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Australian-based M-Elec have been around since 2006, and have been supplying products like dimmable downlights, light strips and other lighting products since this time, culminating in a Good Design Award in 2015. Now the company are moving into the Smart Home realm with their 'Stitchy' line of products. This lineup initially centres around their Stitchy Switch; a relay controller, that sits inside the recess behind your wall switches to give regular light switches smart functionality. As with many smart home devices these days, it promises compatibility with the big three providers – Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit. In addition to the 'stitchy' relay, the company are working on a dimmer version, in addition to one-channel and five-channel strip controllers. What's interesting about all of these products is that they use ZigBee for their method of communication but unlike companies like Aqara, for example, don’t provide their own hub, instead relying on the Philips Hue Bridge as the central hub. In fact, the company even offer starter packs that include a couple of relays in addition to the Hue Bridge, with a Hue motion sensor, also added in the B and C starter packs. This, in essence, would make them akin to 'Friends of Hue' products, although the company don't describe them as such. The company also point out that there's no accompanying app required for their products, which would probably indicate the Hue app is the preferred initial app for control, which would then expose them to HomeKit thereafter. The company are also working on more interesting products, including a neutral-free version of their module, a fan controller, plate dimmer, in addition to garage and blind controllers. You can check out the video below to learn about more of these forthcoming devices

A few months back Aqara held a presentation showing off a series of new products, including the long-awaited M2 Hub. The company also announced a collaboration with Chinese lighting specialists Opple, that would bring a series of ceiling lights to the Aqara ecosystem, which we reported on just the other day, but they also revealed a series of light switches, also by Opple. These light switches are all HomeKit compatible too! As with the aforementioned Opple ceiling lights, these switches use ZigBee 3.0 for communication, so will, therefore, need the Aqara hub to both to communicate with the things that they control, as well as get them exposed to HomeKit. The Opple switches come in three configurations, with a double switch, a four-button switch, and a six-button switch. What differentiates these switches from the Aqara rocker switches already on the market is that, in comparison to the wireless versions, these switches, which are also wireless, also come with a wall plate that allows the switches to detach from the wall, allowing them to essentially act as remote controls. This is nothing new, of course, as this type of functionality has been deployed for years in the form of the Philips Hue Dimmer Switch. The fact that you have a choice of three different switches does, however, make them more appealing than the Hue version. As these switches are detachable, they do require a battery, which in the case of these switches, is a standard CR2032 coin battery. As they’re ostensibly designed for China, the size is 86 x 86mm, with a 15mm depth, and although there’s no requirement for wiring, the backplate is designed to sit in a recess where this size of switch would normally be placed. What also makes the six-button switch particularly useful is that you can program each button to control not only the power to a smart colour bulb, but you have the extra buttons to control the colour, brightness and colour temperature, all from one device. As these are also compatible with Apple HomeKit, each switch is programmable with multiple types of presses, so you have the standard ‘single press’, ‘double press’ and ‘long press’, taking the six-button switch to ridiculously high levels of functionality – assuming you can remember each function for each button… The company does go on to state that currently these switches are not compatible with the Mi Home app, and will at present only work with the Aqara app, although we’re almost certain they will be Mi Home compatible soon. As expected, these switches have initially been launched in China, although hopefully, they’ll be available to international consumers at a date in the near future.

