Want to control everything in your house via voice? Install these power outlets

By Patrick Hearn Published December 12, 2019

ConnectSense — Image used with permission by copyright holder

When you think of a smart plug, you likely think of a device that plugs into an existing outlet and connects to Wi-Fi. The ConnectSense Smart In-Wall Outlet is a bit different, as the name might imply. It sits directly in the wall and replaces an existing outlet, which means some wiring work is required. The installation is not as simple as it is with other smart plugs (and it isn’t a great choice for renters as a result), but the benefit is that it can act as a smart plug for tight spaces, such as behind the couch.

Recommended Videos

The ConnectSense Smart In-Wall Outlet measures the amount of energy used by any device plugged into it, which gives you a great idea for how much power a specific appliance might use. You can check out real-time voltage readings on the ConnectSense app. It’s a great way to spot any appliance that’s drawing phantom power, and can help cut down on utility costs.

On the technical side of things, the ConnectSense Smart In-Wall Outlet works with all three major smart assistants. The majority of smart outlets only work with Google Home or Amazon Alexa, so HomeKit users will be pleased to see Siri included this time around. The ConnectSense works on the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band and is available in two different models: 15 amps and 20 amps, priced at $80 and $100 respectively. Both are available for purchase from Amazon. One thing to note is that this smart plug does require a neutral wire to operate, so if you do not have one in the outlet you want to replace you will either need to install one or find a different outlet.

Smart outlets are no different than smart plugs in operation. You can set schedules, control the flow of power from your phone, monitor energy usage, and much more. They are great solutions for turning “dumb” appliances smart, such as lamps or electric space heaters. Smart outlets and plugs are also perfect options for appliances that might be dangerous if left turned on, such as an iron or oven. With the ability to turn off power remotely, you will never have to wonder if you left the stove on while you’re out and about.

Mobile Writer

Patrick Hearn writes about smart home technology like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more. If it's a…

Topics

Smart Home

The Home Connectivity Alliance wants to bring you the smart home of your dreams

A 55-inch Samsung The Frame 4K TV hangs on a wall in a dining room.

The interconnected nature of smart home technology has long been the subject of discussion, especially with regard to the "walled gardens" that sprang up around different platforms. Many opinion pieces (our own included) said that the smart home would never be truly "smart" until interoperability became commonplace. Today, a number of different companies came together to announce the launch of the Home Connectivity Alliance, an organization devoted to creating interoperable appliances within the home. This announcement might pale in comparison to CES 2022 launches of a massive new TV or a nifty new robot vacuum, but it's just as important.

The HCA is made up of American Standard Heating and Air Condition, Arcelik, The Electrolux Group, Haier, GE Appliances, Samsung Electronics, and Trane Residential. The presence of some of these companies comes as a surprise given their relatively low profile in the smart home market, but Samsung's membership is no surprise at all. Samsung has long been a proponent of Matter, another platform pushing for interconnectivity between devices.

Smart Home

How to control your Christmas lights with voice commands

how to take pictures of christmas lights james wheeler famvpe56pnu unsplash

You've got presents to wrap, meals to prep, and family quarrels to squash -- there's no time to dig around under the tree to turn on the lights. Here are some key strategies to control your Christmas lights with your voice alone.
Roll with smart lights from the get-go

If you're starting your Christmas decoration collection from scratch, you can beeline to the most convenient option: smart holiday lights. These lights connect to your phone for remote access via a dedicated app. They often tie-in directly with Apple HomeKit and Google Home, and thus are accessible through each voice assistant, as well. You'll need to double-check which lights support which assistants, but you should be able to find some lights that fit your preferences.

News

Yale wants to keep your possessions safe with new smart delivery box, lock

yale smart delivery box keeps your packages safe yaledeliverybox kent headon 1

The holiday season is just around corner, and Yale has released two products that are a perfect fit for this time of year: The Yale Smart Delivery Box and the Yale Smart Cabinet Lock. One keeps away porch pirates, while the other locks nosy relatives out of your medicine cabinet.

Package theft is on the rise, particularly as more and more people do their shopping online. The Yale Smart Delivery Box provides customers a way to store packages safely without fear that they will be stolen. This box can be placed outside wherever you commonly receive your packages, and would pair nicely with a well-placed outdoor security camera for added support.