ConnectSense Launches Second-Generation HomeKit-Enabled Smart Outlet

ConnectSense, one of the first companies to introduce a HomeKit-enabled smart plug, today announced the launch of the Smart Outlet 2, its second-generation HomeKit product.

Like the first Smart Outlet from ConnectSense, the Smart Outlet 2 features two separately controlled outlets that replace a standard set of sockets along with a 2.4A USB port for charging iPhones and iPads.

The Smart Outlet 2 connects to WiFi, so no hub is required. In addition to HomeKit, it also works with Amazon and Google smart home systems.

Each one of the Smart Outlets can be used to control a separate appliance or device, adding on/off functionality through the ConnectSense app, the Home app, and Siri voice commands. With the ConnectSense app, the Smart Outlet 2 also provides details on power consumption and lets you know how long a device has been plugged in.

Through HomeKit, the ConnectSense Smart Outlet 2 can be added to scenes alongside other HomeKit products and automations can be created to have devices and appliances come on at a specific time.

ConnectSense's Smart Outlet 2 can be purchased from the ConnectSense website and from Amazon.com for $59 starting today.

Tags: HomeKit Guide, ConnectSense

Top Rated Comments

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RC Mike

8 months ago

Now, in addition to everything else I do in my home, I am going to have to pull out my Python tool kit and add debugging my home automation systems to my potential daily tasks?

While there are people who chose to complicate things, there's simply no need for the average person to do any real work with these systems. You're just not aware of how easy they are to use. With HomeKit, it's become scan the bar code and tell the system where it is in your house and give it a name. Much easier to program than any stand-alone light timer, that's for sure.

Even SmartThings is easy to use. I've got a ST system that will turn off the water to my house if any of twenty sensors detect a leak. That was super simple to set up. No programming at all--just if a water sensor goes off, turn off the valve. Cost me a lot less to set up than my insurance deductible, and if I ever need it the headaches it will save me are very worth it.

Swapped out a first-floor switch for my backyard lights with a smart switch. Now I can turn them on when I'm upstairs or outside. Again, super simple and highly useful.

I'm a luddite with many things, but something so simple and useful as home automation has become? No way would I sit this out.

Rating: 3 Votes

RC Mike

8 months ago

Smart plugs aren’t just for voice-assistant activation. They are truly powerful (ha!) when you program them or tie them to a motion sensor.

That's one of the ways I use them. I've got a water fountain bowl for my cat, but he gets his ears wet from the fountain when he drinks from it. It's now on a smart switch that's controlled by a motion sensor. Cat walks up, motion sensor trips, power to the fountain turns off. Cat walks away, fountain turns back on.

Rating: 2 Votes

Rychiar

8 months ago

you can buy a HomeKit powerstrip with 3 plugs and 3 usb for less....

Rating: 2 Votes

max.ine

8 months ago

the Internet of Things has long past reached the point of self parody

Rating: 2 Votes

amyers

8 months ago

Besides lamps and tree lights, I can’t really think of anything I’d use a smart plug on. I guess it could work with TVs, but the TVs in my house are hooked up to a receiver and speaker system so it wouldn’t work out.

One of my most used commands and automations is to turn on/off a candle warmer. Also, I already had a kinda old coffee pot that I didn't love using because I'd forget to switch it off but it was a gift and it made great coffee. I know I could have got a new pot but this one was a gift so I get a plug instead and now I can check to home app to make sure its off when I'm at work and remember.

If I really wanted to I could probably automate it to turn on every morning and I could wake up to fresh coffee, making this late 1990s coffee pot "smart". But I'm kinda lazy and that requires preparations every night. What really needs to be made (if not already done) is a coffee pot that discards and refills the grinds and water on its own. That's the kind of home automation I look forward to.

Rating: 1 Votes

DynaFXD

8 months ago

Besides lamps and tree lights, I can’t really think of anything I’d use a smart plug on..

Indeed, my exact thoughts. I'd be interested to hear how real folks are using smart plugs and such. Even using the plug for lights could be awkward if your speaker was not in the same room, and who wants to lift and speak into a phone to simply switch a light on? TV's and AV systems are already on universal remotes, outside lights on motion detectors, etc. It all sounds cool, I just can't see where they would really enhance daily living unless you had a speaker input device in every room.
So, how are you folks using them?

ETA: Yes, I realize there is a great place for enabling disabled folks to live more independently. Great uses for that scenario, of course.

Rating: 1 Votes

MrTemple

8 months ago

Smart plugs aren’t just for voice-assistant activation. They are truly powerful (ha!) when you program them or tie them to a motion sensor.

Rating: 1 Votes

Treebark

8 months ago

.. But none of your uses are what I'd call compelling or couldn't already be addressed with more autonomous outlet timers or motion sensors........

Now, in addition to everything else I do in my home, I am going to have to pull out my Python tool kit and add debugging my home automation systems to my potential daily tasks? .....

Oh well, I had to become my parents as some point. This is as good a time as any.

Not sure by how some of the things could be done with more autonomous outlet timers or motion sensors. Other than turn lights on when I walk into a room, I'm not sure I've ever had a use for motion sensors. If one doesn't already have the older timer outlets and stuff you mentioned, they'd have to buy something. A wifi enabled smart outlet can compete just fine vs a motion sensor or trying to program one of those old-time outlet timers. Going into the app for the outlet, or homekit/alexa/etc, and setting times is pretty easy. Easier than setting up a motion sensor for a lot of this stuff when motion sensors may be triggered when you don't want them to be.

I think you may be blowing up the troubleshooting of these...perhaps if you have hundreds of wifi gadgets all over the place from different companies, but adding a few of these outlets and say something like Nest or Hue should be pretty straightforward.

Don't forget to tell your children you walked uphill in the snow both ways to and from school! ;)

Rating: 1 Votes

dannyyankou

8 months ago

Rating: 1 Votes

Treebark

8 months ago

Timed events are also important, along with voice and motion sensors. Either set your lights to come on at sunset or a certain time every day so you come home to a lit house. Or random when away to make it look like you are home?

Geofencing also likely works.

Along with the Christmas tree and bedside, using a smart plug would be good for:

* Other types of lights, such as decorative string lights on a deck that are used most of the year
* WiFi camera that doesn't shut off when you are at home (Logitech Circle 2 I've heard) could be shut off with a smart outlet while you are at home (privacy, bandwidth) and on again when you leave (geofencing, or timed event)
* Candle warmer
* Fans, tied to temperature sensors, to cool your pets?
* Turn on your heating blanket to warm your chair/bed
* Make sure everything is turned off when you go to bed (set a routine of "hey siri goodnight" where all outlets in a group are off, including potentially dangerous stuff you may have left on (heating iron, ceramic heater, etc.)

Just some examples for those thinking it is only good for a bedside light.

Rating: 1 Votes

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