Shelly Cloud devices are a popular range of smart home devices developed by Allterco Robotics. Until recently they weren’t certified for use here in New Zealand however some models now are such as the Shelly 1 and 1pm. They offer a unique combination of hardware, software, and cloud services to help you create an efficient, secure, and convenient smart home ecosystem by controlling the power supply to the socket from your phone or smart controller. Shelly Cloud devices cater to various needs, such as energy management, lighting control, and security monitoring.
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Key Features of Shelly Cloud Devices
There are several prominent features that distinguish Shelly Cloud devices from other smart home solutions:
- Compact Design: Shelly devices have a sleek, compact design that can easily fit into small spaces. This allows for easy and discreet installation without compromising the aesthetic appeal of your home.
- Compatibility: Shelly devices are compatible with major smart home ecosystems, such as Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit. This ensures seamless integration with your existing smart home setup and the ability to control them using voice commands.
- Customisation: The Shelly app and cloud services allow users to create custom automation scenarios, schedules, and triggers to tailor the devices’ functionalities according to their specific requirements.
- Open API: Shelly Cloud devices come with an open RESTful API, enabling developers to integrate these devices into custom applications and third-party platforms.
- Energy Management: Shelly energy monitoring devices track your energy consumption patterns and provide valuable insights to help you save on energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint.
Popular Shelly Cloud Devices and Their Applications
Shelly offers a wide range of smart devices to cater to different smart home requirements. Some popular Shelly Cloud devices include:
- Shelly 1 and Shelly 1PM: These devices are Wi-Fi-enabled relay switches that allow you to control your home’s lighting and other appliances either remotely or through automation scenarios. Shelly 1PM also offers energy monitoring capabilities.
- Shelly 2.5: A dual-channel relay switch with energy monitoring, Shelly 2.5 is perfect for automating and controlling multiple lights, fans, or other appliances simultaneously using a single device.
- Shelly Dimmer and Shelly RGBW2: These devices enable you to regulate the intensity of your lights and adjust their colour temperature or RGB colours, creating the perfect ambiance for any occasion.
- Shelly Door/Window: This sensor alerts you when doors or windows are opened or closed, ensuring better security and peace of mind.
- Shelly Flood: A water leak and temperature sensor that helps prevent water damage by immediately notifying you of any leaks detected in your home.
With a diverse range of devices, Shelly Cloud enables you to establish a smart home ecosystem tailored to your needs, combining convenience, efficiency, and security.
Integrating Shelly Cloud Devices into Your Smart Home System
Connecting Shelly Devices to Your Smart Home Network
Integrating Shelly Cloud devices into your smart home system begins with connecting them to your Wi-Fi network. This process is simple and straightforward, thanks to the Shelly app. After downloading and installing the Shelly app on your smartphone or tablet, power on your Shelly device and follow the on-screen instructions. The app will guide you through the steps of configuring and connecting the device to your Wi-Fi network. Having a good wireless network at your home or business definitely helps.
Setting Up Voice Control with Virtual Assistants
Shelly Cloud devices are designed to work seamlessly with popular voice-controlled virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. To set up voice control, first ensure your Shelly device is connected to your smart home network. Then, follow the specific integration instructions for your preferred virtual assistant, which can be found in the Shelly app or on the Shelly website.
For example, to connect a Shelly device to Amazon Alexa, open the Alexa app on your smartphone, navigate to “Skills & Games,” and search for “Shelly Cloud.” Enable the skill by following the steps provided, which include linking your Shelly Cloud account to your Amazon account. Once linked, you can discover and control your Shelly devices using voice commands through your Amazon Echo devices.
Creating Automation Routines and Schedules
Once your Shelly Cloud devices are connected to your smart home system, you can create automation routines and schedules to efficiently manage energy consumption and streamline everyday tasks. Using the Shelly app or your preferred smart home ecosystem, such as SmartThings or Home Assistant, establish custom routines that best serve your needs.
For example, you can create a routine that automatically turns off lights during the day or when you leave home, or schedule your smart plugs to control appliances during off-peak energy hours. These automation features not only contribute to a more convenient and efficient home but also result in cost savings on your energy bills.
Enhancing Energy Efficiency with Shelly Cloud Devices
Shelly Cloud devices offer a range of features that help homeowners optimise energy consumption in their smart homes. By integrating these devices, homeowners can monitor and manage energy usage more effectively, enabling them to save on utility bills and reduce their environmental impact. Key Shelly Cloud devices that enhance energy efficiency include Shelly Plug, Shelly EM, and Shelly Dimmer.
Shelly Plug enables users to track and control connected appliances’ power consumption remotely, either via the Shelly Cloud app or the web interface. Homeowners can set timers and schedules to ensure energy-efficient operation, automatically turning off devices when not in use. Shelly EM, an energy metering device, allows users to monitor real-time energy consumption, offering insights into energy usage patterns and enabling them to make informed decisions about their energy management strategies.
