Switchmate, the not-so-smart Lightswitch.
My first encounter with Switchmate occurred at my local Bed Bath and Beyond. Upon inspecting the packaging, I figured I would give this interesting tech a try. Priced at a rather steep $34.99, a quick Google search shows that this device sells anywhere from $29.99-$42.99. The packaging boasts its' ease of installation, in addition to numerous enticing features. Such features include programmable timers for auto on/off, a "Welcome Home" option, and smartphone app as well as manual control. The device itself simply attaches to the desired light switch via magnets. There are models for both "toggle", as well as "rocker" switches. I purchased the "toggle" model.
Let me start off by saying, the installation process truly is one second. Upon opening the package, I was happily greeted by two included AA batteries. The inclusive batteries were rather refreshing, considering the large majority of electronics these days, do not include said batteries. Simply remove the batteries from their plastic packaging, and place them inside the device. Battery compartment cover is very easy to remove. Then, proceed to "stick" the Switchmate to your light switch of choice, and download the companion app on your smartphone called "Switchmate". It is the first option in the PlayStore/App store. From there, you will connect to your Switchmate, also extremely quick and simple. From the companion app, you now have access to various settings and such, which is all displayed on a relatively simple and easy to use interface. Mind you, the package boasts a "Welcome Home" feature, stating that Switchmate will turn your lights on and off for you as you enter your home/room. This was the biggest selling point for me, and unfortunately is not so. This statement is very deceiving. Upon further investigation on the web, I discovered that the devices' Welcome Home feature is actually just a timer as well. It does not turn lights on and off as you enter and exit rooms, It turns them on and off when you program it to. Interestingly enough, there are two settings that are actually both timers but are labeled as "Timers" and "Welcome Home", respectively. It is also a tad loud- louder than I had anticipated. One cool feature is the ability to turn lights on/off from your smartphone. It is nice when I forget to turn the kitchen light off, in which I can simply do so from my phone- all without getting up from the couch. Manual control is somewhat arbitrary; It takes approx. 1 second longer (in real time), to turn the light on manually with Switchmate than if one were to actually flip the original light switch. Switchmate is also very useful if you want to guise' your home while you are away, as the timer feature works just fine for that. All in all, Switchmate is nothing spectacular. It does in fact do (for the most part) what it says on the package, but unfortunately falls short in the way of SmartHome technology. I could have saved my $35 dollars for something a bit "Smarter", but if you are like me and would rather not put your beer down and get off the couch to turn off a light, then Switchmate may just be the SmartHome accessory you've been looking for!
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