After initially uncovering the existence of the Aqara US Switch in testing back in April, and reporting only last week the light switch appearing as an addable device in the Aqara app (US Server) after an update, Aqara has made it official, with the light switch listed on their US website. As expected, the new switches, that come in single and double button configurations, require the Aqara hub in order to be added to your smart home and to be exposed to HomeKit. As these are designed for the US market, they are also exposed to Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, which was a part of the last app update that first revealed these switches. As with any HomeKit compatible light switch, you can control the device via the apps, via voice control, and set timers & automations. What may be of interest to some though is that fact that the new Aqara switches do not require a neutral wire, with many homes in the US still lacking a neutral wire for their lighting, so this could be seen as an alternative to the Lutron smart system which appears to be the only other HomeKit compatible light switch manufacturer that offers this option. There will possibly be a ‘neutral wire’ version to follow. Here are some basic specs; Single Rocker – WS-USC01 | Double Rocker – WS-USC02Material – PCOperating temperature – 0~40ºC | 32~104ºFMax. load – 600w/way (incandescent) | 200w/way (CFL/LED) | 1/4HP motorInput – 120v AC @ 60HzDimensions – 120 x 73 x 36.5mm | 4.72 x 2.91 x 1.44in)Wireless protocol – ZigBee 3.0Colour – WhiteOperating humidity – 0~95% RH, non-condensing Currently the switch is not available to buy but is listed as coming soon to amazon.com, so hopefully, this switch will be available before the end of the year. There are no details on price yet, however.

Chinese Smart Home brand LifeSmart look to be adding HomeKit to their lineup of smart products, including their hub, which is designed to corral many of their child devices, much in the same way that the Aqara hub does with its own child devices. In addition, it would appear from what we’ve been told by the folks over at smartapfel.de that the company’s Cololight modular lighting system will also get an upgrade to the Cololight Pro which will be HomeKit compatible once it’s released. By way of an introduction to LifeSmart, way back when the idea for this website hadn’t even been dreamt up, LifeSmart was offering a series of products all designed to work with either wifi or their own SmartStation hubs, ranging from temperature/humidity sensors, colour bulbs, IR blasters, light strips, and even smart locks and light switches. While they weren’t officially HomeKit compatible, the accompanying LifeSmart app had a special beta function that would generate a HomeKit code, which would allow the hub to be added to HomeKit – albeit unofficially/uncertified. This would then allow most of the devices that went through the hub to be exposed to HomeKit, which is what I’m doing right now. The beta software was pulled for some reason, but if you were already set up in HomeKit, it didn’t matter – only newcomers who had heard about this beta option but arrived after the beta option was removed, were unable to add their devices to HomeKit. Although details are scant, it would now seem that LifeSmart has bitten the bullet and, as with many other Chinese-based companies, decided to hop on the HomeKit cart, with a banner at this years IFA in Berlin announcing as much. We’ve had the LifeSmart Cololight here since January, and despite not having official HomeKit compatibility (we can as we’re still running the LifeSmart beta option) it does work fairly well with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, and it’s a nice ‘feature light’ for want of a better description. The Cololight uses one six-sided main tile, which seems to be the one with the ‘brains’ of the system, with other additional tiles all acting as slave devices once connected to the main tile. The team over at SmartApfel.de tell us they’ve spoken to LifeSmart at their IFA stand, and are told that the new Cololight Pro will be HomeKit compatible, but the current Cololight products will not be updated for HomeKit support. However, they did also state that anyone with current Cololight setups need only replace the ‘main tile’ with the forthcoming HomeKit compatible base unit, as the slave tiles will work with this updated pro version just the same.

Convenient to Connect by APP Connect to your phone or tablet directly via Wi-Fi, use the app to control the brightness/colors. Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant with voice control. More Brighter & Colorful Millions of color options at your fingertips，adjust the color and brightness via your APP to create the right atmosphere to work or relax, easy to emit Color, Daytime light, White lighting. The brightness of every color is dimmable. The smart controls will forever change the way you control and experience light. Easy to Install Scan the QR code to download the APP, install the lamp (E27 base) and use the APP to control the Wi-Fi bulb (No Hub Required). Save on Energy and Longer Life Smart led bulb Reduce power usage up to 80%, rated life span 30000 hours. Can be used in the home indoor lighting, hotel, meeting room, restaurants, bar, cafe, cocktail party, birthday party, etc. One year warranty Feel free to contact us if any doubt about setting up your device. 1 year warranty service.

