An app

What it is

Operating a device from a phone, through software its maker publishes. Seven listings name an app in some wording, and none of them names the app by its name.

What it requires

A phone with the app on it, which is the requirement counted on the phone-and-app page. Beyond that the listings are uneven: some pair the app with a printed band, some with Wi-Fi and no band, the Govee bulb with Bluetooth, and the WINIX names app support with no connection of any kind.

When it is the only way

Where an app is the only control a listing names, the app is the whole interface as far as the listing goes. That is the case for the Govee bulb and the WINIX purifier. The eufy lock names an app and fingerprint entry, which the site does not count as a keypad. The site draws no conclusion about what happens if an app is unavailable.

Listings that name it

• LED Bulbs

  • Govee Smart Light Bulbs, A19 Color Changing, 800 LM, E26 Base

• Air Purifiers

  • WINIX 5510 Air Purifier, up to 1881 ft² in 1 hr

• Smart Plugs & Remote Outlets

  • GHome Smart Plug, White
  • Linkind Matter Smart Plug, 15A/1800W, 4 Pack

• Keypad & Smart Locks

  • Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt, Century Trim, Matte Black
  • Philips Wi-Fi Keypad Deadbolt with Handle
  • eufy Security Smart Lock C220, Fingerprint Deadbolt

Requirements it leans on

• A phone and an app
• A 2.4 GHz network