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Aqara’s new smart outlet can trigger scenes based on power usage

A smart outlet with real-time energy monitoring.

Its party trick is the ability to monitor the real-time power usage of connected devices and appliances to initiate automations around the home. For example, if you charge your phone when going to sleep you could automatically activate a nighttime scene — arm motion detectors, lock the door, close blinds, and turn off lights — just as soon as the H2 begins pulling more than 10W of power. Or, it can detect when the laundry cycle ends to shut the machine off and send you a notification — that way you don’t have to listen to it beep incessantly until you finally walk upstairs with heavy regret for having bought the cheap entry-level Bosch you've grown to hate (yes: this is me).

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