Part 2/7:
The Clapper, marketed as the quintessential smart switch before modern technology took over, allows users to control appliances simply by clapping. It consists of a plug-in unit with two switched electrical outlets. A built-in microphone listens for specific sound patterns; a simple two-clap sequence turns one outlet on or off, while three claps activate the second outlet. This easy method offers a hands-free alternative to flipping light switches, making it a notable forerunner to the voice-activated systems we know today.