Can you get smart-plugs that don't need an app?

[d000hg]

I don't believe it will end up with a single standard. If it takes off, I believe it will be a common interface onto 3 (assuming Google/Apple/Amazon) standards. So, 4 standards.

Well yes. But in theory manufacturers only need to worry about the common interface when designing?

you're missing the advantage of doing it through an app.
It will be updated, secured, patched etc. by a provider who knows what they are doing.

You're very trusting. The quality of apps doesn't give me much confidence it's not just a couple of guys hacking away in most cases
And most apps I've looked into are basically wrapping some HTTP API which is easily reverse-engineered. Honeywell, Simplisafe, Blink - homebrew projects allow you to access all of these for example.

[d000hg]

Or, one could simply get up and switch on/off the light.

Maybe your house is so small that's not a problem

[ladymuck]

Maybe your house is so small that's not a problem

I get the butler to do it.

[Paralytic]

I get the butler to do it.

I get the butler to use the app, so it doesn't impede the delivery of my drinks.

[WTFH]

I get the butler to use the app, so it doesn't impede the delivery of my drinks.

INKSPE.

Only ONE butler?

Don't you have a sommelier for the wine?

[wattaj]

I get the butler to do it.

Scotland. We don't use the electricity unless we have to.

[Paralytic]

INKSPE.

Only ONE butler?

Don't you have a sommelier for the wine?

I was simplifying things. The sommelier takes the wine to the butler who delivers it to me. That way, I don't need to know the sommeliers name. Both use the app.

[adubya]

Buy a Sonoff Wifi plug and put Tasmota on it. No more phoning home to China, all controlled via your home LAN with Alexa compatability if you so desire.

[d000hg]

Buy a Sonoff Wifi plug and put Tasmota on it. No more phoning home to China, all controlled via your home LAN with Alexa compatability if you so desire.

I actually got a Sonoff device to try out the other day: SONOFF Smart WiFi Switch Mini 2 Way Light Switch,Works with Alexa/Google Home/IFTTT,APP Remote Control Switch,Voice Control,Timer Function,Support LAN Control,No Hub Required (2 Pack): Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

This one seems pretty neat - you can wire in a switch to manually flip the state which is a very clever addition I've not seen on other products.
It also claims "LAN control" but I've not looked into that.

Oddly, other Sonoff devices on Amazon don't seem to have either of these functions. Never heard of Tasmota, is that like a firmware flash? Is it specific to Sonoff, and are Sonoff a known brand or just another random Chinese company?

edit: Sonoff DIY - Tasmota

[adubya]

Co-incidentally I received a Sonoff Mini today and flashed Tasmota onto it