If you want a HomeKit-compatible electrical outlet, but don’t want an ugly wall wart jutting out of your conventional plug, you’re about to get a new option. The ConnectSense Smart In-Wall Outlet will work like other smart plugs. But it looks like the ordinary power outlets hardwired into your walls.
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The ConnectSense Smart In-Wall Outlet will be unveiled at next week’s massive CES trade show in Las Vegas. The HomeKit smart plug can be used to control any of the other smart devices that work on Apple’s home-automation platform.
“Once installed, the Outlet allows for complete control and monitoring of any device that is plugged into either one of the Wi-Fi-connected outlets, including lights, fans, and other plug-in devices,” ConnectSense said in a press release about the upcoming hardware. “The built-in plug detection automatically senses when a device is plugged in, and can be controlled using the app, built-in touch controls or voice control via third-party devices.”
HomeKit power outlets make your home smarter
HomeKit outlets might seem silly or unnecessary at first. But if you haven’t tried one, you’re missing out. They come in handy in unexpected ways. Plus, it’s dead-simple to set up automations using them within Apple’s handy Home app.
For instance, you could quickly set up a scene that uses a HomeKit motion sensor to trigger a smart outlet, so a lamp would turn on every time you enter a certain room. You can also use Siri on iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch to control your HomeKit devices and custom automations.
The ConnectSense Smart In-Wall Outlet will look less conspicuous than the typical smart plug. On the other hand, you will need some basic electrical skills to install it. And you won’t be able to move it willy-nilly from one location to another.
ConnectSense already makes one of these wall wart-style plugs, which gets decent reviews on Amazon (although Cult of Mac has not tested this device). The in-wall model will work much the same was as the bulkier original model.
“The In-Wall Outlet is our next step in expanding our connected product offering allowing customers to take the next step in smart home technology from augmenting their existing home to building it in,” said Adam Justice, founder of ConnectSense. “By harnessing the power of Apple’s HomeKit we are able to ensure a simple and secure way for our customers to control their homes.”
ConnectSense also said it plans to add support for “other smart home ecosystems” in 2018.
ConnectSense Smart In-Wall Outlet specifications
Here’s more detailed info on the Smart In-Wall Outlet’s specifications, from the ConnectSense press release:
- Equipped with two connected outlets
- Features on/off controls
- Easy setup and configuration
- 125V/20A commercial rating
- Precise power monitoring
- Plug detection for safety
- Pairing using NFC technology
- Tamper-proof
- Wiring screws
- Sustain up to 6000V / 10KAmp impulse
- Multiple wireless networking options
You can buy ConnectSense’s original smart outlet from Amazon now, but you’ll need to wait until Q3 of 2018 for the in-wall model, the company says. A ConnectSense rep told Cult of Mac that pricing won’t be unannounced until closer to the product’s shipping date, but “it will be comparably priced with other products in this category.”
The iDevices Wall Outlet, which boasts similar functionality and form factor, lists for around $100. HomeKit-compatible plugs from the likes of Koogeek and Vocolink cost much less but don’t look nearly as stealthy.
