What does the Retrotouch IOTTY Smart Switch do?

The switch replaces your existing switch and makes it smart by connecting to your home WiFi. It connects directly to your WiFi without the need for a hub or controller.

Note: To install it you need a neutral wire in your switch.

Once installed you can control the switch via the app (Androdi and iOS). The app is packed with features:

• Energy monitoring – to keep an eye on consumption
• Geolocation – turn on or off the device when you leave or arrive home
• Sunrise and sunset – control the device based on the sunset and sunrise
• Rooms – controlling multiple switches in one room
• Scenes – set scenes with one button press
• Weather – control the device according to the local weather
• Notifications – receive alerts when used
• Sharing – share with members of your household
• Away mode – fake your presence but turning on and off randomly

How easy is it to setup?

Installation was easy, the only thing to be aware of is this is quite a deep switch due to the tech inside it. This means if you have a lot of wires in your switch or a shallow back box it can be tight!

It is also worth noting you require a neutral wire for the switch to work. If unsure check before you buy.

What’s the connectivity?

The Retrotouch IOTTY smart switch connects to Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri allowing voice control:

“Alexa turn on living room light”

As well as IFTTT with 6 pre-made applets as well as being able to make you own and connect iotty to your smart home.

How much does it cost?

The switches start from £69.99 for a single gang switch.  It is also available in white or black finish.

What is it like living with it?

Simple and stylish! It’s great to be able to control the actual light switch not just the bulb like standard smart lighting. This means you can always control it, unlike smart bulbs where one flick of the switch and the bulb is dumb.

The other great main selling point is it works with all bulbs, even if not dimmable. This is why you need the neutral wire.

The switch itself really stands out due to the back lit glass, the only thing we found frustrating was the size of the switch as this prevented us putting it in a few rooms without changing the back box.  

Being able to control the brightness of the backlight is a nice touch especially if installed in the bedroom.

What are our final thoughts?

This is a stylish, feature packed switch!

A different approach to making your home lighting smart. The only one big consideration is the required wiring, neutral at switch, although we appreciate this is a limitation of the tech not this actual switch.

For more information and to buy the switch, visit their website:
https://www.retrotouch.co.uk/smart-wifi-light-switch.html

“Are you ready for a new lighting experience? Now even more ways to control your Philips Hue lights. Stay tuned! “

Followed by a video showcasing a new range of Smart Light switches that can not only turn your Hue lights on and off but change scene, dim and change colour.

This is a big development for Hue owners as one big frustration often experience is the fact if a light switch is turned off the smart bulb is inactive. Hue have tried to overcome this with a special range of dinner switches but never actual light switches.

They also comment the switches have been designed to fit seamlessly into your home décor. Another great point!

The video used the Friends of Hue App and went onto mention the brands that we assume will be developing this range; Teller by Schneider electric, Niko and Vimar.

 The launch date is ‘Fall 2018’ so expect them September 2018.
More details to follow as we have them.

The post Philips Hue Tease new Light switch range appeared first on Smart Home Geeks.

This is a We Own it review of the RetroTouch Crystal PG Touch.

What does Crystal PG Touch do?!

It is a modern remote controlled touch light switch.

The one we tested is in black glass, but they also do it in white. The switch has concealed screws and the face plate covers them, giving a great look.

This version was not dimmable but they do have a dimmable model.

It fully comply with UK safety standards, a very important point as it’s being wired into your houses mains!

How easy is it to setup?

These have been designed to be retrofitted and easily connected into existing wiring.

We removed an existing 1-way switch and swapped it over in less than 5 minutes.

To setup turn off your electricity and follow the wiring diagram, in our installation the labels matched perfectly between the old and the new so straightforward quick switch.

The box is 35mm deep which is standard, we used the existing screws from the old switch, but it comes with screws.

Once setup and screwed in the glass face plate clicks on, this did take a little bit of practice and we had to press it quite hard till we heard the ‘click’ to know it was secure.

Once setup you need to pair the remote to the light switch, this is also easy and is done by pressing the light switch for 5 seconds till you hear a tone. Then press a button on the stylish remote. It’s now setup and working

Note: We are not electricians, if you are at all unsure seek professional advice.

How much does this remote controlled light switch cost?

£46.95 on Amazon, with a remote and battery.

Retrotouch Stunning Innovative Designer Range 1-Gang 1-Way Touch and Remote Light Switch

What’s it like living with it?

it’s a handy, stylish addition to our smart home. The switch gives out a subtle light from the circle, blue when off and red when on.
 As the remote works on the RF433 frequency band it works with most RF Hubs, for example Broadlink. This then adds smart phone control and rules.

The spec states the remote works 25 meters. We tested it at 11 meters and still works perfectly!

What are our final thoughts?

If you are looking for a modern, well designed remote controlled light switch this could be exactly what you are looking for!