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A solid Switch, but worth 80 bucks?

The new iDevices Outdoor Switch performs basic functions well, but problems with its smart features hold back its potential.

David Priest
David Priest is an award-winning writer and editor who formerly covered home security for CNET.
David Priest
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1 of 9 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

The new iDevices Outdoor Switch is coming out in November. iDevices plans to offer the smart Switch for $79 on its website and at select Lowe's locations.

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2 of 9 Screenshot by David Priest/CNET

The iDevices app makes setup quick and easy. The app itself will walk you through connecting to the device and syncing it with your Wi-Fi--altogether it'll take you under five minutes. The app even reads the product's registration code for you.

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3 of 9 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

The outer weatherproof shell will keep out the elements, but it still looks modern enough to power patio lights without being an eyesore.

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4 of 9 Screenshot by David Priest/CNET

The iDevices app is divided conveniently between rooms, zones (like "upstairs"), and scenes. Scenes are the command combinations your app will send to various HomeKit appliances on a schedule you build.

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5 of 9 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

The Outdoor Switch features two power outlets, meaning you can power even more electronics at once. You can't toggle the plugs individually, but for holiday light setups two outlets will be a big plus.

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6 of 9 Screenshot by David Priest/CNET

You can check out your electronics' energy usage with the newest app update. Although it doesn't give you analytics like the Belkin WeMo Insight Switch, the basic information like energy and estimated cost can be viewed daily, weekly, monthly, annually or for all time.

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7 of 9 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

The watertight button on the side of the Outdoor Switch will let you manually turn your electronics on and off.

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8 of 9 Screenshot by David Priest/CNET

You can always look at your individual iDevices products and their features. The Outdoor Switch doesn't include nightlight control like its indoor counterpart, but the energy tracking tool is useful.

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9 of 9 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

The iDevices Outdoor Switch is a solid product, but is it worth your money? Find out by reading the full review from CNET.

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