Trivial really but what about smart plugs?

9 comments started 2026-04-13 last 2026-04-13
GivEnergy Products
#1 Judith

We’ve got a number of GE smart plugs which will become unprogrammable when the cloud goes and not worth subscribing (if a cloud service eventually exists) for them alone.
They are probably re-badged and available through another app somewhere.
Does anyone know which company makes them and who else sells them?

G
#2 Guybrush-Threepwood

They just released an FAQ which came via email. They say the smart plugs are just rebranded Tuya plugs which means you can use the Tuya apps on the App Store or I would think you can use Local Tuya in home assistant

I’ve been replacing all my Tuya based plugs with matter enabled ones which are blocked from the internet for complete local control

#4 Judith

Guybrush-Threepwood what are matter enabled is that name an auto correct issue?
Can you please post a link to them?
Thanks

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#5 Guybrush-Threepwood

Matter is a new protocol for smart things which means matter devices talk nicely to matter devices without the need for cloud services. No subscriptions. No payments.

If you use Apple home you just scan the code on the side and it pairs. Same for google. Your network needs a matter hub and these come in various ways but things like an Apple HomePod, Apple TV 4K and other google devices are matter hubs already.

I have a great experience with these https://amzn.eu/d/066ZEz2U

You can use their cloud app. Or as I have HomePods I just scan the code in Apple.

Matter can also be added to Home assistant in the same way. Scan/enter the code. All paired.

You can also then disable the devices internet access as it’s not needed. Your hub does all the work

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#6 Guybrush-Threepwood

Ikea also have matter smart plugs which are now in the shops. The Grillplats.

These have the added advantage of them not needing WiFi at all. They talk to your network via Thread. An entirely local network that’s secure. You need a thread gateway but again. Apple HomePods, tv and google smart speakers already do this.

And again setup is scanning the code and done.
https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/grillplats-plug-smart-60624745/

#7 Judith

@Guybrush-Threepwood thanks something more to learn about. We’ve deliberately chosen to not have the commercial smart home devices until now.

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#8 pwdst

If you buy Matter devices then they should remain usable through local control even if the manufacturer removes support and any app. This may require a Matter hub but that could be as simple as a Matter compatible smart speaker, television or WiFi router. It doesn't have to be the same brand.

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#9 pwdst

It also means that if you like smart bulbs from one brand, switches from another and movement sensors from a third it should be easy to tie them all together.