Gift idea: Belkin WeMo home automation accessories [CONTEST]
It’s time for another day of Phandroid’s Gift-a-Day Giveaway, giving you guys not only another great new gift idea, but a chance at winning some pretty awesome prizes. Today we’re taking a look at Belkin’s line of home automation accessories, a product line they call WeMo.
It wasn’t much at first, just a “smart” outlet and some WiFi bulbs, but over the past year or so, they’ve managed to expand their product portfolio, making it much more enticing to those who were on the fence. Let’s take a look at some of the more major products available in Belkin’s WeMo line.
WeMo Switch / Insight Switch
If you’re looking to get started in the whole home automation bit, the best place to start is with the WeMo power switches. Basically, these guys connect to your home’s WiFi and allow you to turn off/on whatever is connected to them, be it lights, televisions, washers, or even a slow cooker.
The difference in the 2 models is the Insight Switch can actually monitor how much energy is being used from connected devices should you feel the need to really keep an eye on power usage. If not, you can save $10 and get the regular model.
Oh, and the Switch also comes in a bundle with the WeMo Motion, a motion sensing attachment that powers devices on/off as movement is detected (up to 10 feet away).
Buy: WeMo Switch $38 | WeMo Insight Switch $50 | WeMo Switch & Motion Sensor $74
WeMo LED Lighting Starter Set
Having full control over your home’s lighting — even when you’re not around — is another big draw when it comes to home automation. Belkin makes things easy for you with their starter kit that comes with 2 of their LED bulbs and the WeMo Link to get everything connected to your home’s WiFi. Once connected, you’ll be able to control the bulbs — up to 50 of them — using the companion app. Belkin says the bulbs will last up to 23 years, so there’s a good chance they may outlive even you. Additional bulbs will run you about $30 for each.
Buy: WeMo LED Lighting Starter Set $86 | WeMo Light Bulb $30
WeMo Light Switch
The WeMo light switch is a WiFi connected switch that replaces the current one in your home. With the WeMo Light Switch, you can control lighting (or anything else), using your smartphone or tablet using the companion app.
As long as you’re connected to the internet — be it WiFi or 3G/4G — you will always have control over your home’s lighting. The switch even has custom away settings and a long press option.
The WeMo Light Switch does require a bit more setup, but is fairly easy for anyone who’s familiar with switching out their home’s light switches.
Arguably the best part about all the WeMo products is that they not only work in conjunction with the Android and iOS app, but IFTTT recipes to really expand the convenience and functionality. You can learn more about Belkin’s WeMo line by visiting their website here.
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Today you have yet another opportunity to enter our massive giveaway for a chance at winning Nexus devices and smartwatches. Be sure to enter every single day to improve your chances of winning. Entries for this day will remain open until 11:59 PM (Eastern) on December 21st. Good luck!