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IFTTT inserts recipe controls into third-party apps

The online automation service is letting third-party developers add curated recipe controls directly into their apps.

Ry Crist Senior Editor / Reviews - Labs
Originally hailing from Troy, Ohio, Ry Crist is a writer, a text-based adventure connoisseur, a lover of terrible movies and an enthusiastic yet mediocre cook. A CNET editor since 2013, Ry's beats include smart home tech, lighting, appliances, broadband and home networking.
Expertise Smart home technology and wireless connectivity Credentials
  • 10 years product testing experience with the CNET Home team
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Ry Crist

EDITOR'S NOTE, 8/17/16, 10:45 AM EST: This piece has been corrected to reflect that the recipes in third-party apps are curated suggestions, and not user-created recipes.

IFTTT (short for "if this, then that") is a free online service -- with it, you can craft automation recipes that link services and gadgets that don't work together otherwise. Now, you can expect to start seeing those recipes built right into the apps you normally use to control those gadgets.

In-app recipes are really just suggested recipes curated by the third-party developers, which means you won't see any of the recipes that you've created yourself. Instead, the aim seems more focused at IFTTT newbies, making it as simple as possible to turn your first recipe on and start using it.

Watch this: Introducing IFTTT to the CNET Smart Home
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You can now find IFTTT recipes in the apps of IFTTT-compatible gadgets, like Garageio's smart garage opener.

IFTTT

IFTTT announced the change in a blog post yesterday, citing improved accessibility as the goal. Visibility seems like a key factor, too. After all, people are more likely to use IFTTT recipes if they see them waiting to be switched on. By inserting those recipes into third-party apps, IFTTT can get more people to put the service to use without needing them to visit the IFTTT website or open the IFTTT app.

Native IFTTT integrations are already live in the following apps:

  • Adobe
  • Awair
  • BloomSky
  • Foobot
  • Garageio
  • Lifx
  • Qapital
  • Roger
  • Skybell
  • Stack Lighting

Integrations for other products, including Emberlight, the Automatic vehicle monitor and the Ring video doorbell, are said to be coming soon.