Belkin Announces Availability of WeMo Switch and WeMo Switch + Motion

Belkin recently announced the availability of the WeMo, a new line of products that will turn an Apple product such as the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, into a remote control for household devices through Wi-Fi and a free mobile app – perfect in helping inspire the lazy couch potatoes in all of us.

The WeMo will come in two models – the WeMo Switch (priced at $49.99) and the WeMo Switch + Motion (priced at $99.99). While both are small devices that plug directly into any standard electrical outlet and will serve as a WeMo center allowing you remote access, the WeMo Switch + Motion will also feature a sensor that reads motion within 10 feet which can be programmed to turn on or off anything plugged into the Switch based on motion.

WeMo will also be fully integrated with IFTTT, an online service that allows users to create tasks from different net-based services on a single platform. This will give the WeMo access a lot of services such as e-mail, Twitter, and the weather, which can be used to enhance its functionality.

Both the WeMo Switch and the WeMo Switch + Motion are now currently available for pre-order at Amazon.com. For those who can’t wait, the free WeMo iOS app is already available for download through the Apple App Store.

Press Release

Belkin today launched WeMo, a line of modular, Wi-Fi-based products that turn an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch into a remote control for household devices. Consisting of two initial products, the WeMo Switch and the WeMo Motion, WeMo works with the free WeMo app to create a scalable, customizable home control system designed to provide added safety, convenience, and peace of mind.

“WeMo uses familiar technology to create a plug-and-play solution for controlling gadgets and appliances remotely,” said Jamie Elgie, senior director of product management for Belkin. “Designed to address simple automation needs without the hassle or expense of whole home automation, WeMo is an easy and fun way to put your home at your fingertips.”

The WeMo Switch is a small device that plugs directly into any electrical outlet and serves as the main building block for WeMo. Once the Switch is connected to the home Wi-Fi network, any device plugged into it can then be turned on or off from anywhere, whether at home or on the go with the WeMo app. The app also enables users to put devices on a timed schedule, so devices will turn on or off at pre-set times.

The WeMo Switch + Motion adds a sensor that reads motion within 10 feet and will turn on or off anything plugged into the switch based on motion. The WeMo app tells any device plugged into the corresponding WeMo Switch what to do when motion is sensed. The app also allows users to create rules or schedules based on customized intervals. For example, turning off a lamp if no motion is sensed in the room after 10 minutes.

WeMo also features integration with IFTTT, an online service that allows you to create tasks combining different Internet-based services from one platform. Through the WeMo channel on IFTTT, you can use a WeMo Switch or Motion to trigger a variety of services, including email, weather, phone calls, Twitter, Facebook, etc. For example, you can set up a motion sensor by your front door and use IFTTT to create a rule that will send a text message to your phone anytime motion is sensed.

“With these two simple devices and the free WeMo app, you can create a variety of tasks or recipes, and integration with IFTTT is just one more way to make WeMo yours,” said Elgie. “With WeMo, your home is at your fingertips and there are endless possibilities of what you can create. We are looking forward to seeing what people come up with once WeMo hits the market.”

AVAILABILITY

The WeMo Switch and WeMo Switch + Motion will be available for pre-order starting today at Amazon.com and Belkin.com, at the Apple store on June 26th, and at Verizon Stores and other select retailers in the U.S. in the weeks to come. The free WeMo app is available now for download from the Apple App Store.