Works with Apple Homekit Apple homekit technology provides an easy, secure way to control homekit-enabled accessories Siri Compatibility for Voice Control Conveniently switch your lights on and off using Siri or with a quick tap on your iPhone. Assign a name to each Smart Switch and communicate each Switch by name when making a voice command. Monitor Power Consumption Check whether your Koogeek Smart Light Switch is connected properly with a standard light. Monitor its current power and state via the free Koogeek Home app. Remote Control You can set up your Apple TV (4th generation or later with tvOS 10 or later) or iPad (running iOS 10 or later) as a home hub and control Koogeek Smart Light Switch even when you’re away from home. Create Scenes to Control Multiple Accessories Create individualized scenes and control multiple lights simultaneously with a single Siri voice command or a quick tap on your iPhone. Wide Compatibility Compatible with all single pole light switches. Not intended for use in 3-way light switches, which are controlled by more than one switch. Note 1. Koogeek Smart Switch replaces single pole switches only. Not compatible with 3-way switches, which could be controlled from multiple locations. 2. Neutral wire is required. 3. Metal faceplates are not recommended. Otherwise, it may cause harmful interference to Wi-Fi performance. System Requirements HomeKit requires an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Apple Watch with iOS 8.1 or later

China-based Koogeek started out with a bang a couple of years back with quite a few great products, including a couple of smart plugs, power strips, colour bulbs et al,  but have been relatively quiet for most of last year, despite various new devices appears online, like the proposed Koogeek L1 Door Lock for example, that Koogeek now say has been shelved, or the Koogeek KC01 Smart Camera, that has been floating around the internet for over a year, with ne’er a whiff of a release so far. However, one such device that has been listed on the Koogeek site for a while, seems to be slowly emerging into online retail, with a listing for the A1 Smart Environment Monitor on Amazon.com and AliExpress.com, although at this time the Amazon listing states that the product is ‘currently unavailable’. AliExpress has two listings – one at the i3C Store for just under US$80, and Koogeek’s official AliExpress store – selling at almost double the price, at just shy of UK£120 – but listed as ‘sold out’. If you’re not aware, this device measures the air in your home, reporting on PM2.5 and PM10, Humidity, temperature, VOCs, in addition to an ambient light sensor, motion sensor and sound sensor. So, with these kinds of specs, it should be a popular item. One odd thing we noticed with the Amazon listing is that the product image is slightly different from the one used on Koogeek’s own site. If you look at the light/motion sensor at the top of the front face, the Amazon image has a series of dots encircling the sensor. This could be for sound detection, or it could be merely decorative. There’s no way to tell at this time, and even which version is the current or official version. Either way, we’ll never know if Koogeek can’t let us buy it. The KC01 Smart Camera isn’t listed on Koogeek’s public facing site, although it did appear on a hidden page within the site, that listed many of the yet to be released products. Interestingly, a manual for the camera has surfaced via the fcc.io website, which reveals that the manual was uploaded as recently as April of this year, so there may yet be hope for the camera after all. The Koogeek FL1 Fingerprint Lock has had a similar history and has finally made its way to Amazon.com and AliExpress, but with little to no announcements or fanfare on Koogeek’s part, which is very odd. Nonetheless, we have one here and will be reviewing it soon. Maybe we’ll eventually be able to say the same for the A1

