iDevices Dimmer Switch Plays Nicely With Alexa, Siri, And Google Home
Controlling the smart home has more options than ever, but sometimes you just want a regular light switch to turn on your connected bulbs. iDevices' new Dimmer Switch offers just that, a new in-wall control that, though requiring a little DIY action on your part, promises not only more convenient operation but instant compatibility with some of the popular virtual agents, too. Once installed, it'll work with the Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple's Siri courtesy of HomeKit.
The switch itself looks much like a regular rocker-plate control. It'll slot into a single-gang opening just like one, too, and will work with single pole, 3- and 4-way installations – such as at the top and bottom of stairs – without any extra confirmation, iDevices says, though you'll need all the switches involved to be upgraded to the Dimmer Switch. There's no hub to install, either.
Through the app, user-customized dimming presets can be set. There's also support for controlling low-level bulb flicker, and the option to have the lights resume at their last brightness setting. An LED nightlight can be switched between brightness and color, or turned off altogether.
Obviously it takes a little more effort to install a switch of this sort, though there are benefits in taking the time to shut off the power and get out the screwdrivers. Most app-controlled lights, such as Hue and LIFX, rely on the traditional light-switch being turned on all the time, so that the bulbs can be remotely controlled. That's fine if you're willing to pull out your smartphone in order to operate the settings, but others in the home – like kids or the elderly – may not be set up to do that.
Instead, iDevices' Dimmer Switch gives those users a familiar control option, with regular bulbs. A single tap turns the lights on or off, while a double-tap automatically toggles between their minimum or maximum brightness. Pressing and holding goes into dimming mode.
That's not to say there isn't the high-tech element too. If you have an Alexa, HomeKit, or Google Assistant compatible device, the switch can be paired with those and used by voice instead. For instance, you can ask for specific changes in brightness – like "Ok Google, dim my lights by 50-percent" – or just ask for them to be raised or lowered. The app also has options for light scheduling and automating full scenes of lighting. Inside the switch itself, there's WiFi b/g/n and Bluetooth.
The iDevices Dimmer Switch is available to order now. It's priced at $99.95 for a single switch, but iDevices also sell them in packs of 3, 5, or 10 for $299.85, $499.75, and $999.50 respectively.