WeMo Controls Household Electronics from Anywhere through Wi-Fi and Mobile App
Belkin announced a line of modular, Wi-Fi-based products that turn an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch into a remote control for household devices. Consisting of two initial products, the WeMo Switch and the WeMo Motion, WeMo works with the free WeMo app to create a scalable, customizable home control system designed to provide added safety, convenience, and peace of mind.
The WeMo Switch is a small device that plugs directly into any electrical outlet and serves as the main building block for WeMo. Once the Switch is connected to the home Wi-Fi network, any device plugged into it can then be turned on or off from anywhere, whether at home or on the go with the WeMo app. The app also enables users to put devices on a timed schedule, so devices will turn on or off at pre-set times.
The WeMo Switch + Motion adds a sensor that reads motion within 10 feet and will turn on or off anything plugged into the switch based on motion. The WeMo app tells any device plugged into the corresponding WeMo Switch what to do when motion is sensed. The app also allows users to create rules or schedules based on customized intervals. For example, turning off a lamp if no motion is sensed in the room after 10 minutes.
WeMo also features integration with IFTTT, an online service that allows you to create tasks combining different Internet-based services from one platform. Through the WeMo channel on IFTTT, you can use a WeMo Switch or Motion to trigger a variety of services, including email, weather, phone calls, Twitter, Facebook, etc. For example, you can set up a motion sensor by your front door and use IFTTT to create a rule that will send a text message to your phone anytime motion is sensed.
WeMo Switch (F7C027fcAPL)
- A plug that becomes a programmable on and off switch for any household device
- Operates over Wi-Fi and mobile Internet, at home and away
- Creates schedules for devices to turn on or off
- Can work in tandem with WeMo Motion, or as a stand-alone product
- Requires free WeMo app
- Works with an existing Wi-Fi network and any iOS devices (v5.0 or higher)
- WeMo app is iOS only, not Android compatible
- Modular system makes it easy to add additional WeMo devices
WeMo Switch + Motion (F5Z0340fcAPL)
- Detects movement, and devices plugged into the WeMo Motion can be programmed to react to motion
- 6-foot power cord and 10-foot, 120° motion sensitivity range allow for optimal placement of sensor
- Operates over Wi-Fi and mobile Internet, at home and away
- Requires free WeMo app
- Works with an existing Wi-Fi network and any iOS devices (v5.0 or higher)
- WeMo app is iOS only, not Android compatible
- Modular system makes it easy to add additional WeMo devices
- Motion sensor sold bundled with WeMo Switch, not available separately
Price and Availability
The WeMo Switch ($49.99) and WeMo Switch + Motion ($99.99) will be available for pre-order starting today at Amazon.com, BestBuy.com and Belkin.com, at the Apple store on June 26th, and at Verizon Stores and other select retailers in the U.S. in the weeks to come. The free WeMo app is available now for download from the Apple App Store.
