Today at CES 2015, iDevices announced Switch ($50), the first Apple-certified HomeKit product. Designed as an iOS controlled wall power accessory, Switch allows users to plug into any standard AC outlet for controlling standard household devices such as lamps and other appliances. Switch features both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE support to provide for flexible connectivity options, and will also provide the ability to act as a BTLE-to-Wi-Fi hub, a capability that will in the future allow other BTLE-only devices such as door locks to be controlled centrally from anywhere that Internet access is available.
We got an early look at Switch before its official announcement and took a few pictures.
Switch features a low-profile design with a side outlet that allows it to more easily be used in tight spaces, such as behind furniture. An LED nightlight is also built into the front that can be customized to display in various colors through iDevices’ current Connected app. In addition to controlling and monitoring connected lights and appliances, Switch also allows for custom schedules to be set, which are stored and implemented within Switch itself, allowing scheduled events to fire off even when Wi-Fi or BTLE connectivity to an associated HomeKit device is unavailable.
Users with an Apple TV can leverage it as a HomeKit bridge to provide remote access for iOS 8’s HomeKit features, such as Siri voice control, from anywhere that an Internet connection is available, and iDevices will also provide its own cloud service through its iDevices Connected app as an alternative for those users without an Apple TV. iDevices’ Switch is expected to launch in April.
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