ICYMI: Native Union cables, iDevices Instinct Alexa-powered switch & more

Here are our top picks for new gear from the last seven days you should check out including an Alexa-powered switch, new USB-C to Lightning cables, and a smart water leak detection system.

iDevices Instinct Switch

After being first announced at CES 2018, the iDevices Instinct switch is finally available to order.

The in-wall switch has Amazon Alexa directly integrated into the switch, allowing the virtual assistant to be summoned right from within the wall. There is an LED ring light in the center to see when Alexa is listening, as well as ambient light and motion sensors.

Audio, such as Amazon Music or Audible can be played back through the switch with what iDevices calls "SOEN" premium audio.

The Instinct switch is available from iDevices for $99.95.

Native Union USB-C Lightning

Native Union is out now with new USB-C Lightning cables to join the growing market of third-party options.

The cables are rugged and nylon wrapped as well as uniquely styled.

Our favorite of the new line is the USB-C to Lightning Key Cable. The Key Cable is small, compact, and easily fits on a keychain or the outside of a bag. It has a built-in keyring for easy attachment and a knotted ball in the center.

The Key Cable USB-C to Lightning is available now on Amazon for $34.95.

Phyn Smart Water Assistant

Produced by Phyn, the Smart Water Assistant is a whole-home system to monitor the water supply. Said to be a first-of-its-kind smart home device, it is able to provide insights into how much water each and every fixture in a home uses for tracking water consumption, as well as to identify areas of excess water use, and potential leaks.

Despite offering a seemingly complex system, it is able to be installed under a single sink, without requiring the service of a plumber. The pressure-sensing technology analyzes changes in the water pressure 240 times a second in order to learn and categorize each water fixture, and can even detect the gradual pressure buildup from ice crystals forming in pipes over winter.

Availabel for prepurchase, the Phyn Smart Water Assistant is priced at $299.

Other notable releases

Here's some gear we've already covered this week, but they're collected here in case you missed them.