expensive. Must be magical.

 

[thmsup]

Is it just me or is 40 bucks still way to expensive to be considered by the majority of potential customers? I am definitely not willing to pay $40 for a single power outlet.

 

[AngerDanger]

Is it just me or is 40 bucks still way to expensive to be considered by the majority of potential customers? I am definitely not willing to pay $40 for a single power outlet.

But think of the money you'll save not paying people to turn your lights on!

 

[iTom17]

If this would work with European outlets (at least the one in the Netherlands) I would happy to get one. There's a dozen of alternatives around, but none of them support HomeKit. And I'd love to try it out.

 

[L-U-R-C-H]

I still don't the craze with these home wifi devices. What's so hard about flipping a switch?! Seems like more work than it's worth to turn on/off appliances with your phone?

 

[ButteryScrollin]

Picked one up to have a play with. I've got a lot of smart home devices, but this'll be my first HomeKit enabled one.

 

[Dydegu]

Glad to hear that buying an additional hub isn't needed.

$40 bucks is insane for things like lamps and TVs, but I'd happily pay $40 to be able to remotely monitor and switch on/off the heat and air conditioning, or to open a garage door. I think the larger things are where this is going to be useful.

Once the adapters get closer to a $10 price point, I don't expect many people to purchase 5+ of these for an entire room.

 

[avanpelt]

I hope this works better than the trainwreck that is the Insteon HomeKit-compatible hub.

 

[imwoblin]

I'm gonna need to make more money to be able to afford this new 'connected technology'. Between the $400 shower heads and $40 plugs, I'm not going to have any money left over for beer.

 

[Recognition]

I'm all up for home automation, got some wemo stuff but holding off buying anymore because they haven't confirmed if they will be compatible with HomeKit.

I'm in the uk so have different style plugs to the US, was thinking of using those travel adaptors but would need 2 per smart plug! That would stick out quite a bit from the wall socket!

 

[theFiren]

Smart plugged?

 

[zahuh]

I'm actually impressed that it's only $40 at launch. I remember when the Phillips lightbulbs came out and how expensive those were with Wi-Fi built-in.

In the video she turns on the kitchen lights. Is that because the kitchen lights were plugged into an outlet? Also kind of funny that they have this amazing house and a ghetto air conditioning unit.

 

[nextstop]

I'm European. I'm amazed that your plugs have the appearance of a funny face, so your little kids can surely insert their little fingers in the plug without any fear.

 

[rdlink]

iHome can get stuffed. I wouldn't pay money for anything they make after the way they hosed up AirPlay. I'll wait until a reputable company comes out with something.

 

[Krevnik]

I still don't the craze with these home wifi devices. What's so hard about flipping a switch?! Seems like more work than it's worth to turn on/off appliances with your phone?

For me, the lure is more about being able to control these things away from home. Such as being able to turn the A/C on in an apartment as I leave from work during the summer.

 

[HackerJL]

Apple expensive. Must be magical.

Is it just me or is 40 bucks still way to expensive to be considered by the majority of potential customers? I am definitely not willing to pay $40 for a single power outlet.

I kind of see this is a GREAT price point, when you compare it to the WEMO plugs. This is GREAT!

 

[Laird Knox]

I still don't the craze with these home wifi devices. What's so hard about flipping a switch?! Seems like more work than it's worth to turn on/off appliances with your phone?

I can't afford to hire somebody to sit in the gallery and turn the lights on.

When somebody walks into the building's common area the accent lights come on. When they turn the corner the exterior track lights come on and when they walk up to the gate the interior track lights come on. Sure I could leave the lights on 24/7 but what purpose would that serve? Also the act of the lights turning on tends to catch one's eye. The only thing missing in my setup is HomeKit integration.

I guess the same thing can be said of my network connected video cameras. I mean what is so hard about getting up and looking in each room.

 

[PlutoPrime]

Smart plugged?

Once seen can never be unseen

 

[busterbluth]

I bought two these as soon as I could. I agree it's not exactly a necessity but it really adds conscience depending on your light set up

The initial set up was pretty dicey as the app kept forgetting the device and could not connect. I deleted everything and restarted and now everything is good. It's pretty amazing to just activate Siri and say turn on bedroom outlets and bam...lights on. And I know this sounds stupid, but with wemo, by the time I open the app, wait to load up, I could usually turn on the light manually. This is much faster and easier. Pretty futuristic.

 

[prowlmedia]

Apple expensive. Must be magical.

Cheaper than EVERY other full home automation system. Clueless much?

 

[prowlmedia]

I'm European. I'm amazed that your plugs have the appearance of a funny face, so your little kids can surely insert their little fingers in the plug without any fear.

Well in fairness if your kids have 3mm wide fingers you have other problems.

 

[prowlmedia]

If this would work with European outlets (at least the one in the Netherlands) I would happy to get one. There's a dozen of alternatives around, but none of them support HomeKit. And I'd love to try it out.

I am thinking about actually doing a start up for UK and EU home kit plugs or more importantly sockets and light switches.

I've just bought a new house and it dumb switches everywhere. Find it crazy that this stuff is overlooked.

 

[kas23]

I still don't the craze with these home wifi devices. What's so hard about flipping a switch?! Seems like more work than it's worth to turn on/off appliances with your phone?

Are you married? I can't recall how many times we have had to turn the car around to make sure my wife has unplugged her flat iron. It would be much easier to be able to kill the power remotely.

 

[dwaltwhit]

I'm European. I'm amazed that your plugs have the appearance of a funny face, so your little kids can surely insert their little fingers in the plug without any fear.

Natural selection. Must cull the herd.