Smart home technology is supposed to make your home smarter but often times it’s difficult to install and there’s a learning curve to using it. That’s not the case with the ConnectSense outlet from Grid Connect which might be the simplest piece of smart home tech I’ve come across.

ConnectSense is simply a WiFi connected double outlet that fits over any existing outlet in your home. It has two ports that can be controlled individually over your home’s WiFi network and also boasts USB  charging ports. After downloading the ConnectSense app you can control the outlet from your smartphone and even setup rules for when outlets should be turned on or off based on time of day, day of the week, etc.

I got an idea of the simplicity of the device when I was sent an early sample to test out before Thanksgiving. In order to truly test how easy it was to install and setup, I figured I would try and use it at the most stressful moment possible: 5 minutes before packing my 4 kids into the car to go away for Thanksgiving.

No, I’m not kidding.

I realized before our week long trip that it would be nice to setup timers for the lights in our home and I figured the ConnectSense could fill that need. So here are the steps I took to install it:

1. Took ConnectSense out of the box.
2. Plugged it in over existing outlet.
3. Downloaded ConnectSense app
4. Connected outlet to WiFi and was done before my wife could realize I wasn’t packing up the car like she asked.

This took all of 5 minutes to do. I plugged my lamps into the outlet and through the app setup times for them to turn on and off. It really was that simple.

ConnectSense is also the first smart outlet to work with the Apple HomeKit which opens up opportunities for connectivity across smart home devices and even integration with Siri. And with the holidays right around the corner the ConnectSense is a nice tool to set your holidays lights to turn on and off or a great stocking stuffer.

So in a world where smart home device choices abound, ConnectSense offers simplicity and ease of use for those looking to dip their toe in the smart home waters.

Find out more about ConnectSense here or visit ColdwellBanker.com/smarthome for an in depth look at smart home devices.