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

By Patrick Hearn 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.

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.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

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

Smart Home

Avoid saying these words near your smart speaker, if you don’t want it to listen

Echo Alexa

Smart speakers have been the focus of controversy and concern for some time, particularly with regard to privacy rights. Many people worry their smart devices are listening in on conversations even when the activation word has not been spoken -- and to some extent, those fears are reasonably founded. After news surfaced last summer that Google sent its audio recordings to a third party to be transcribed, many people feared their private lives had been compromised.

This news had some re-evaluating the privacy settings on smart devices, and in some instances, changing the activation phrase to something that might not be so easily triggered. It also called into question the accuracy of smart assistant listening; if you speak a word that's almost but not quite the activation phrase, will it work?

News

See visitors and open your front gate with the Ring Access Controller Pro

ring access controller pro

CES 2020 is in full swing, and that means product announcements -- lots and lots of product announcements. Ring has joined the fray with six new products, including its first-ever access control product, the Ring Access Controller Pro. The Access Controller Pro is Ring’s first entry in this area and allows users to not only view who is at their gates but also open the gate remotely. The device can be paired with Key by Amazon to take packages securely inside the gate. The downside to this device is that it isn’t a DIY setup. You’ll have to shell out for professional installation.

The next big announcement from Ring is the Ring Smart LED bulbs. Not only are these Ring’s first-ever smart lights, but they are also weather-resistant and designed for use outdoors. The Ring smart lights are available as both A19 bulbs and PAR38 bulbs. Users can control their smart lights from anywhere via their mobile devices, adjust the brightness, and schedule specific times for the lights to come on.
Continuing the trend of lighting announcements, Ring is also introducing three solar-powered lights. The first is the Ring Solar Floodlight, a motion-activated light perfect for entryways and driveways. It puts out 1,300 lumens and has a 45-foot motion detection range. The next is the Ring Solar Steplight. The Steplight is best used to light up steps, porches, and decks. Users can connect it to the Ring Bridge to gain more specific control over the light.
The final solar-powered light is the Ring Solar Pathlight. This motion-activated light is intended for use along pathways and driveways to create an easy-to-see path. It can also be connected to the Ring Bridge to control the brightness, set schedules, and control motion sensitivity.
If you’re interested in any of the new Ring smart lights, they will be available for purchase on April 1, 2020. The Ring Access Controller is available now for $300, although you can snag it in a bundle with the Stick Up Cam Battery for $390 on Amazon.
Ring wants to expand beyond doorbells to provide whole-home security. Ring's track record of late with privacy and security hasn't been the best, especially in light of the recent hacks and collaborations with local police authorities, which is why the company is also introducing Control Center -- a new dashboard in the Ring app where users can manage their privacy and security settings. This makes it so that these settings are in plain view for users, rather than being hidden in some of the app's menu settings. Ring plans to enhance and improve Control Center over time, so users will be informed into how their data is kept secure and private.
Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated how the function of the Control Center dashboard. It’s used to control privacy and security settings.

Smart Home

WiCharge’s PowerPuck can power your smart home devices through the air

powerpuck powers your devices through the air without cables wi charge

Smart technology brings with it a huge number of conveniences that would have been unheard of even a decade ago, but wireless charging has thus far been limited to contact charging devices; for example, you might place a puck-shaped device on your nightstand and place your phone on it to charge. Wi-Charge hopes to change that through its trademarked AirCord technology with the new PowerPuck.

This is a type of wireless power transmission technology that can power compatible devices from up to 30 feet away. The device makes long-range charging easily accessible to anyone. The PowerPuck can be plugged into a wall outlet or screwed into a light socket to provide power. Wireless power makes it possible to create more aesthetic looks through the home when you don’t have to fight with unsightly cords or finicky cable management. Even devices that do not currently require cables and instead operate on batteries do not have the best battery life.