iDevices’ new HomeKit-compatible smart switch will do much more than just control your lights. With sensors, a speaker and Amazon’s Alexa baked in, the Instinct packs four different functions into a standard light switch.
You can use Alexa voice commands to play music or control your lights. Or, if you’ve got your iPhone or Apple Watch at hand, you trigger HomeKit activities with Siri.
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The baked-in voice commands and Alexa functionality sound cool enough. But the unique four-in-one HomeKit light switch also packs an ambient light sensor and a motion detector. That opens up even more possibilities when it comes to setting HomeKit scenes. (The switch can also be controlled using the iDevices Connected app and Google Assistant.)
iDevices’ Instinct might seem like one of the more mundane pieces of tech unveiled at this year’s CES trade show in Las Vegas. It’s not as snazzy as pingpong-playing robots or cybernetic strippers, but this is the kind of technology that could actually end up in your home — and make your life a little better — in the very near future.
iDevices Instinct: A HomeKit light switch with Alexa
With Apple’s home-automation platform finally coming of age, CES 2018 showed off a wide variety of promising HomeKit accessories that bring futuristic functionality to everyday devices. The iDevices Instinct pushes smart light switches squarely into Tomorrowland.
“With the Instinct, users can not only manage connected products, but also listen to music, find a new recipe and get the news with premium sound by Soen Audio,” said iDevices in a press release. “Motion and light sensors allow users to automate lights and receive custom alerts, providing energy savings and peace of mind.”
The HomeKit-compatible light switch lights up when it receives voice commands. Like the rock-solid Lutron Caseta light switch, it requires a smidgen of electrical skills to install. It’s not plug-and-play, but it’s certainly not beyond the capability of the standard homeowner.
“The intentionally traditional design of the Instinct fits into the décor of any room, and its voice-activated LED ring lights up to reveal its hidden intelligence,” said the press release. “As with all iDevices products, the Instinct is hub-free and compatible with iOS and Android.”
Unlike the Caseta, the iDevices Instinct does not require a separate hub to pull off its smart-home magic.
The Instinct smart switch will be available this year, according to iDevices. No pricing has been revealed.
