We aren't fans of having our every move profiled. When it comes to buying nifty new IoT hardware then having to install one or more apps from unknown manufacturers, we really cringe. In fact, we'll often even send the hardware back. But we love the idea behind IoT and smart home technology, so we started looking at ways we could integrate it into OutagesIO.
We spent some time working with equipment we thought would be useful to us, and hopefully to you. We discovered each manufacturer really wants you to use their app. They aren't thrilled about anyone wanting to convert their hardware to a different way of accessing it and rarely provide any helpful information. Sometimes the devices we ordered were slightly different builds, so what worked on one version didn’t always work on the other. But we are persistent and eventually figured it out.
OutagesIO smart hardware
We are developing a range of secure, smart devices that require no learning curve, provide remote control through your OutagesIO dashboard and of course, local access in case your Internet is down. Our first products are individually controllable power outlets, power strips and relays. We’ll add more items as we keep figuring out ways around the apps.
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Do you really know what the apps you install are sharing?
One of the biggest reasons we started this project was we were tired of installing an app for everything we wanted to use. The apps are usually tied to a social media account, and use this info to show ads based on our user profiles as a way to pay for the “free” app needed to use their product. We just wanted to turn on some lights and a few pieces of hardware around the office, not share all of our personal data with Big Tech.
We've done all the hard work
We have spent months coding in the background to integrate smart hardware controls into OutagesIO with a primary goal of making it as easy to use as possible.
The best part, no apps to install. Simply order the hardware, plug it in, set your WiFi and you'll have local controls and the ability to remotely control it from your OutagesIO dashboard.
Open-source mobile apps
If you really want to control your devices using your mobile, we will be sharing notes and information on how you can do so using safer open-source apps. We'll suggest apps maintained by an open-source development community that isn't tied to big tech and is usually anti-profiling.
No spying, no turning on your mic or camera or GPS and all those things you would normally have to agree to just to use something. We will identify the ones we believe are profiling-free, then you can decide if you want to install it or continue to use the OutagesIO control panel.
Simple, non-profiling agreement
Our user agreement for our hardware and software agents are simple and there's never any profiling, whether you add on IoT devices or not.
Secure
Our devices are secure. Someone driving by scanning for vulnerable hardware will not see these. They will have an open port for you to connect it to your WiFi when you first receive it then will not advertise themselves or expose WiFi details.
Still want to read more? Here’s info on our latest offerings:
Smart home automation without invasive apps
Click on the IoT Pricing page to order.
