The Matter smart home standard has been slow to add new devices and form factors but, slowly, it’s expanding. Today, the first in-wall light switch with Matter support baked in has launched with TP-Link’s new Tapo switch.

The TP-Link Tapo S505 and S505D are Matter-enabled light switches that you can install into the wall to control traditional lighting fixtures. The standard S505 has support for On/Off, while the S505D, supports a dimmer too.

Both switches work like the rest of TP-Link/Tapo’s light switches. You’ll be able to install it in place of a traditional switch, but a neutral wire is required. That’s pretty common in newer homes, but some older homes may not have that wire available. If you need to check, which you should do before buying, the neutral wire is usually white and typically not used by traditional switches, meaning it sits loosely in the switch box.

These new switches beat past options with local network control (they’re not reliant on an active internet connection to function) and also add support for a new “Away” feature in the Tapo app which can simulate someone being home by adjusting the lights at random.

But the big story here is of course Matter, which allows for these light switches to be set up directly through the Google Home, Apple Home, or Samsung SmartThings apps without the need of a manufacturer app, and also allows for cross-platform support, too. You’ll get basic controls in that case, including on/off and dimming.

Both switches are shipping now at Amazon

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TP-Link is expanding its outdoor product line by introducing a pair of smart plugs. Kasa brings smart home conveniences to the outdoors with extra-long range, weather resistance, and smart apps supporting voice control.

“We are excited to introduce our latest outdoor smart home innovations to easily control outdoor appliances and lighting,” said Jeff Barney, COO of TP-Link USA. “Our amazing outdoor plugs offer a long Wi-Fi range allowing users to easily stay connected all while being controlled with simple voice commands or with the Kasa Smart app.”

The TP-Link’s Kasa KP401 Smart Wi-Fi Outdoor Plug provides a single, hub-free, smart outlet that connects to home networks at a distance of up to 300-feet. The KP401 has an IP64 weather-resistance rating for year-round use. Along with ETL certification with support for loads up to 15A and up to 1875W.

The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Outdoor Plug-In Dimmer (KP405) connects directly with any 2.4 GHz in-home wireless network, no additional device is required to bring Wi-Fi outdoors up to 300 ft. It has an IP64 rating and features a weather-resistant cover, ensuring protection against dust intrusion and splashes of water. With the KP405, consumers can adjust the brightness of outdoor lights to set the perfect ambiance as well as control schedules from sunrise to sunset automatically.

In addition to the Kasa app, both the latest plugs support voice controls via Alexa and the Google Assistant. For more information on Kasa smart outdoor plugs.

About Kasa Smart

It started in 2015 with a very smart plug. Kasa Smart was TP-Link Research – TP-Link’s think tank for all things smart home. They have launched smart bulbs, smart light switches, smart cameras, and an entire line of smart plugs, including outdoor. The Kasa Smart app is home to everything, putting end-users in complete control. To know more visit , https://www.kasasmart.com/us

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Smart homes are no more a luxury and confined to the posh. Smart lights, security systems, curtains, TVs/music systems, showers, switchboards, plugs, and a lot more seamlessly connect through a hub to offer the user a sense of automation eliminating human labour in the regular, unavoidable, mundane tasks. A house that features the entire setup is what we call a “Smart Home”. The last few years have seen a remarkable growth of the smart plug market. Smart plugs are one of the most cost-effective and easiest ways to start building a smart home. These get plugged into an existing power outlet or one can get smart outlets that can be installed in place of the existing power outlet. Smart plugs use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to pair with the smartphone, through which the user will get complete control of the plug with the help of an app. Bluetooth smart plugs require a hub, often called a bridge that passes on the commands from the smartphone to the cloud and back to the plug. Therefore, these plugs are quite easy to connect but can’t be controlled smoothly when the user is away from home. On the other hand, smart plugs using Wi-Fi don’t require a hub as they have a point-blank connection with the internet. Hence, the command gets relayed directly to the plug even when the user is away from home. When relevant apps are used to identify the plug, they can be controlled by voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. 

There are numerous options when it comes to smart plugs. The 10 most popular brands manufacturing smart plugs are :

Eve Energy

Eve’s latest version of energy-smart plugs is simple to use, offers remote control, and allows one to monitor energy for any device paired with the plug. Using Thread smart home technology, it links the plug to the internet. As it doesn’t use Wi-Fi, the connection gets substantially stable. As it is a HomeKit-specific plug, one cannot set it up without an iPhone and is not compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant. However, the setup process is quite simple. The plug just needs to be connected to a power outlet and the QR code, located in the box, has to be scanned to get started. Though the Apple Home app can be used to control the plug, not all functions are available there. Hence, one needs to download the Eve app to access the remaining functions. 

Amazon Smart Plug

These plugs are ideal for Amazon Alexa-enabled smart homes. With an extremely hassle-free set-up process, the Amazon Alexa smart plugs are responsive to control and are often clubbed with an Amazon Echo smart speaker or smart display. The QR code needs to be scanned through the Alexa app to get started. 

Thrumm Wi-Fi Smart Plug

These Alexa and Google assistant-enabled, easy-to-install smart plugs allow the user to control devices through the Smartlife app. Thrumm Wi-Fi Smart plugs can be used for multiple devices including laptops, lights and many more. Also, the socket can be programmed to function numerous times in a day or even a week. 

Syska Smart Mini Wi-Fi Plug

Designed for high-powered appliances, Syska Smart Mini Wi-Fi plugs are made of ABS material and comprise a universal plug point. The connected devices can be controlled using voice commands through Google Assistant and Alexa. Also, it protects the device from overheating and allows the user to monitor energy consumption via the Syska app on a smartphone.

