Aqara’s new smart outlet can trigger scenes based on power usage
![The Aqara app showing current energy usage superimposed upon a home living room plugged into the new H2 outlet.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Rxzx4R14BHqfElGJSZsgDzrTYcM=/0x469:2560x2176/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73360268/Wall_Outlet_H2_EU02_05.0.jpg)
Aqara just announced the €39.99 Wall Outlet H2, which offers a one-for-one smart replacement for standard 16A wall sockets used in Europe. 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...