YzOak smart plugs and light sockets, powerhouses in small packages

Packing an extremely deep set of features and sensors into the forthcoming YzPlug and YzLight, startup YzOak (pronounced “wiseoak”) aims to insert themselves into your connected home by coming between all of your plug-in devices and light bulbs. Built around compact, multi-functional housings, these powerhouses are the Swiss army knives of home automation, and can be controlled with multiple digital assistants—including Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant.

Among the feature set of both YzPlug and YzLight:

Wi-Fi mesh networking repeater
Bluetooth networking
Security service, subscription free
Speaker for delivery of music and other audio services
Microphone
Temperature sensor
Motion sensor
Ambient light sensor
Energy monitoring
1080p camera
Standby mode for energy conservation
Machine learning capabilities
Integrated USB quick-charge port
Fully recyclable housing and components.

The YzOak app runs on Apple iOS and Android devices, and is used for setup and control of YzPlug and YzLight. Image: YzOak.

As one would expect, YzPlug is a smart plug and designed to plug into any grounded 110V outlet. Simply plug the device you want to control into the YzPlug, push the pairing button, and tap the device in the YzOak app (for both Apple iOS and Android devices). Similarly, the YzLight screws into any standard light socket, and can then control any lamp bulb screwed into its outboard socket.

YzOak says they support Integration with a broad range of smart-home accessories and ecosystems, including Apple HomeKit, Belkin, ecobee, Nest, Sonos, Philips Hue, WeMo, ZigBee, Z-Wave, and much more. Prospective customers can sign up on the company’s website to get notified when the products begin shipping this year.

Tom Kolnowski

Tom Kolnowski is the Chief Content Officer & Founder of Digitized House Media, LLC, the publisher of Digitized House | Guide to the Connected Home. When he isn’t writing about smart home technology, sustainability, and high-performance architecture, you’ll find him exploring faraway destinations with his family.