Wipro Wi-Fi Smart Plugs

Made from polycarbonate, these plugs are suitable for both small and large appliances and can control electrical appliances through the Wipro Smart Home app. With a 16 amp socket, Wipro Wi-Fi Smart Plugs allow one to schedule appliances to automatically turn on/off by just setting up a timer. Also, the energy consumption of all appliances can be monitored through a smart app. These plugs are compatible with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant.  

 Zebronics Smart Wi-Fi Plug

The Zebronics Smart Wi-Fi Plug can support up to 16amp power and is compatible with Google and Alexa. One can easily control all connected electrical appliances like fridges, TV and water motors through the Zeb Home app. Using a Wi-Fi connection, timers can be set to schedule the basic on/off function in the connected smart devices. It supports iOS as well as Android. 

Realme Wi-Fi 6A Smart Plug

These plugs use Wi-Fi and allow one to set schedules and control appliances using voice commands through voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. Realme Wi-Fi 6A Smart Plugs come with a 5-layer protection feature to make sure that the appliances operate safely. The plug can be set up by installing Realme app first, connecting the plug to a power source and then just holding the switch till the indicator light starts blinking. After that, one can easily pair it with the app.

TP-Link HS100 Wi-Fi Smart Plug

This easy-to-set-up plug features an elegant design that seamlessly blends into any contemporary decor. The smart plug is able to automatically switch on/off electronic appliances like iron boxes or hair curlers with the help of the count-down timer feature available. Also, it can be paired with Android or iOS smartphones using the Kasa app.

OakPlug Mini (Wi-Fi)

The Alexa and Google Assistant-enabled smart plug is very easy to set up and comes with a feature of real-time clock set timer for water heater or mosquito repellent through the mobile app. It comes with in-built protection against power surges and is made up of fire-resistant polycarbonate plastic enclosure.

Legrand, Smart Switch, Smart Outlet, HKRP10

It is ideal for apple devices like HomePod, Apple Watch, Apple TV, or Apple mobile device, as scenes, groups, and automation with the Apple Home app can be easily created after a quick setup on an iOS device. However, it is not compatible with Android. The compact and sleek smart plug-in switch is easy to install, connects with the home Wi-Fi, and therefore doesn’t require any hub. One just needs to do a bit of wiring and set up the app to get started.

To choose the right smart plug, one needs to consider the following points:

• Go for a plug that is easy to install and compatible with the existing Wi-Fi connection. 
• Choose a plug based on your requirement of operating large or small appliances, as smart plugs come in versatile power ratings ranging from 6amp to 16amp.
• Always try to purchase a plug with three-pin features as a two-pin plug limits your options. 

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Technological advancements have given birth to numerous fascinating innovations that define the words “convenience” and “customizability”. One of those is the concept of smart lighting, aided by devices like smart bulbs. Smart bulbs offer the user complete control over the lighting set-up at home with an app-based management system. One can brighten and dim lights according to his/her mood, transforming the complete look and feel of the interior. Smart bulbs, these days, come with a huge options of colours ranging from warmer shades to cooler tones. Using artificial intelligence, the bulbs can be instructed to automatically turn off when no one is in the room, to cut down unnecessary energy usage. Smart bulbs get easily connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and hence enables one to manage it using a smartphone app.

Over the last few years, the Indian Smart Lighting Market has witnessed substantial growth. Numerous giant smart lighting companies are extensively investing in research and development activities to manufacture intelligent and green technology-based lighting systems. To develop applications for wireless communications in the lighting industry, light-fidelity (Li-Fi) technology is being incorporated in lighting fixtures. This wireless optical networking technology is devised to use LEDs for data transmission. 

The five most renowned companies manufacturing smart bulbs are:

Syska

It is the leading brand of SSK Group, which set up its flagship company, Shree Sant Kripa Appliances Ltd and was launched in India in 2013. It is currently the market leader in producing lighting solutions for residential, retail, commercial, and industrial applications as well. Syska smart LED bulb is Wi-Fi enabled, Alexa and Google Assistant compatible. With the availability of sixteen million colours, users get spoilt with choice. The company’s app helps one to not just turn on/off, but also change the colour as per the mood/party theme, set schedules, and many more. 

Philips

It produces smart bulbs that support voice commands through Alexa and Google Assistant. The WiZ app can be used to control the smart bulbs, that are built using a superior quality plastic material. Also, it comes with pre-set tones such as warm and cool light. The Philips Hue is quite popular in the Philips smart bulb category. The company offers a separate hub and app, through which users can control the bulb. 

Wipro

Wipro Next Smart app can be used to change the sixteen million colours available in the Wi-Fi, Alexa, and Google Assistant compatible smart bulbs. The app allows one to create routines and scenes, scheduled them for turn on/off, and select themes. The smart LED bulbs by Wipro are affordable for the mass and come with features that are worth every single penny. 

TP-Link

The smart bulbs offered by TP-Link can be operated remotely by the company’s app Kasa. These can be controlled using Microsoft Cortana, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa. Compared to traditional bulbs, TP-Link smart bulbs use 80% less energy. The flexible white light can be dimmed or brightened using the Kasa app. 

Helea 

Helea smart bulb offers sixteen million colour options, comes with the widely used B22 plug, and comprises a rated colour temperature of 6,500 kelvin. The Alexa and Google Assistant compatible Wi-Fi smart bulb supports different shades of white and helps one to set schedules and timers. It doesn’t need a separate hub. 

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