TV set-top box manufacturer Humax has announced the introduction of the Humax Wi-Fi Smart Plug, which promises to make managing appliances and devices simple and safe, while enabling users to track energy consumption in the home.

Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, the Humax Wi-Fi Smart Plug can be controlled through voice activation, making it easy to switch devices on and off remotely, Humax says, or to set timers and schedules, so home owners will never forget to shut down important appliances before leaving the house or going to bed.

It works with both Wi-Fi (2.4Ghz) and Bluetooth connections, without the need for a home hub, and users can create personalised schedules to automate lights, heaters and other devices to function at fixed times each day, when paired with the dedicated Humax Smart Living app.

Access to smart home devices can also be shared with everyone in the family through the app, if required. Each smart plug features a built-in energy monitor to check power consumption of plugged-in electrical devices and help cut down on energy bills.

The plug measures current (mA), power (W), voltage (V) and total kWh, allowing users to track trends with historical data and graphs, all through the Humax Smart Living app, which is free to download for iOS and Android mobiles, the company says.

It can also integrate seamlessly with the AURA 4K Freeview Play recorder, which is built on the Android TV platform, and the plug can be connected to the Google Home smart home system, allowing the plug to be operated via the AURA remote control.

Finally, the smart plug is built with safety in mind, says Humax and equipped with an automatic child-proof closure mechanism that covers the pin entry points for protection against accidental shocks. In addition, it is compatible with IFTTT, allowing owners to create useful smart home sequences, such as switching on a lamp if a smart doorbell or camera picks up an unexpected visitor at night.

James Sandison, head of UK sales at Humax, commented, “With the rising cost of energy, we are all looking for ways to save costs in our homes. Thanks to the Humax Wi-Fi Smart Plug, families can keep a close eye on energy consumption, while controlling their appliances from anywhere. With the ability to remotely check whether devices have been switched on or off, the smart plug also provides owners with added peace of mind when away from home.”

Key Selling Points

• Measures current (mA), power (W), voltage (V) and total kWh
• Can be connected to the Google Home smart home system
• Compatible with IFTTT, allowing owners to create useful smart home sequences

The Humax Wi-Fi Smart Plug is available now. More information can be found here.

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