For many years, discussions around smart homes have primarily focused on convenience and simplification. We’ve concentrated on innovations like voice-activated lights, unlocking doors via our smartphones, or adjusting temperatures without getting off the couch. While these features are impressive, I envision a new generation of HomeKit that prioritizes home maintenance. I recently discovered Ting, which, although not compatible with HomeKit, has sparked numerous ideas on how I believe smart home technology can advance in the future.
HomeKit Weekly is a series dedicated to smart home gadgets, automation strategies, and all aspects related to Apple’s smart home ecosystem.
What is Ting?
Ting is a compact device aimed at helping you proactively identify potential issues in your electrical wiring. It plugs directly into a standard power outlet and continuously monitors your home’s wiring for loose connections, faulty wiring, or sparks that could pose a fire hazard. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, Ting aims to detect problems before they escalate, enabling you to address them swiftly.
How could this type of technology evolve?
As Ting undergoes its setup phase, it takes about a week to understand your home’s wiring system and develop a performance baseline. This means the device becomes increasingly intelligent as it learns your behaviors and patterns. Imagine a comprehensive smart home system that not only keeps an eye on your electrical wiring but also tracks your plumbing, HVAC system, and major appliances. What if your smart home could alert you to a plumbing leak before it occurs? What if it could notify you that your HVAC is underperforming and suggest possible remedies? As previously mentioned, this concept transcends just using Siri for controlling lights. Picture a home that actively maintains itself; if HomeKit recognized a plumbing issue, it could notify you and assist in scheduling repairs or provide guidance through Apple Intelligence for DIY fixes.
The Ting setup process
Getting started with Ting is incredibly easy. First, download the Ting app and set up an account (unfortunately, there’s no option for Sign-in with Apple). Then, plug the Ting device into an outlet and remain nearby. The app will guide you step-by-step through connecting it to your Wi-Fi. In just a few minutes, Ting will be ready to start monitoring your home’s electrical system and establishing its baseline.
Should Ting detect any issues, the app will promptly notify you, and the Ting support team will assist in diagnosing the problem. They’ll even help you arrange for an electrician to resolve the issue, ensuring your home remains safe and secure. I’ve been using it for several weeks now, and I appreciate the email alerts it sends me.
Wrap up
I am thoroughly impressed with Ting so far. Thankfully, I haven’t encountered any issues, but I take comfort in knowing it’s actively monitoring. I am eager to see more technology like this integrated into my smart home. While I enjoy HomeKit scenes and automations, I seek devices that can assist in maintaining my home and proactively identifying potential problems. So far, Ting is just what I was looking for.
You can purchase it from Amazon, and depending on your homeowner’s insurance provider, you might even qualify for a free device.
