The Hottest Gadget This Year: The Belkin WeMo

The Belkin WeMo is a device that allows you to use your iPhone to turn off or on anything you would plug into an electrical outlet in your home, whether you're in another room or out of town . WeMo looks like a power outlet (called a switch) that you plug into your existing socket and works with a free downloadable app. The WeMo app can be downloaded through the Apple AppStore.

Simply put, this is a home automation system on a smaller scale that is very easy to use. All that is needed is a home wi-fi network; the WeMo app on your iPhone, iPod or iPad; an outlet; and a device to automate. The Belkin WeMo can be turned on and off with the downloaded app. You can turn it off and on manually within the app, or it can be schedule to go on and off at preset times.

The WeMo can add convenience to your life. Basically, if you can plug it in, you can control it with WeMo. You can turn on your coffeemaker from the comfort of your bed in the mornings before work. Use the WeMo to turn your outside lights on if you're going to be home after dark. Have peace of mind when you're going out of town. Program a schedule with the WeMo to turn your lights or television on and off so it looks like you're home. Tired of climbing behind the tree to turn the Christmas lights out or going outside in the cold to turn out the Christmas lights? Plug the string of lights into the WeMo and it's a snap to turn them off via your iPhone. Are you always forgetting to turn things off after you use them? With the WeMo you can always turn them off if you forget.

Installation is simple. WeMo works with your existing wi-fi router and any iPhone, iPad, or iPod. Just install the WeMo app onto your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to remotely control your WeMo. Plug the WeMo into an outlet, plug in whatever device you wish to regulate into the WeMo, and you're done. Setting schedules is easy with the step-by-step instructions from within the app. You can control as much or as little of your home as you want to.

Not being supported on the Android platform will be a problem for those users. WeMo can control multiple devices for your home, however a separate switch must be bought for each device. It can be expensive if you wish to control numerous devices, but it is by far cheaper than installing a home automation system which can cost up to $10,000.