Anyone looking to upgrade their home into a smart one and prefers a more permanent energy management/monitoring solution than using a bunch of smart plugs should have a look at the new Energy Outlet by Eve.

Like those smart plugs, the Energy Outlet allows you to remotely monitor the power consumption of whatever's plugged into either of its two outlets, control those things with voice commands, and set up automations and schedules that work with your lifestyle.

The main difference is that it's actually hardwired into your home's electrical system like a regular outlet, sitting flush with the surrounding wall instead of sticking out like a sore thumb.

Smart home aficionados will appreciate the inclusion of Matter (and by proxy, Thread) support. In case you're not aware, this is the up-and-coming connectivity standard that unites a whole bunch of smart home platforms so you can seamlessly control the things in your home via any or all of these major hubs:

• For Apple: Apple TV 4K (2nd gen), Apple TV 4K (3rd gen, 128 GB), HomePod (2nd gen), HomePod mini
• For Samsung: SmartThings Hub v3, SmartThings Station
• For Amazon: Echo (4th gen), Echo Show 8 (3rd gen)
• For Google: Nest Hub (2nd gen), Nest Hub Max, Nest Wifi Pro

Get the Matter-enabled Eve Energy Outlet for $50 a pop on Amazon.