Shelly Dimmer is a smart lighting solution that not only enhances home ambiance but also saves energy by adjusting the brightness of connected LED bulbs. By setting the dimming level based on the time of day or occupancy, homeowners can ensure that they are only using as much energy as needed for lighting, reducing overall electricity consumption.
Integration with other Smart Home Systems
One of the key advantages of Shelly Cloud devices is their compatibility with various smart home ecosystems, making it easy for homeowners to integrate energy efficiency measures into their existing setups. By integrating Shelly Cloud devices with popular home automation platforms like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit, users can seamlessly control their energy consumption through voice commands or automated routines.
For example, homeowners can set up routines that automatically turn off lights and appliances when they leave the house or go to bed, further enhancing energy efficiency. Integration with services like IFTTT (If This Then That) opens up even more possibilities, allowing users to create custom automations based on weather, occupancy, and other factors to reduce energy waste.
Energy Efficiency through Firmware Updates
Shelly Cloud devices are continuously improved through firmware updates, ensuring that users always have access to the latest energy-saving features and optimisations. These updates can introduce new functionalities, enhance existing features, and improve the overall performance of the devices, making them even more effective at managing energy consumption in smart homes.
By staying up-to-date with the latest firmware versions for their Shelly Cloud devices, homeowners can ensure that they are making the most of the energy-saving potential offered by these devices, optimising their smart home setups to be as energy efficient as possible.
Improving Home Security through Shelly Cloud Solutions
Maximising Security with Shelly Cloud Devices
The integration of Shelly Cloud devices in a smart home system greatly contributes to enhancing home security. These devices provide homeowners with various security solutions, such as access control, motion detection, and real-time monitoring. One key benefit of using Shelly Cloud devices is the ability to remotely access your home security system from anywhere, ensuring homeowners maintain control over their property.
Shelly Cloud’s door and window sensors enable homeowners to monitor any unauthorised entries or break-ins. When the sensor detects an opened door or window, it sends a real-time notification to the homeowner’s mobile device. This allows for quick action, whether contacting the authorities or checking security cameras for possible intruders.
Smart Lighting for Enhanced Safety
Another means of improving home security using Shelly Cloud devices is through smart lighting. With Shelly Cloud’s smart light switches and bulbs, homeowners can customise their lighting preferences based on time, occupancy, or security needs. For example, homeowners can schedule exterior lights to turn on at dusk and off at dawn, deterring potential intruders.
In addition, motion-activated lighting can be set up around the property, illuminating dark areas when movement is detected. This not only serves to discourage criminal activity but also increases overall visibility and safety for household members and visitors.
Utilising Shelly Cloud for Surveillance Solutions
Shelly Cloud devices also integrate seamlessly with various surveillance solutions, such as security cameras and video doorbells. Through the Shelly Cloud app, homeowners can easily manage and control their surveillance devices, providing a comprehensive view of their property.
Real-time notifications can be sent, alerting users to suspicious activities captured on video, allowing for immediate action if necessary. Furthermore, the recorded footage can be securely stored in the cloud for easy retrieval and review when required. This ensures that valuable evidence is preserved, providing peace of mind and an invaluable resource in the event of any security breach.
Customising and Automating Daily Routines with Shelly Cloud Devices
Adapting Shelly Cloud Devices to Your Daily Routine
Shelly Cloud devices offer the flexibility and convenience needed to streamline your daily routines. To achieve this, you can program your devices to perform specific tasks at predefined times. For instance, you can set them to adjust lighting, temperature, and home appliances according to your schedule. This level of automation ensures that you always enter a well-lit and comfortable home after a long day.
Setting Up Custom Schedules with Shelly Cloud Devices
Shelly Cloud devices provide an intuitive interface for scheduling tasks. To create a custom schedule, access the Shelly app on your smartphone or tablet. From there, navigate to the device you want to customise, tap on the “Timers” option, and then add the desired schedules by selecting the days of the week and inputting the start and end times. You can also create different schedules for weekdays and weekends, ensuring that your smart home setup is aligned with your work-life balance.
Integrating Voice Assistants for Enhanced Convenience
Shelly Cloud devices can be easily integrated with popular voice assistants such as Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit, offering an additional layer of automation to your daily routines. By configuring voice commands, you can control lights, blinds, appliances, and other devices without lifting a finger. For instance, you can say “Hey Google, turn off the lights” as you leave the house, or “Alexa, set the thermostat at 72 degrees” to ensure your living space remains optimally heated. This seamless integration not only simplifies your routines but also helps conserve energy by minimising unnecessary usage.