Source: Christopher Close / iMore
Wemo Mini, launched a few years ago, was one of the first smart plugs to offer a slim, discreet design that did not block the other socket on the wall. Given all the smart technology inside the connector and its Mini moniker, it seemed that the category was close to reaching its limits when it comes to size, but this was not the case at all. Now, almost all the best smart plugs, including the best HomeKit smart plugs, available today, even make the Wemo Mini look absolutely giant in comparison.
So when the Mini is no longer mini, a follow-up was inevitable, which led to the recent launch of the Wemo WiFi Smart Plug. The next-generation Wemo smart plug takes miniaturization to the next level, with a footprint that is almost half the size of the previous plug, while offering all the smart features and compatibility. I tested the latest plug in the last few weeks and not only was I impressed with the size, but I was also impressed with the reliability, response times and easy configuration via HomeKit, which makes it an excellent addition to any smart home.
Wemo WiFi smart plug
Bottom line: The smart Wemo WiFi plug takes the crown to be the smallest HomeKit-enabled connector with its incredibly compact design. Combined with lightning fast response times, solid reliability and an affordable price, the latest Wemo is a great addition to any smart home.
Wemo WiFi Smart Plug has a rectangular, white plastic design with a single socket positioned in the center. The frame of the stopper has a slight cone that makes the back smaller than the front, although it is really observable only from the side. The front of the plug is simple, with only the exit portion and the Wemo marking near the bottom corner. Along the right side is a small status indicator and a generously sized button that turns on and off manually. Apart from the HomeKit configuration code on the left, nothing else is happening visually, except, of course, its overall size.
The plug measures just 2.05 x 1.81 x 1.34 inches, which is 45% smaller than the previous Wemo Mini, according to Belkin, and weighs 0.12 lbs. Like the last connector, two of the smart Wemo WiFi files can be stacked on the same socket, and the small size leaves plenty of room for other devices when only one is used. The 120 V plug supports a maximum of 1,800 watts and 15 amps, making it suitable for most residential applications.
The smart features are enabled via a 2.4 gHz Wi-Fi radio, which connects directly to home networks without the use of a dedicated hub or bridge. Wemo WiFi Smart Plug works with the Wemo app, available for free for both iOS (11.0 and later) and Android (6.0 or later). The Wemo application requires an account and a registration process to add the plug, and once completed, the plug-in is available for remote controls and single-access controls.
Through the Wemo application, the tab can be set to track custom schedules and timers, as well as automations with other Wemo devices. The Wemo app also includes a unique feature Way away, which switches the Wemo plug and other lights at random to give the appearance that someone is in the house during different hours of the day. The Wemo application does not require additional subscriptions, all the features of the plugs are available for free right out of the box. In addition to the Wemo app, the plug works with a variety of smart home platforms and voice assistants, including HomeKit, Alexa, IFTTT and Google Assistant.
As mentioned earlier, the Wemo WiFi Smart Plug is incredibly small, so much so that it is easily tangled to be the smallest Smart Home-enabled smart connector. For those outside the HomeKit ecosystem, the miniature plugs are a dozen, but for fans of Apple's smart home platform, a plug is this compact is amazing compared to the great comic options that came before. Safe size does not affect performance, but opens doors to locations that were previously out of bounds, such as a socket near a side wall or sharing a socket with a thicker cable device. I've dealt with both of these issues with other smart plugs in the past, so I absolutely love Wemo's compact design, and its permanent place in my house is really somewhere that requires smaller dimensions.
Since the new Wemo plug comes with HomeKit in the oven, pairing it to my home network only requires connecting it, opening the Home application, and scanning the HomeKit configuration code. This means you can be up and running quickly without downloading another app or having to create an account, which is a massive plus in my book. Using this method also avoids one of the biggest previous headaches of the Wemo Mini, in which activating the HomeKit first required a series of steps through the Wemo application, which for some reason seemed to create problems for many .
Even when you continuously switch the plug in quick succession, it was able to keep up with each command, which was impressive, as it is something that often triggers smart plugs.
Of course, Android users will see a different configuration process, but somewhat familiar. This process involves activating it, downloading the Wemo application, creating an account, and finally adding the plug. While just using HomeKit is faster, both shouldn't take more than a few minutes if everything goes right (more on that later). For testing purposes, even though I prefer HomeKit, I wanted to cover both methods, but I found that the Wemo app finally brings the Home app pairing process to complete the setup process. So, in other words, if you're on iOS, I'd go straight to the Home app after logging out.
