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Press mentions!
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Well, there is not much to talk about. Current solutions are both crazy expensive and difficult to setup. That's why we created Hook!
What is Hook?
Hook is a new device that makes inexpensive remote-controlled outlet adapters and bulb sockets Smart - to enable Home Automation on a Budget.
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These remote-controlled outlet adapters and bulb sockets are already commercially available. You can buy them from Amazon, Costco and Home Depot. They come with a remote control. An appliance plugged into the outlet adapter or a bulb screwed into the socket can be turned on/off with press of the button on the remote. They are really inexpensive - often as low as $5/ea in pack of five. They are not line-of-sight and work through walls.
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Hook makes these outlets adapters and bulb sockets Smart. All you have to do is clone the remote control to the Hook app (see setup video). It's fun and one-time! And the best part, you only need one Hook for your home.
Existing appliances and lighting in the home like lamps, light bulbs, coffeemaker, window fan - anything that is powered by electricity - can now be controlled with your phone from anywhere in the world.
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Hook works with IFTTT (via Particle channel). You can schedule operations of routine tasks like operating holiday lights between sunset and sunrise and create rule-based scenarios like turning your coffee maker 'on' when the alarm goes off.
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Lastly, some technical bit. Hook is a RF-to-WiFi hub with remote cloning technology built-in. It works over 315MHz and 433MHz RF frequency bands. Devices like remote controlled outlet adapters, bulb sockets, LED strip controllers, ceiling fan remotes, motorized blinds, window fans and space heaters work on the same frequency. WiFi chip in Hook is supplied by particle.io - this is the reason Hook is easy to use and incredibly reliable!
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Outlet adapters or Bulb Sockets - What to get? For anything you will plug in to an electrical outlet get an outlet adapter. For lamps, get outlet adapters. Bulb sockets work best with ceiling lights.
Hook does not ship with a USB wall adapter. You can use ANY standard wall charger like an old iPhone charger to power Hook. Or get one from us that's guaranteed to work with Hook! Just add $5 to your pledge.
Why USB? USB helped us keep costs down while allowing tinkerer in you to get access to Hook's core.
Remote controls? Yes, kits come with the original remote control(s) for times when you pressing the button is far more satisfying that tap on your phone.
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If you pledge for one of the kits, you have two options to get part of your perk:
Get the outlets and sockets early (Aug '15).Get started with home automation sooner and do the pairing yourself with Hook when it ships (it's simple, fun, and one-time). Hook will still arrive around Dec. '15.
Get everything pre-programmed with Hook (Dec. '15). The outlets and bulb sockets come pre-programmed and ready to go with your Hook.
You don't have to decide now. We will get your preference in the survey sent out after the campaign ends.
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- 1. Connect Hook to a USB power source - an old iPhone USB adapter will do.
- 2. Connect lamps and appliances to outlet adapters, and light bulbs to bulb sockets.
- 3. Pair the remote(s) - Skip this step if you are getting them pre-programmed.
- 4. Enjoy the benefits of a smart home!
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The Hook app will be available for iOS and Android when the Hook ships. It controls outlet adapters and bulb sockets connected to the Hook. It monitors the state of appliances and lights connected to the outlet adapters and bulb sockets even when you don't use the app to control them. You can still use the remote to control. The app makes it easier to remember your devices by allowing you to name them. It also enables simple rule-based scenarios through IFTTT (now IF). Hook app will also have machine learning built-in so that it can learn to serve you better. For example, it can notify you if you accidentally leave an appliance On, like a space heater or curling iron. When you get more outlet adapters and bulb sockets, the app allows you to clone the new remote to your phone.
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Imagine a cold winter night. You are all cozy in your bed. You notice that you forgot to turn off the stupid lamp. You don't want to get out of the bed to turn it off, yet it is bothering you...
This is what exactly happened to our Anigo multiple times! He found the remote controlled outlets at his local Home Depot. He thought they could solve the problem. But, alas...every now and then, he would lose the remote. What he always had with home was his phone. An idea was born - connect these outlets to the Internet so that the lamp can be controlled with a phone.
Anigo met Rahil and found that even had a similar experience, but the smart electronics whiz that Rahil is, he was already a step ahead. Thanks to the internet and wonderful people at Particle community, he had built the first version of Hook with wires soldered to the remote itself!
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However, with the 'Hack', Hook was still far from a commercial solution. What we discovered next became the essence of Hook’s innovation. We figured a way so that everybody can do the 'hack' - and make any existing remote controlled outlet adapters and bulb sockets SMART.
The Hook project became a full-fledged team when Max and Robert joined the effort. We founded Hack-a-Joe Labs LLC, filed a patent for RF-to-WiFi remote cloning technology, and started working heads-down to make Hook a reality.
