Nearly anything can become an IoT (Internet of Things) device these days, and using smart plugs allows you to turn non-IoT devices into ones with internet connectivity.
We have a few smart plugs set up around the house, which allow me to do things like ask Alexa to turn on a light when my hands are full. Typically, you can only plug one device into a smart plugs at a time. But with a smart outlet strip you can control multiple devices from one place. You program individual smart plugs – or each plug in the strip – using an app, and you can schedule when to turn the device on and off. Some even have power saving modes that turn off devices overnight or at a time you designate. Different brands and types of smart plugs and strips come with various perks like vacation mode, voice command, overnight power saving modes, and the ability to quickly add WiFi to a device without much hassle.
I was hesitant, at first, to connect more devices to WiFi, but the few smart plugs we use do make life a bit simpler. I find that I am now using an app to turn off lights when I’m comfortable in bed and don’t want to get back up, or double-checking that I really did turn off the coffee pot after leaving the house.
