Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Smart Home
  3. News

IFTTT is quietly becoming a smart home powerhouse

By

IFTTT recipes
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Even if you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about IFTTT at some point or another. Over the past couple years, it’s grown from a little-known Web app to an Internet of Things powerhouse, and it’s only getting bigger. Lately it’s been adding support for connected home devices at a feverish pace.

For the uninitiated, IFTTT (short for If This, Then That) allows you to connect different web-services and gadgets to each other over the Internet. You start by activating the different Channels (apps, websites, devices) that you use, like Facebook, Gmail, or Fitbit. Using simple logic, you can then set rules for how these channels interact. If This happens on Twitter, then That will happen on Facebook, for example.

Recommended Videos

Back when the service first launched, there weren’t very many Internet-connected gadgets in the world, so IFTTT could only link Web apps to other Web apps. But in the past couple years, that’s changed completely. Now that the smart home trend has taken off with a vengeance, there are more Web-connected devices out in the wild than you can shake a stick at — and slowly but surely, IFTTT is adding support for each one.

Related: 15 deliciously fun IFTTT recipes for iPhone and iPad

IFTTTJust last year, the service only supported maybe one or two smart home devices. Today, it’s got channels for more than 23 of them. Philips Hue bulbs, Belkin WeMo products, and the Withings smart body scale were among the first to get added, and in the past few months they’ve been joined by channels for Nest products, Quikry’s Wink gear, and the Revolv smart home hub. Some of the most popular smart home devices in the biz have channels on IFTTT now, and more are being added with each passing week.

In October alone, the company added channels for: Honeywell’s EvoHome smart heating system, the Homeboy home security system, Smappee energy tracking system, Logitech Harmony products, and the Garageio smart garage door opener. In the first week of November, it launched a channels for the Ubi voice-controlled home assistant and Rachio Iro sprinkler controller. That’s seven new channels in less than four weeks time — a strong indicator that IFTTT has put a larger focus on connected home devices as of late.

There are dozens of companies out there right now who are clamoring to unify the Internet of Things and create a platform where all connected devices can interact with each other, but if IFTTT keeps up its current pace, it may very well beat them to the punch.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Drew Prindle
Drew Prindle
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Drew Prindle is an award-winning writer, editor, and storyteller who currently serves as Senior Features Editor for Digital…
Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo vs. Dreame X40 Ultra: Which robot vacuum is best for your smart home?
The Ecovacs X2 Combo installed in a home.

The Dreame X40 Ultra and Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo are both well-rounded robot vacuums. They bring heaps of functionality to your home, including self-cleaning docks, robots that can both mop and clean in a single run, and luxurious designs that blend with most home décor. All that doesn't come cheap, and you'll be spending well over $1,000 to get your hands on either robot. That means you'll want to carefully weigh your options before making such a hefty investment.

From vacuuming and mopping performance to pricing and additional features, here's a look at the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo and Dreame X40 Ultra to help you decide which is best for your home.
Pricing and availability

Read more
Is a smart air purifier a wise investment?
Coway Airmega IconS True HEPA air purifier in home

Spring is in full swing, and much of the population has officially succumbed to the sniffling and sneezing associated with seasonal allergies. that makes now a great time to consider picking up an air purifier, as they're shown to do wonders for air quality. Along with handling dander from pets, they'll also eliminate pollen and other allergens that may wander through your doors and windows. Air purifiers are incredibly popular -- and smart air purifiers are finally starting to catch up.

But should you invest in a smart air purifier, or are you better off with a traditional one? Here's a look at these unique gadgets to help you decide if one is right for your home.
What is a smart air purifier?

Read more
Should you buy a new smart lock or retrofit your existing deadbolt?
Schlage Encode Plus smart lock installed on a wooden door to a living room.

When it comes to smart locks, all models essentially fall into two categories. The first category will be familiar to most people, as these are traditional smart locks built to replace your existing deadbolt. That means you'll get a whole new set of keys for your front door, as well as hardware that introduces smart features to your home.

The second kind of smart lock is a retrofit smart lock. These quirky devices are designed to fit over your existing hardware -- allowing you to keep using your old keys while also adding smart features. Both types of smart locks are great ways to upgrade your front door, but which is best for your home? Here's a closer look to help you decide if you should replace your traditional deadbolt with a smart lock or install a retrofit smart lock instead.
Consider your DIY skills

Read more