Ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show that's set to take place next week, ConnectSense has introduced its latest HomeKit-compatible product, the Smart In-Wall Outlet.
ConnectSense first released a HomeKit-enabled dual-plug Smart Outlet back in 2015, and is now following it up with an in-wall version.
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The Smart In-Wall Outlet is installed in a home in place of a traditional outlet, allowing anything that's plugged in to be controlled via the ConnectSense app, the Home app, or Siri, much like other homeKit products.
Fans, lights, and other appliances can be plugged into the Smart Outlet, which is designed to connect to a home's Wi-Fi setup. There are two connected outlets available, each of which can be controlled individually. The outlet offers a quick and easy way to make any product smart, and it provides power monitoring features along with plug detection.
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ConnectSense says that in addition to in-home use, the Smart In-Wall Outlet is designed to operate in commercial environments like office buildings, airports, universities, and more, with both 15A and 20A options available.
The Smart In-Wall Outlet will be available for purchase later in 2018. Pricing has not yet been announced.
Top Rated Comments
Most USB-equipped outlets are large and barely fit in standard boxes. They do not fit at all in older boxes at all.
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Can't see the Apple community turning down extra ports :), but I am curious what USB item you want to turn on with HomeKit. Would it just be to see power draw?
No one wants to turn anything USB on or off with HomeKit. The USB comments are related to wanting USB ports on the outlet itself for easy charging that doesn't require a wall wart power adapter, or occupying one of the standard outlets.Seems weird to not have a USB port there, however I'm betting it is a tradeoff with the HomeKit functionality.
Hmm... i can think of a few things that MIGHT be better fed by USB. For example, LED light strips. USB powered speakers. Even an Echo Dot out in a garage that you night not want to be always on. Not saying i would want this but there is certainly potential value.Most USB-equipped outlets are large and barely fit in standard boxes. They do not fit at all in older boxes at all.
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No one wants to turn anything USB on or off with HomeKit. The USB comments are related to wanting USB ports on the outlet itself for easy charging that doesn't require a wall wart power adapter, or occupying one of the standard outlets.
Needs to have a USB port or two on there.
It's only semi smart, not full smart. ;).Can we just skip all this nonsense and just add an ethernet jack to our electrical panel? Really, skip the wifi and apply the power line standard to the entire damn fuse box. Boom, every electrical device is now networked. I am sure there are some technical hurdles but I'd pay up to $1k to swap out my panel with a networked version.
Outlets and switches aren't all home runs to the panel. You would be paying much more than $1k to open all your walls and run individual circuits.