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At this moment, we are actively making minor tweaks and improvements and finalizing the design for production. We did a successful Kickstarter campaign to validate the idea. We have 30 prototypes with our alpha testers and have been getting great feedback. Our app and web service are being developed in collaboration with our partner SimplifyS.
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Hook has partnered with Etekcity and GGI International to bring exclusive pricing of remote-controlled outlet adapters and bulb sockets to our backers. We have partnered with Simplifys software solutions to build the entire software stack and the iOS and Android apps.
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We have tested with every remote controlled outlet adapter and bulb socket out there to make sure Hook supports them. If you have something that you aren't sure about, let us know and we'd happy to look into it.
In theory, Hook should be able to connect any device working on RF 315/433MHz to the Internet as long as it has static codes. Car remotes work on same frequency - but they will not work. Some old garage door openers might.
Other than outlet adapter and bulb socket, following have been tested to work with Hook and some community-suggested projects:
Motorized blinds like
Somfy RTS may work. There is still some work needed to ensure compatibility.
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Help us spread the word-- share Hook with your social media followers and friends and family! We believe that if we can start a loud enough conversation, we can change the home automation industry!
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We did a Kickstarter campaign last month to raise capital to fund our first manufacturing run. We got much love and support. Our gears are in full motion, and it would be great if we could meet even higher quantities for manufacturing. This is where this campaign comes in.
All the contributions made through the Indiegogo campaign will make into the first manufacturing run for delivery in Dec 2015.
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Hook
campaign on Kickstarter ended on May 27, 2015. We are opening for
pre-orders through this campaign.
Risks and challenges
Indiegogo campaign is much like writing Phd general exam proposal (personal experience on our team). Before proposing your thesis aims, you identify all the risks, all the things that could go wrong and then take proactive steps to iron out the concerns or prevent them altogether. We have applied the same approach in bringing this campaign to you.
Even the most prepared can fall short. This is especially true for hardware projects. We do understand that delays and issues can occur at any stage of production. However, we want to assure you we have a unique access to resources and advisers who want to build Hook as much as we do, and we believe this synergy is key to success.
Lastly, if an unexpected scenario does occur, we do promise to keep absolute transparency and to keep our backers always in loop. We are committed to bringing you the best possible product to our backers.
FAQs
1.
How many devices can I connect to one Hook?
We
have tested with 15 devices without interference causing a problem. We believe
you can do more depending on your surroundings and ambiance.
2. What RF frequencies does Hook support?
315 MHz and 433 MHz
3. What
other RF devices does Hook work with?
Hook
works with any RF remote that has static codes. Some examples include motorized
window blinds*, LED strip controllers, ceiling fans, wireless door chimes and
some garage door openers. Pretty much any remote that doesn't have the
"eye" at the front, as in IR. Of course, Hook will work with your
existing remote-controlled outlets and bulb sockets. Hook does not work with
Hampton Bay ceiling fans yet.
4. Do these bulb sockets support dimming?
No,
this model is just on/off.
5. Why can't people from the EU buy the kit
options?
Homes
in the EU operate with different plugs and voltages than North America. RF
remote-controlled outlets and socket adapters are available and work with Hook,
but not through our collaborators on this campaign. Feel free to buy a Hook and
purchase RF devices separately!
6. I have a big house, do I need more than one
Hook?
No!
We have tested it on a Multi-Storied 2000 SqFt house and we were able to
control all the outlets and sockets with just one Hook. You are always welcome
to buy more Hooks and give them to your friends and family or put them in your
vacation home (not from personal experience btw, must be nice!).
7. I already have a home automation product like
NEST, SmartThings, NEEO. How will the Hook work with them?
IFTTT
makes Hook talk to all the awesome smart home products out there
8. Why does Hook have a USB plug?
Hook
receives its power by USB. We chose USB (as opposed to a built-in outlet plug)
to keep costs down and allow easy access for tinkerers. You can use a standard
USB adapter you have around the house or get one from us with Hook
9. I don't see an option to purchase a USB
adapter. How do I get one with my Hook?
Just
add $5 to your pledge amount and we'll ship a USB adapter with your Hook.
10. Does Hook only work with these particular
brands of outlet adapter and bulb socket?
No.
Hook works with almost every remote controlled outlet adapters and bulb sockets
that are out there.
11. I don't have a smartphone, would the Hook
work for me?
Yes,
we have you covered. The Hook can be controlled with a Web App as well.
12. Did you use a green screen for the Machu Picchu shot?
No, Robert was really there! We wouldn't deceive you like that ;-)
