Andrew Orr
TP-Link's first Matter-certified smart plug with energy monitoring is now available and links to HomeKit.
Launched through its Kasa Smart brand, the plug — KP125M — lets people control their smart home devices from a single app. It works with Apple's HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings.
The smart plug monitors the energy usage of any device plugged into it, and users can get insights into their usage patterns to make informed decisions about their energy consumption. In this manner, it can help people save money on their energy bills.
The Kasa Smart KP125M plug also offers scheduling and timer features. Besides controlling the plug via the Kasa Smart app that requires iOS 10 or later, users can control it using voice commands with Siri.
Its compact design means it will only take up a little space on an outlet and measures 2.62 inches by 1.57 inches by 1.5 inches. It's also flame retardant to help prevent damage in the case of a house fire.
Matter is a new industry standard for smart home appliances for interoperability between various smart home devices and offers an easy setup process. All Matter-supported devices can work together, no matter which brand makes them.
A Matter hub is required to provide a network supporting Matter-certified devices. For example, Apple supports the Matter setup with a HomePod, HomePod mini, Apple TV, or iPad as a Matter Hub.
It requires iOS 16.2 or later to control Matter devices.
Kasa Matter Smart Plug with Matter and energy monitoring — Pricing & availability
The Kasa Matter Smart Plug is available through Amazon for $39.99 and comes in a two-pack. The company also provides the smart plug in a four pack for $69.99.
Christine McKee
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3 Comments
I've had mine for a month now and it works great with Apple Homekit.
So how does the Energy Monitoring component actually work? Is it just in the Kasa app, or is it via Bluetooth. The current Matter standard as of June 2023 does not support Energy Monitoring, so it can't be sending any energy monitoring data via Matter.