Two things to look for when buying a smart switch or outlet

Smart switches and plugs are the building blocks of the connected home. To find out exactly which one you need you just have to ask the right questions. [MUSIC] In wall switches like these Belkin WeMo switches are great because toggling them is as natural as hitting a normal light switch. Plus you get the added smarts of remote. Control scheduling and automation making them ideal for lighting set-ups. Smart plugs like this I-devices smart foot offer many of the same features but increased flexibility as you can plug in whatever device you want. Whatever you do plug in shouldn't be something you constantly turn on and off though. because you have to That toggles these devices manually or using an app. But they're better for scheduling and automation. You can find smart plugs and switches that are z wave zig b blue tooth or WiFi connected. Blue tooth and Zig v are both radio protocols that require a hub of some sort to translate the language of the device to a language your phone can understand These plugs are often more affordable if you already use a platform like SmartThings or Wink. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, on the other hand, both connect directly to your phone. Bluetooth devices like the Zuli plugs don't have the away from home remote control of Wi-Fi plugs But Bluetooth technology allows for present reaction automation that say the i device's switch for instance just can't replicate. As a general rule of thumb, the devices you already use around the house, whether it's a iPad or android master eco B will work better with some switches and plugs than with others. How well your tech cooperates is as important as the tech itself. It can be hard to distinguish between all the smart switches and plugs out there in the market. But you can do it. If you just ask the right question. [MUSIC]