The HOMIO magnetic switch is a personalized smartphone alert tag that will notify the user discreetly whenever the magnetic contact is broken. It is designed to be an everyday consumer product that aims provide a peace of mind against any break-in, tampering or unauthorized access, removal or relocation of items.

Why the need to build HOMIO?

Smart home system has been around for quite some time already but most of them are expensive. Many are bundled and sold in a package of other devices which may include some sensors that the users do not need. Additionally, most uses a central hub/gateway to communicate with the rest of the system. This is actually the most expensive part in any smart home system.

The emergence of ESP 8266 makes it possible for makers like ourselves to build low-cost affordable smart home device where our users just need to buy the devices that they need. The 'plug and play' modular system that Homio promises will allow users to add extra modules as needed by using their own local Wi-Fi router as their own 'personalized'hub.

What is inside HOMIO?

The Homio magnetic switch is a simple Wi-Fi tag that will send an alert notification to the owner's smartphone (iOS/Android) when a break in contact is detected.

The core component is the Espressif System's ESP8266-based WROOM-02 Wi-Fi module. With Wi-Fi connectivity, there is no need for physical wiring. Anyone can install this system themselves by configuring it using a smartphone app (iOS/Android). Only a local Wi-Fi router is needed for Internet connection.

Each Homio device can work on its own without the need for a hub. Users just need to buy the modules that they need. No extra component is required. The magnetic switches can be mounted on to many surfaces such as doors, windows, drawers or cabinets discreetly. When it is 'armed', any break in the magnetic contact of the switches will trigger the notification.

Some features (beta version) include:

• Connect to single or multiple smartphones
• Alert messages can be personalized
• Easy 'Plug & Play' setup
• Firmware is updated regularly to the latest version automatically
• Can work as standalone device. No hub is needed.
• Can be installed anywhere
• Very Affordable
• Auto-alert when battery power is low
• 2 x AA batteries can last for 2 years*
• calculated based on heavy duty AA battery (>2500mAH) and 4 alerts (open/close) per day