Gadgets | Smart plug turns electronics on or off from just about anywhere

Innovative technology company iHome's iSP5 SmartPlug is first in the new iHome Control series of products.

Once connected, it's simple to turn electronics on or off from just about anywhere using an iOS or Android device. This can include but is not limited to lights, radios or air control systems.

I tried it with my iPad and it took just minutes to get going. The SmartPlug fits into any standard AC plug and has a pass-through outlet to connect the device you want to control.

The SmartPlug has a horizontal design so you can plug a pair into a standard wall outlet, or use the second outlet for another plug.

With the iHome Control app, you connect the SmartPlug to your existing Wi-Fi.

The app lets you control multiple SmartPlug with a single command and even works with Siri. You can also grant permission for other uses to control the SmartPlug with a PIN.

There's a button on the SmartPlug adapter to turn your device on or off manually. If you decide to move the SmartPlugs, there won't be any additional setup as long as it stays on the same Wi-Fi network.

According to iHome, they are "named by Apple as a launch partner to make the first products compatible with their new HomeKit smart home technology." HomeKit is Apple's smart-home software system.

ihomeaudio.com $39.99

The Thumbs Up! Touch Mini Boombox speaker is incredibly innovative.

The speaker can fit in your pocket if you wear baggy pants; otherwise it makes a great travel accessory. The front-facing 3w speaker is covered by an octagonal black grill (2.5-inches in diameter) and about 3-inches deep.

What I really like is there's no Bluetooth built-in and there's no need for a 3.5 mm cable connection.

The speaker can be considered an amplifier since you put your smartphone, iPod or any small media player into the Boombox's side pocket to amplify the sound.

While the two are connected, the speaker is strong enough to keep the phone upright for viewing the LCD both vertically and horizontally.

Inside the speaker is a 500Ah rechargeable battery, which lasts for up to 5 hours before a microUSB charge is needed.

thumbsupuk.com $39.89

Gregg Ellman, gadget guru, can be reached at greggellman@mac.com. Follow him on Twitter @greggellman.

This story was originally published October 1, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Gadgets | Smart plug turns electronics on or off from just about anywhere ."