Smart Socket 3 Packs Alexa WiFi Smart Plug of Timer Switch Power, Voice Control or Smart Control by Smartphone,No Hub Required, Compatible with Amazon Alexa

--UPDATE--I now have multiple of these SMART plugs and wonder what life was like before having these fantastic things.I was looking for something to provide an alternative to a standard timing plug and came across this smart plug. I need a plug to control an oil heater that my son tends to leave switched on when not needed and wastes electricity. This is certainly the answer!!It was simple to set up by using the app supplied by the same company as the plug. Once it was setup I could then use the app to switch it on or off and also to set a schedule on when I wanted it on or off.The next step was adding to my Amazon Echo and now I can control the plug using my voice from the comfort of my chair. This means that I can literally switch anything on or off that is plugged into this smart plug, not only my heater. I will be adding more of there to the house, they are well worth it.

I've already got 'smart home' lighting and thermostat, along with a couple of Amazon Echoes, so this seemed a natural addition to the technology - and it has proved very effective at a cost effective price.The only criticism I have, which is why I've not given it a full five stars, is that the set up was a bit of a pain. After that, everything was easy, but I hit two installation issues. The simpler one is that the instructions tell you to reset the socket before device connection. I followed the instructions, but for the first few attempts I got a blue and red flashing light, rather than the solid blue flashing light required. The bigger issue was the limitation that the installation process only works with a 2.4 GHz wi-fi. If you have a dual 2.4 GHz/5 GHz hub, like a BT Home Hub, you have to disable the 5 GHz side before installing it. This involves going into BT's hub manager software, going into 'Wireless', then 'Change settings' then switching to 'Separate bands', then switching off the 5 GHz band (accepting dire warnings that connected devices may need to be reinstalled) and installing the socket. Then you have to reverse all the above.Once the installation was out of the way, though, it's very easy to control the socket, either from the eFamilyCloud software (downloaded from Apple or Android app store) or from an Echo. With Alexa on the Echo you can just ask for the socket to be turned on or off (using a name you allocate), for example 'Alexa turn on desk light'. With the eFamilyCloud software, as well as switching the socket on and off you can also set a timer with multiple on/off events, so the socket can both be a remote control and replace a timer socket.For the price, this makes it very reasonable - I don't think I'd ever buy another traditional mechanical timer socket with this available, while the ability to control it with Alexa is very neat. A nice little device.

For years I have been using RF remote sockets for the ‘hard to get to outlets’. These are ok but have limitations;• The battery in the remote dying• The inability to switch on/off appliances when not in the same room• Being unable to find the remoteWith this Smart socket;• The chances are you will have your phone charged or be able to charge it fairly quickly• You can switch appliances on/off from anywhere in the world• If you are like me you will always have your phone near youThere is little to say about the setup, apart from it being so simple the device comes with clear instructions, oh, make sure your router transmits 2.5Ghz and not only 5Ghz. For those who are not happy using APK files this product has a QR which takes you to Playstore (Android) and an app called eFamilyCloud or you can just download it yourself. Once installed you simply connect to your wireless network. The unit isn’t much wider than a 13Amp plug which is a help is used in a multi gang trailing socket as the ‘pitch’ between outlets is getting narrower by the day. There is also an illuminated button to ‘pair’ and switch on/off manually. I haven’t tried it with Alexa as I don’t own a Kindle but I can’t think why it wouldn’t work.

Smart homes have to work 99.99% of the time in my opinion. And the time they do fail the procedure to re-establish working function should be straightforward. In other words, if these devices absorb more time to maintain that they save in productivity they are not worth it. These devices are restricted by the app eFamilyCloud, which when works is fine, however a couple of failures in less than a year, a complete hassle with support to get the app re-linked to Alexa, the second time has taken a week and still no one can help effectively. Get plugs that are not restricted to a single app or wait and save your money until we can rely on these so-called smart, not an effective name as they are anything but smart, devices to get a whole lot better at integrating with devices such as Alexa.

I really only needed a timer socket, but at such a low price, it made sense to buy this instead. On arrival, I had already downloaded the eFamilyCloud App and created an account, so when the socket arrived it was a doddle to set up. It took maybe a couple of minutes (if that) to connect to the app and be functional. I'm also using this with Alexa; again it took no time at all to add the skill and connect to the unit.The app's very easy to use, the usual scheduling etc is very clear. I have plugged a lamp into this socket and it's useful to be able to turn that on and off from my phone, so there's a light on when I get home. The socket itself is a little slimmer that another one I have; useful if it's being used in a tight space.