People are talking about IFTTT (If This Then That), the cool app that lets users concoct “recipes” – step by step instructions – which automate tasks around the house when used with compatible equipment.
IFTTT allows various smart home gadgets to work together to obey your commands, such as turning on lights at certain times of days or calling a phone under certain circumstances.
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I recently reviewed the Arlo Wire Free home security camera system. Now, Arlo works with IFTTT out of the box. That’s right – there’s nothing else to buy and no firmware updates to download.
Simply sign up for IFTTT and start customizing Arlo using its IFTTT channel. Even without IFTTT, Arlo already can email you and/or place an alert on your phone when it detects motion and activates one of the cameras. With its IFTTT partnership, you can add more functions without paying anything extra.
Plus, IFTT lets Arlo integrate with other smart devices. It’ll work with Amazon Echo for voice control of Arlo. It can tie into Phillips Hue smart lighting, doing tasks such as blinking lights or turning on lights when motion is detected on the Arlo.
Amazon Echo is an amazing device that does just about everything for you short of fixing the kitchen sink. It’ll play music and answer questions about the traffic and weather. It’ll read audiobooks and news reports, provide information on local businesses and look up sports scores and schedules.
It’s controlled with your voice – no typing required. You can ask it to find you a local Italian restaurant, find out what’s on your calendar today or re-order laundry detergent.
How About You?
Do you use any smart devices such as Echo or Hue in your home? What do you think of them? Have you tried IFTTT? Does it help automate your life?
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