Wi-Fi switch enhances energy control, monitoring for smart homes

Belkin has introduced its WeMo Insight Switch, designed to enhance smart homes by allowing users to control and manage the energy usage and costs of home electronics from anywhere, via use of an iOS or Android device.

The newest addition to the compay's WeMo smart home platform, the Insight Switch is a Wi-Fi enabled compact plug that also allows users to put their devices on a schedule and receive notifications anytime a connected unit is turned on or off. The device plugs directly into an electrical outlet; then, a user simply connects it to the home's Wi-Fi network, downloads the free WeMo app, and instantly is able to turn any device plugged into the unit on or off using his or her iOS or Android device.

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The WeMo Insight Switch allows users to put electronics on a schedule, time them according to local sunrise and sunset times, and set up notifications for device usage as well as to manage the time, energy consumption and costs of specific devices. The Insight Switch works with IFTTT, an online service that creates triggers using different Internet-based services such as email, weather and social media.

“The evolved switch allows users to truly control and monitor as much or as little of their home as they want, from observing whether a television has been on too long or being alerted to when a laundry cycle has finished, all through their smart device, from anywhere and at any time," comments Ohad Zeira, director of product management at Belkin. The WeMo Insight Switch (F7C029) will be available at belkin.com and major retailers in early November, priced at $59.99 USD.

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