Designed to appeal to do-it-yourself homeowners as well as professional integrators and builders, smart-home device manufacturer iDevices has released the iDevices Dimmer Switch, an in-wall dimmer that is equally suited for retrofit or new construction installations.
As one of the first-out-of-the-gate purveyors of Apple HomeKit accessories in 2015 with their original iDevices Switch device, since then the company has been expanding the footprint for its products well outside of the original Apple and iOS domain—and the Dimmer Switch comes out the box ready to work in a broad swath of connected homes with its support for the expected Apple HomeKit as well as full integration with the Apple Siri, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant voice activation services. Onboard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth radios, in tandem with the iDevices Connected app for iOS or Android, highly increases the likelihood this new dimmer switch will play well in automating the lighting in your home.
As the first new product the company has released since its acquisition by Hubbell Incorporated earlier in 2017, iDevices touts the fact their latest smart-home accessories can quite happily integrate into most connected home without the need for additional networking hubs. In our view, this dimmer switch was engineered to compete against the Lutron Caséta line of in-wall dimmers, switches, and remotes—though the Lutron accessories require the installation of a separate Lutron Smart Bridge hub to connect with Apple HomeKit apps or Amazon Alexa services.
Through the iDevices Connected app on iOS, watchOS, and Android, lighting devices hard-wired into the iDevices Dimmer Switch can be switched on, off, or dimmed with simple gestures, and much of the same control can be had through voice commands with Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant. For Apple HomeKit users, the dimmer can also be conveniently and elegantly controlled through the Apple Home app, one of the best home automation consoles out there.
The dimmer works in single-pole as well as 3- and 4-way setups without the need for extra wiring. And in a fashion similar to the iDevices Switch, the dimmer features a built-in LED night light that can be set in a wide range of colors.
The iDevices Dimmer Switch is available for $99.95, and can be ordered in 3-pack, 5-pack, and 10-pack boxes.
More info about this topic:
iDevices Dimmer Switch website
iDevices bridges Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa worlds
Testing Apple HomeKit waters with the iDevices Switch
Apple iOS 10 elevates HomeKit via Home app and hubs
