If your iPhone is never far away from you hand and you have at least one finger available to push a virtual 
button, then you qualify to use the Wemo switch by Belkin!
The Wemo switch is a device that you simply plug into your home outlet.
Whatever home electronic you have, you will plug on top of it and it will be toggled off and on through your iPhone, iPad or iPodTouch (iOS 4.3). Pretty handy!
Now, think hard about what you would like to use you switch for. Turning on/off, a curtain, a lamp, a heater, a fan, … ?
I decided to give a try and bought a first switch, I want to use it for our entry lamp up the stairs.
There’s no much in the box but the switch and a nice “welcome to Wemo” note.
Let’s look at the switch, it’s quite big and thick. There are 2 buttons, one facing you (the manual on and off) and one facing up (if you need to reset the switch).
A little light on the face will tell you what’s going on in your switch.
. Blinking orange-blue, awaiting instructions
. Flashing blue, starting up. Let it work
. Blinking orange, no connection
. Solid orange, poor connection bring it closer to your wifi network
. Solid blue, all fine, let’s play
Making it work is super easy
. Plug the switch in the outlet
. Download the free Wemo app on the iTunes Store
Open the app on your iPhone and follow the instructions
. Go to your phone “Settings” and “Wifi” and choose the “Wemo-xxx” network
. Go back to the Wemo app
. The Wemo App, will ask you to select your wifi network and enter the password
. The Wemo switch will then connect itself to your wifi network
. You’ll have the possibility to customize your switch icone, I took the picture of my lamp
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So now that all is set, time to play! From your couch you have the control! I love it.
Basically your switch works with your wifi network and your phone is the remote that uses whatever network available (3G or wifi) to interact with the switch.
The great thing is that you can add as many switches as you want! You can personalize each switch with a little picture or regular/standard icone.
ChaseIt or BChased ?
ChaseIt because
. it’s a great product that will easy your daily life
. it’s not an expensive device and it comes with a 2-years garantee
. you can link as many switch as you want
. you can push it further with the IFTTT (IF This Then That)
If you are concerned about the electricity consumption, the Wemo plug uses less than 1,5 watts (less than a clock radio).
More infos on
. The Belkin Wemo official website
. Follow @Belkinwemo
. The IFTTT website with its 59 channels so far
I could see that being a great tool for an old iPod, maybe for turning on the coffee machine in the morning.
Yes great idea, you can schedule the on and off period.
I use mine to turn on the light. It’s really a cool accessory, easy to install.
I want!! I’m a sucker for tech.
I am too, I started with one switch. Now, I bought a 2nd one …
Oooh nice! Have to run this by bf. maybe we can get it for our new place
Give it a try, you’ll love it
That’s a pretty cool gadget. Gosh, what will they think of next.
Next one is about the iPhone earphones and its hidden functions. Got also on in preparation for travellers about roaming.