Belkin has unveiled a straight-forward system for managing home electronics via an iPhone.
The WeMo Home Automation system was revealed at CES in Las Vegas this week. Plug the WeMo Home Control box into any socket, and then plug any electrical device into the Wi-Fi enabled box. The appliance can then be powered on or off via an iPhone app.
The WeMo system also features a motion sensor device, which can be programmed to switch on a light when someone walks down a hallway, for example.
The Wi-Fi plugs are set to arrive first in the US, followed by other markets, a Belkin spokesperson said. Wiring up the entire house won't be cheap, as each plug costs $50 (£32) and the motion sensor is $99 (£64). A UK release date and pricing has yet to be announced.
The WeMo plugs are only the first stage in the system. Belkin displayed potential future products including a wireless-enabled lightbulb, so all lighting can be directly controlled, as well as a Wi-Fi door handle that be unlocked remotely, allowing a visitor/workman into your home.
Another idea on display was a wireless, app-enabled baby monitor, letting parents monitor their infant via an iPhone - hopefully from another room in the house, rather than somewhere more remote.
This article originally appeared at pcpro.co.uk
