What is IFTTT?

In most instances, our experience with the world is improved, but with so many websites, apps and devices, technology can also be complicated.

Enter IFTTT, a single web-based platform that helps you do more with all your apps and devices. The tool acts as an ultimate automation service to bring all your internet-connected services together to create new experiences.

Read on to uncover the amazing IFTTT universe and how it can help you.

What is it?

IFTTT is both a website and a mobile app. The acronym stands for 'If This, Then That' and is pronounced like 'gift' without the G. The free service launched in 2011 with the aim of "putting the internet to work for you". The platform allows you to connect all your 'services' together to automatically complete tasks that might otherwise be repetitive or connect devices that might not have previously been able to talk to each other.

Currently, IFTTT is compatible with over 600 services including Somfy's Connexoon Window RTS, giving you a complete home automation experience.

How does IFTTT work?

IFTTT uses 'applets' to trigger actions (hence If This, Then That) to minimise your daily workflow. The applets connect multiple services, such as smart home devices, apps or websites, to run automated tasks by having some type of event in one device or service automatically trigger an action in another.

Some examples include:

• Turn on your outdoor lights when the pizza is on its way
• Save photos you're tagged in on Facebook to an album on your phone
• Save money when you hit your daily Fitbit step goal
• Sync Amazon Alexa to-do with iOS reminders
• Turn on your coffee machine when you wake up
• Lock your door when leaving home

With over 55 million IFTTT applets, the possibilities are endless. You can also create your own applets or make variations of existing ones.

To get started with IFTTT, you only need to download the app, create a free account and then select the services you'd like to connect. You'll be up and running with automations in minutes.

IFTTT and Somfy

With the launch of IFTTT compatibility with Somfy, your window coverings can work for you. For a completely hands-free experience, you can use your Amazon Echo or Google Home device to talk to your Connexoon Window RTS and control your window coverings or lights.

You can ask your Google Assistant to open all your blinds and curtains simply by saying "Ok Google, good morning". Or ask Amazon Alexa to launch your movie scenario and it will lower your blinds and turn on your Phillips HUE lamps based on your scene settings on your Connexoon Window RTS app.

Alternatively, you can set your window coverings to work automatically based on pre-set triggers. For example, using a location service, you can trigger your blinds to be lowered in preparation for your arrival home when you enter an area you have specified (e.g. 10 minutes from home or when you're leaving work!) Another nifty applet is when the UV index is too high, a Connexoon scenario for closing your window coverings will be triggered to keep your home cool and protect your furnishings!

For more information on Connexoon Window RTS or to discover the possibilities of IFTTT, speak to a Somfy Expert today!