Umbrela Smart Inc is a Canadian startup with a vision to create simpler smart home setup.

Their new home automation system uses 7 inch high definition touch screens that are easily retro fitted in place of your existing wall switches. They use HomePlug Powerline technology so there’s no rewiring required.

Several differnet configurations of these ‘Smart Covers’ are available all in anodised aluminium housings which include stereo speakers, wall wash LEDs and a built-in noise cancelling microphones to enable homeowners to interact with the system through voice commands.

The Umbrela virtual switches using learning algorithms and can simulate presence in your home while you’re away. The makers says the built-in temperature and humidity sensors optimise environmental conditions to deliver energy savings too.

Whilst most recent smart home systems have left control to the smart phone, Umbrela are keen to provide a quality modern wall switch for local control in the home as well as via their own app.

“All family members and guests can use Umbrela without the need to connect their smart phones.” says Ryan Ramchandar, co-founder and VP of Software Development. “This means users can also replace their smart phones without worrying about loss of the smart home functionalities.

We asked Umbrela if they have plans to launch their system in the UK and they told us:

Yes we do have plans to release a UK version of Umbrela shortly after the launch in the US and Canada.

Check out the video and links below to find out more.

umbrela.co : HomePlug Adaptors at Amazon

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