Home automation?

[davemchine]

I’ve been kicking around the idea of controlling a few outlets in the house. I don’t currently have any Alexa devices at all. What would be your recommendation? Mostly for lights.

[Golfer]

I've using Belkin Wemo switches and smart plugs for years with good luck.

[sekker]

This is a good guide from The Verge.

https://www.theverge.com/23744526/smart-...automation

Bottom line: the question is which system you want to use. Amazon, Google, Samsung or Apple. I've never used Samsung.

We are by default Amazon, but most items that work with Alexa also work with Google.

Until Matter-certified products are the norm, it's kind of a mess.

For plugs, I find the Amazon easy-to-use plugs are great if you are using Amazon. Those are NOT cross-compatible with google, however.

[mattkime]

I think these are a good starting point - https://slickdeals.net/f/16769606-4-pack...u_recombee&prop=rcmid-5b96ee13da8eb47b4c0c11fca5c5d591

Note that if you want a lot of devices it gets more complicated

[davemchine]

If I were to go with Apple HomeKit compatible plugs, can I set up a schedule for lights that runs Monday through Friday and a separate schedule for Saturday and Sunday?

[Article Accelerator]

davemchine wrote:
I’ve been kicking around the idea of controlling a few outlets in the house. I don’t currently have any Alexa devices at all.

Good.

What would be your recommendation? Mostly for lights.

Just get Home or Matter-compatible outlets and you're good to go. I like Eve and Nanoleaf products:

https://www.evehome.com/en-us
https://nanoleaf.me/en-US/

More on Matter—the new home automation interoperability standard along with the Thread networking protocol—here: https://www.theverge.com/23568091/matter...le-samsung

[DeusxMac]

I’ve been quite satisfied with Wyze Plugs.

https://www.wyze.com/products/wyze-plug

[Article Accelerator]

davemchine wrote:
If I were to go with Apple HomeKit compatible plugs, can I set up a schedule for lights that runs Monday through Friday and a separate schedule for Saturday and Sunday?

Yes, you can. That can be done either directly from the manufacturer's app or in Home (possibly with Shortcuts).

[Lizabeth]

If it’s plug in lights you can go old school with timers but that wouldn’t let you do different day schedules.

[sekker]

Article Accelerator wrote:
[quote=davemchine]
If I were to go with Apple HomeKit compatible plugs, can I set up a schedule for lights that runs Monday through Friday and a separate schedule for Saturday and Sunday?

Yes, you can. That can be done either directly from the manufacturer's app or in Home (possibly with Shortcuts).
Yes, this is exactly the kind of home automation that can work well.