iHome launches new HomeKit-compatible outdoor plug, indoor sensors that lack official HomeKit support

Smart home accessory maker iHome this week launched a new Apple HomeKit smart plug, intended for outdoor use, just in time for the holiday season and lighted Christmas decorations. The company also debuted a trio of indoor sensors, though none of those offer HomeKit compatibility.

iHome's iSP100 Outdoor SmartPlug is priced at $39.99 and was designed to withstand the elements. It lets users control outdoor lighting, decorations and small appliances at up to 1800 watts.

Like other indoor smart plugs from iHome, the iSP100 includes Apple HomeKit technology, letting users control devices through the Home app or Siri. Users can also integrate the plug into their HomeKit scenes and triggers, allowing it to play nicely with HomeKit accessories made by other manufacturers.

Beyond HomeKit, the iSP100 works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Nest and Wink.

The company also launched three new iHome Control products, letting homeowners monitor for leaks, interior motion and the opening of doors and windows. While these integrate with the official iHome app for iOS, they are not compatible with HomeKit.

The new sensors are:

iSBO1 Motion Sensor ($29.99), providing push notifications to an iPhone or iPad when motion is sensed.
iSBO2 Dual Leak Sensor ($29.99), alerting homeowners to leaks within their home, with an internal leak detector and a six-foot extension probe.
iSB04 Door/Window Sensor ($29.99), letting users know when doors or windows are open or closed, complete with a 90-decibel alarm that can be enabled.

While the HomeKit-compatible iSP100 outdoor smart plug is available to purchase now, the three indoor sensors are advertised as "coming soon."

AppleInsider reviewed one of iHome's first HomeKit products, the iSP5 SmartPlug, back in 2015, and found it to be a strong entrance into Apple's smart home ecosystem. Unlike the latest plug, previous models were indoor-only.

6 Comments

slprescott 10 Years · 759 comments

About 7 years ago

Just in time for Christmas. Turn off your outdoor lights from inside the house, using your phone.

coolfactor 20 Years · 2342 comments

Why would any company release a "smart" home product WITHOUT HomeKit? Licensing?

mike1 10 Years · 3437 comments

Gonna check this out. Hopefully be able to handle the current draw of my pool filter.

15A/1800W. I should be good. I'm going to pick one up and give it a try.

entropys 13 Years · 4316 comments

coolfactor said:

Why would any company release a "smart" home product WITHOUT HomeKit? Licensing?

Particularly if they already sell compatible products. Weird. It’s like one lab doesn’t talk to the other lab in the next room.

cornchip 11 Years · 1943 comments

entropys said:
It’s like one lab doesn’t talk to the other lab in the next room.

May be closer to actuality than you’d think. This is almost a problem at my company of about 50. That includes all administrative, accounting customer service etc. there’s only really one engineer. I’m guessing iHome is quite a bit bigger than we are. Things are happening so fast and if this was in development before their home kit licensing was secured, or if the one guy who was supposed to get the certification didn’t get it in time or who knows. There’re a dozen ways crap like that happens. It’s ridiculous.