These 7 smart plug hacks that saved me time, money, and energy (and how I set them up)
Briefly

Smart plugs allow remote, voice, or scheduled control of connected devices, turning ordinary appliances into automated ones. They enable energy monitoring and can reduce utility bills by identifying and controlling high-usage devices. Smart plugs enhance home security by automating interior and exterior lighting to simulate occupancy and by cutting power to garage door openers when away. They can integrate with motion sensors to create motion-activated lighting without rewiring. Smart plugs also support automations that improve convenience and contribute to fire safety by allowing timed shutoffs and monitoring of device activity.
The plug-in staple may have made for a catchy jingle in the 1980s, but it could also be considered as a primitive ancestor of today's smart plug -- that is, if you can say anything from a few decades ago is primitive. Smart plugs offer greater convenience than The Clapper ever did, letting you control your devices from an app on your phone, your voice, or a schedule.
There are many ways to use smart plugs to automate your home, including turning dumb devices into smart ones, using them to strengthen your home's security, or letting them bring more convenience to your life. Beyond using a smart plug for an old table lamp, you can also use them strategically to save on your utility bills, monitor your energy consumption, or enhance your home's fire safety.
You can use a smart plug to automate lights when you're out of town so that they switch on each night to make it appear as if someone's home. Many people also use them to control outdoor lights on a schedule, ensuring their home's exterior is well-lit for safety. Enhancing home security is a popular use for smart plugs. However, there are more ways to use them beyond the obvious.
Read at ZDNET
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