Switches (YT) Archives - Homekit News and Reviews

Onvis 5-Key Switch and Contact Sensor with Thread (video)

The Editor — Sat, 01 Jul 2023 07:48:27 +0000

Onvis, known for its very decent motion sensor, contact sensor with built-in alarm, and game-changing Chameleon LED strip has now started the move to Thread, with the introduction of two new Thread-enabled devices – an updated contact sensor (CT3), and a brand new 5-Key Switch (HS2). With these, and more to come from Onvis, we’ll start seeing really decently priced HomeKit devices using Thread. Check out the video to see if they’re any good…

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The Orvibo MixPad D1 Smart Dimmer

The Editor — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 15:59:17 +0000

The Orvibo Smart Dimmer (MixPad D1) is a smart switch designed for US homes, and whilst it can either control standard or dimmable bulbs, it can actually do a lot more – with its clear and responsive touch screen display – depending on what other products you use, which I touch upon in the video. With the latest update (v3.4.4) this switch is now HomeKit compatible (using Matter).

In this video, I utilise two of these switches to demonstrate multi-light control, as well as the Intercom and Broadcast features, that allow you to communicate with specific rooms or everywhere that you have one of these switches.

You can buy the Orvibo Smart Dimmer (MixPad D1) from Amazon.com via the affiliate link below, which doesn’t cost you any extra, but helps the channel out for reviewing future products;

CNY image credit at the end of the video – Freepik

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Aqara Smart Magic Switch S1E

The Editor — Sun, 01 Jan 2023 05:47:54 +0000

The Aqara Magic Switch S1E is a sort of budget-friendly version of their previously released combined switch and display panels, but with the addition of six wireless buttons that are exposed to HomeKit, meaning you can now control HomeKit devices from a display designed for another ecosystem, essentially. We look at this device and give you a brief overview of the other two display panels in this series – the Aqara Scene Panel S1, and the Aqara MagicPad S1.

You can purchase the Aqara Magic Switch S1E from our recommended store on AliExpress – and if you use the following code: S1S30315 – you can save US$3.00 on the price. You can also use this code with the Scene Panel S1, and the Smart Thermostat S3.

Aqara Magic Switch S1E (US$3.00 off code: S1S30315)

Link to other devices featured or referred to in this video;

Aqara Thermostat S3 (US$3.00 off code: S1S30315)
Aqara Smart Switch H1M (requires neutral)
Aqara Air Monitor S1
Aqara Scene Panel S1 (US$3.00 off code: S1S30315)
Aqara Pet Feeder C1 (Amazon.com)

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The Wemo Smart Dimmer with Thread

The Editor — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 14:03:06 +0000

Following on from the company’s Thread-enabled smart plug, Wireless Controller, and standard wall switch, Wemo is clearly intent on going ‘full steam ahead’ with Thread products, of which their new dimmer switch is the latest.

Aside from being Thread-enabled, what’s also great about this new switch is that it can work with or without a neutral wire – all in one device – so no need to purchase a specific model for your needs.

The only potential downside is that the company states this will not be upgradeable to Matter when it arrives, so it may well be better to wait for the Matter-compatible model. That said, it could be a while, and also much more expensive. Additionally, if you’re all in on the HomeKit side of things, having the Matter version will not make any meaningful difference, at least not for a few years.

You can purchase the Wemo Dimmer with Thread (and other devices mentioned or featured in the video) via the affiliate links below;

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The ZemiSmart Wave Contactless Smart Switch

The Editor — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 13:10:23 +0000

This is our (very quick) look at the new ‘Wave’ contactless smart light switch from Zemismart. In this video, I go through the basics of the switch, and how it works, although I wouldn’t call this a full review, as because the switch requires a neutral wire – which my switches don’t have – I was unable to test this on a day-to-day level, only in a ‘test’ environment. This means I don’t provide any pros or cons, other than to say in all the tests I did do when filming the video, I had zero issues with response, or even connection with the hub, which was quite far away in this case, and separated by a large wall.

You can buy the switch directly from Amazon or ZemiSmart via the affiliate links below;

The post The ZemiSmart Wave Contactless Smart Switch appeared first on Homekit News and Reviews.

the Wemo Stage Scene Controller With Thread

The Editor — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 03:16:36 +0000

It’s fair to say that Thread has been the buzzword since the HomePod Mini and Nanoleaf Essentials were announced at the tail end of 2020. One such device that has been waiting for its own Thread update is the Wemo Stage Smart Scene Controller. A surprise announcement at CES 2022 stated that Thread was finally coming to the Wemo Stage. So, after having this device myself for around 8 months, I’m finally in a position to review this product as it was intended, with Thread capabilities.

You can also check out the written review HERE.

The post the Wemo Stage Scene Controller With Thread appeared first on Homekit News and Reviews.

Aqara Rocker Switch (no neutral)

The Editor — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 14:05:56 +0000

An overview of the Aqara Rocker Switches suitable for the US, a switch available in four different options that have actually been around for about a year now. I’ve only recently been able to get my hands on them though, but it’s always good to look on a product that has had time to mature and iron out any potential issues.

Check out Eric’s YouTube channel, Modern Day Tech – https://www.youtube.com/c/ModernDayTech

To see how Rey G installed his switches, check out the following video – https://youtu.be/qxdwY1Ih8bY?t=219

You can buy both the single and double rocker switches – with or without a neutral wire, from Amazon.com via the links below (affiliate links);

You can also read the full in-depth review HERE.

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The New Aqara US Smart Switches

Eric Welander — Sat, 09 May 2020 10:34:17 +0000

Aqara just launched a new set of in-wall smart switches for the US market. In my tests they look to be a competitively priced and compelling option, especially if you are trying to find smart switches for an older home. With the option to get a switch without a neutral wire, and two switches in one, this product will fit a lot of peculiar switch boxes.

Available now on Amazon (affiliate links):

Smart Wall Switch (No Neutral, Single Rocker) https://amzn.to/352L8bo
Smart Wall Switch (No Neutral, Double Rocker) https://amzn.to/355UqmK
Smart Wall Switch (With Neutral, Single Rocker) https://amzn.to/3bI7Vvy
Smart Wall Switch (With Neutral, Double Rocker) https://amzn.to/3bD95sn
Aqara Cube https://amzn.to/2S6WghX
Installation tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxdwY…

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Aqara Smart Wall Switch

Shane Whatley — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 03:07:01 +0000

Aqara has just released the new Smart Wall Switch, US version! This switch connects to the Aqara hub and works with HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Alexa. In this video we discuss the specs, features, installation, tips and tricks, and the pros and cons.

Products Used In This Video (affiliate links)

**Available April 27**

PROMO CODE: AQARA427 (Good thru May 1)

Aqara Single Rocker Smart Wall Switch (w/ Neutral): https://geni.us/SingleNeutra
Aqara Double Rocker Wall Switch (w/Neutral): https://geni.us/DoubleNeutra
Aqara Single Rocker Wall Switch (no Neutral): https://geni.us/SingleNoNeutra
Aqara Double Rocker Wall Switch (no Neutral): https://geni.us/DoubleNoNeutra

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Philips Hue Smart Button

Dustin Boggus — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 01:45:27 +0000

Take control of your holiday HomeKit home automation with the recently released Phillips Hue Smart Button

Phillips Hue Smart Button on Amazon: https://amzn.to/34vUBXx

Learn how to reset the Hue Smart Button: https://youtu.be/QhwOIJq9QnI

Read our written review of it at: https://bit.ly/2s4o1gX

Learn more about the entire HomeKit-compatible Phillips Hue smart lighting lineup at https://www.meethue.com

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