Home automation is the future, and one Kickstarter campaign hopes the technology can be easier with the help of your smartphone. The Smart Power Strip can be plugged with different home appliances, all of which can be remotely controlled with a smartphone app.
Not only the mobile app (available on iOS and Android) can turn household devices on and off upon command, but also program a timer to automatically control the appliance at a certain time, as well as provide push notifications when a device has been on for too long. The app even monitors how much energy each of the plugged-in electronics have been consumed.
Unlike traditional power sockets and its three outlets, the Smart Power Strip comes with a fourth outlet so more appliances can be controlled remotely. Creator Roger Yu has also put up special packages for backers in the UK, Europe, and Australia. He offers special-edition power strips with sockets that are compatible in such markets, but they only come in effect if the campaign reaches 750 pledges. Otherwise, international backers will receive the basic American Type B plugs.
As of this posting, the campaign has reached $56,685 of its $100,000 goal from 486 backers. Interested backers can pledge for as little as $99 for an early bird package, saving as much as $100 off its suggested retail price. The device will be delivered as early as April 2014, if the campaign achieves its goal.
Source: Mashable
