PowerOverInternet

In their quest to provide consumers with as much convenience as possible, appliance manufacturers have started embedding network-reliant functions into otherwise basic products, ranging from automated vacuums and RGB light switches to refrigerators designed to estimate the shelf-life of the items inside.

Among these, smart outlets can make a significant difference when connected to older devices. While they usually ship with support for voice assistants or dedicated mobile apps, those whose workflows revolve around the desktop may find good use in PowerOverInternet.

As much as users wish for official programs on all platforms, the companies behind such products are oftentimes required to prioritize the most popular ones due to lack of resources.

However, since “need is the mother of innovation”, some tech-savvy users take the liberty of crafting their own before sharing them with the rest of the world, with the app at hand being a perfect example.

Once downloaded and placed unto the server of your choice, the program can be operated through a terminal client to manually turn the outlet in question on or off. Users can set a delay measured in seconds before the power to the smart plug gets cut off, depending on your needs.

At first glance, the setup process required for the utility might seem cumbersome to the average consumer compared to relying on the mobile counterpart. In spite of that, users with mobility issues seeking to deactivate their light switches from a distance without purchasing new devices are better off with this solution.

If the privacy-related terms and conditions of certain data-hungry mobile apps designed to keep you in charge of your smart appliances are holding you back, PowerOverInternet’s open approach may suit your desktop-centric workflows.