Belkin’s latest version of its Wemo smart plug with HomeKit support is significantly smaller than its predecessor, making it less obtrusive on wall sockets.
The company also unveiled at CES 2020 the Wemo Stage, a remote than can be used to launch HomeKit scenes with the punch of a button.
Wemo WiFi Smart Plug: Smaller is better
Many people find the current version of Belkin’s Wemo WiFi Smart Plug an easy way to add Apple’s HomeKit home automation system to their house or apartment. Lamps, heaters, and other devices plugged into it can be turned on or off with Siri commands.
But it’s not particularly small.
That’s changing in a new version, which will have the same name despite the redesign. “Its new convenient and compact form factor allows for stacking of additional Wemo smart plugs, or plugging another device in the same outlet with no obstruction,” notes the company.
Belkin plans to launch the next-generation Wemo WiFi Smart Plug this spring for $24.99. In addition to HomeKit, it will also support Amazon Alexa.
Wemo Stage for push-button HomeKit scenes
A wall switch can turn on a light or two, but the Wemo Stage HomeKit remote Belkin also unveiled at the latest Consumer Electronics Show can activate an entire scene, controlling lights and other devices all around the house. Someone can launch their movie night scene, or wake their house up in the morning, for example.
Up to six scenes can be controlled with short or long presses on the three-button remote.
Belkin intends to launch the Wemo Stage this summer for $49.99.
Note: Previously, this article mistakenly said the Wemo Stage will support Amazon Alexa. Actually, it is to be HomeKit only. We apologize for any confusion.
Source: Belkin