The Lightwave Smart Socket sockets have an elegant white or stainless steel finish,and are just as stylish as any other standard standard wall outlet. In addition, they are equipped with built-in technology, so you can monitor and control them with your iPhone or iPad wherever you are. Lightwave Smart Socket sockets are also HomeKit compatible so you can use voice commands with Siri. * Easy to install They are easy to install and no extra wiring is required. When the wall socket is in place, you can pair it with the Lightwave Link Plus and control and monitor the energy consumption with the Lightwave app. Always consult an expert if you have questions about the installation. Control wherever you are Want to be able to put the kettle on the couch? Thanks to the stylish intelligent wall socket, you can control your home appliances wherever you are. Simulate that someone is at home With Lightwave’s home automation, you can protect your home by setting schedules that will light your floor lamps. In a way, it looks like you are at home even if you are not. The two-way communication allows you to directly see the status of each intelligent wall outlet, wherever you are. Automate Automation gives you access to several smart features, including timers, group actions, triggers and wireless two-way switching. Superior wireless range Lightwave’s own RF protocol is better than standard wifi and has a superior range with fewer interference to ensure reliable wireless communication between devices. A smarter home You can start with a single unit and expand the system to turn the whole house into a really smart home. Important properties *Control your electrical appliances with an app on your iPhone or iPad wherever you are *Compatible with HomeKit so you can control your system through the Apple home app and Siri voice commands *Built-in energy monitoring via the Lightwave app to help you keep track of energy consumption in real time *Set timer and automation to automatically control electrical equipment *Fits 35 mm mounting frame *10 mm distance unit included (optional) *Requires Lightwave Link Plus (sold separately) for app or voice control What is included *Lightwave Smart Socket (single with ground pin) *Distance unit (1 cm) *Two fixing screws *Instructions Technical info *Other Features: Compatible with HomeKit, Wireless *Internet access: Some features require Internet access *Connections: Wireless *Power supply: AC power *Height: 6.9 cm | Width: 6.9 cm | Depth: 4.6 cm| Weight: 120 g System Requirements Operating system: iOS 10 or later * Requires Lightwave Link Plus (sold separa

Important Note: For reasons unknown at this time, the LifeSmart app (client version 1.1.8p3 and above) for iOS no longer has the HomeKit code generating feature, so you will be unable to add the Smart Station or Smart Alarm to HomeKit. The LifeSmart’s Cube Motion Sensor uses PIR induction technology to detect movement. Upon detection, notifications will be sent to your mobile devices via the LifeSmart App. Alternatively, a light can be triggered upon entering a room that is too dim. If connected with LifeSmart Smart Home Wi-Fi Camera, you can trigger a snap shot that can be directly be sent to your mobile device. Features *Small and Exquisite *More Durable Battery Power *Real-time Feedback Notification *Trigger Smart Scenarios *Fast and Sensitive Specs *Working Humidity：5~90% *Working Temperature：-20~40℃ *Battery Type：CR2450 *Material：ABS+PC *Wireless Range：200M(Open Field)

Just last week we reported on the Yeelight Light Strip Plus and the 2nd Gen Yeelight bulbs, showing up as HomeKit compatible accessories in the Mi Home app, when you went through the process of adding them, although at this time they don’t appear to be exposed to HomeKit unfortunately. Well, after a little more digging, it seems that there is another (admittedly similar) light that is showing up as HomeKit compatible – in this instance, the Mi LED Colour Bulb. Now the only reason for mentioning this after last week’s article, is that whilst the Yeelight Strips and bulbs areavailable, they’re usually only accessible via some of the Chinese online stores, like AliExpress, GearBest etc. which to some isn’t so convenient. The Mi LED Bulbs, on the other hand, are already available in Xiaomi Stores across Europe and further afield (Like Taiwan…), which makes it a lot easier to get your hands on them. If you’ve already dipped your toes into the ‘Xiaomi eco-pool’, you’ll notice that some products look identical but branded differently, and in the case of the Mi LED bulb, it’s really no different, as the Mi LED Bulb can appear with any one of three logos, even though, in actual fact, they’re the same product. It’s also good to note that there are currently 2nd gen bulbs from Yeelight that look quite similar, with the main difference being the diagonal pattern pressed into the body of the bulb of these 2nd gen lights. I do have to stress, that these do NOT currently work with HomeKit, but all the markers for some form of firmware or app software upgrade are there, as you can see in the screenshots I took earlier when adding a Mi LED bulb to the Mi Home app I purchased here in Taiwan. Having tested these bulbs, and as you’ll see from a forthcoming review, these are great value products, and it may just be worth stocking up on these before the price (almost) inevitably goes up when HomeKit (hopefully) does actually get added.