The web-based software uses a drag and drop graphical interface to set up commands, making it dead simple to use and create actions. But for power users, it's also programmable, opening up a world of possibilities. Users will be able to share tasks they've created, as well as hardware designs. A few boards designed by the Imp team will be on sale at SparkFun this summer, but they're really hoping people will hack and share their own designs.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Watching the Electric Imp team (which includes former iPhone engineering manager Hugo Fiennes and former Gmail designer Kevin Fox) create complicated actions on the fly was nuts. But one of the most impressive features of the demo with far reaching implications was, to some extent, but a small part of how this all will work.

Anyone who has tried to get dumb WiFi devices onto a home or office network knows it's never the same procedure twice, and often a pain in the tuches. Getting the Imps to work with a WiFi network is super easy, and ingeniously done. You input the WiFi network name and password into the Electric Imp your phone (iOS or Android) and the app flashes light at a photosensor on the Imp card, using pulses of light to transfer the login. It. Was. Slick.

Advertisement

A developer preview bundle will ship in late June. The cards will cost $25, while a basic circuit board is expected to retail for about $10, and a more complex one for about $20 (pricing is still up in the air on the boards). [Electric Imp]