IFTTT (If This, Then That) has been at the forefront of device/service integration for some time now. It has become such a well known tool that even those who care little about technology know and use it. The idea is to connect two individual services, to create a singular action/service – therefore simplifying your day-to-day life.
When you combine those two services, you create what IFTTT call an “Applet”.
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But, what can you do with IFTTT?
To be completely honest, your options are almost limitless. IFTTT integrates with a VAST amount of services. IFTTT defines a service as:
“Services are the apps and devices you use every day. Each service has useful Applets you can turn on.”
It’s almost guaranteed that most devices you have in your house, that are connected to the internet, can integrate with IFTTT, as well as most if not all social media platforms, mail clients, your car, or even your wearable device!
For example:
- IF you get a notification from Facebook on your smartphone, THEN flash your Philips Hue bulb a specified colour.
- IF your NETGEAR Arlo Q home security camera detects motion, THEN turn on your LIFX bulb
- IF you arrive home (geofenced area), THEN turn on your Belkin WeMo Switch
What’s the point though?
In short: simplification of your daily tasks.
You take 5 minutes out of your day to define your daily tasks, such as: turning your light off before you leave the house, or turning the coffee machine on at a certain time in the morning then getting back into bed while your coffee is brewing – you then create a custom “applet” to take care of these tasks for you (turn the lights off when you go out of a geofenced area, turn your smart plug on at X o’clock) and you save yourself a good few minutes every day, as well as the stress of not being able to remember if you left your lights on!
99% of the time, you’ll find you don’t even need to build your own applet. Chances are, someone out there is already completing this task! If you take a look at the IFTTT LIFX service page, you’ll find hundreds of applets that are already created and in use by thousands of people all around the world!
What’s the catch?
There’s no catch. You can use IFTTT on your smartphone (iOS/Android) as well as on your computer/laptop/tablet via a web browser.
All you need to sign up is your email address and a password of your choosing. From there, you add your device/software’s service, sign in to your respective accounts for those services and authorize IFTTT to use them… and that’s it. You’re on your way to creating your own applet or utilizing existing ones!
Useful links
IFTTT: https://ifttt.com/
Applet FAQs: https://ifttt.com/help/questions-about-applets
IFTTT iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/app/apple-store/id660944635
IFTTT Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ifttt.ifttt
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This is not a sponsored/paid review. All opinions are entirely my own and unbiased.
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