Turning to performance, the Wemo WiFi Smart Plug is excellent, with fast response times and rock-solid reliability. Touching the power button through the Wemo app, Siri, or the built-in iOS Home app changes the status of the device within a second and, in some cases, almost instantly. Even when you continuously switch the plug in quick succession, he was able to keep up with each command, which was impressive, as it is something that often triggers smart plugs. Equally remarkable is the reliability of the card, because it was available and ready for orders, without interruptions for several weeks in which I tested it. Without periods when the outlet cannot be reached at all in the Wemo application or in the Home application, it simply works (so far).
Unlike the painless HomeKit setup process, adding the plug to the Wemo app later was a different experience. When opening the application and creating the necessary account, a message appeared stating that he found a relentless Wemo, which was great. However, after I reached the message and confirmed that I wanted to add the plug to my account, I hit a roadblock.
While trying to add the device, the Wemo application displayed an error message saying it could not connect the plug and provided a few troubleshooting steps. One of them was simply to give up and relaunch the application, which unfortunately led to the same error, even after several attempts. The other option was to reset the file at the factory, but the application did not provide the actual steps in the message and is not listed in the included setup guide. I can't say for sure that this worked, but having experience in the reset process for other smart plugs, I pressed the power button on the plug and held it for a few seconds and then I was able to add it to the app .
Sticking to the Wemo app, I thought it was a fairly standard rate for an app that comes directly from a device manufacturer. The app provides the basics like programming and timers, which are easy to use and configure, but the app itself feels a bit bare and lacks options for things like switching and turning off the LED light on the device. For those who use HomeKit and have a HomeKit hub in the house, I don't really see a need for it other than firmware updates, which unfortunately are locked behind the account and the login process.
Finally, given that the plug is incredibly small, some of the accessories offered by larger competing plugs are missing. One of these is energy monitoring, so there are no usage reports or estimated costs here, which is kind of a seller. Another disadvantage is that the stopper does not offer any weather resistance, limiting it only to indoor use, so if you are looking for a flexible stopper that you can use in different situations, you will have to look elsewhere.
Even without its incredibly small size, the Wemo WiFi Smart Plug would still be easily recommended to those on the market due to its fast response times, compatibility with all major home platforms and reliability. Add the ability to configure the plug using only HomeKit and of course the compact design and you will get a smart plug that is a great addition to any HomeKit or any smart home in general.
Although it may lack supplements such as power monitoring and weather resistance, the Wemo WiFi Smart Plug compensates for this in the categories that matter most, all at a great price. With a successor that is so small and so good, it really makes you wonder what the next iteration will look like. How small can it get? Will it still offer all the same features? We may not have known for a few years, but I'm already excited just thinking about it.
Wemo WiFi smart plug
Bottom line: The smart Wemo WiFi plug takes the crown to be the smallest HomeKit activated connector with its incredibly compact design. Combined with lightning fast response times, solid reliability and an affordable price, the latest Wemo is a great addition to any smart home.
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eufy Security has unveiled its latest smart home security accessory, designed to combat porch pirates, the Smart Drop lock box. Smart Drop, which launches on Kickstarter later today, combines a smart camera, smart lock and mailbox, in a wireless solution that ensures deliveries inside a high-capacity room.
We are pleased to announce the launch of the eufy Security Smart Drop, the perfect combination of a durable mailbox, a smart lock and a security camera. Features a built-in camera with facial / motion detectors and voice assistant compatibility.
The Smart Drop lock box has a large capacity of 68L, with internal measurements of 23 "x 14.4" x 12.6 ", which states that eufy covers 98% of most residential packages. Smart Drop is made of cold rolled steel with reinforced bars and for additional security, can be mounted directly on the walls or floor at the point of installation, if desired.
As it is designed for the outdoors, the eufy box offers a degree of weather resistance IP65 for the room, together with an internal drainage system. The camera offers 1080p HD resolution with a 160-degree field of view and includes security staples such as night vision, two-way audio, PIR motion detection and A.I. facial detection.
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The lock box is completely wireless, as it is powered by a removable, rechargeable battery that can last up to three months on a single charge. Smart features are enabled via a built-in Wi-Fi radio, which allows it to connect to the eufy Security app on iOS and Android, as well as Alexa, and Google Assistant for convenient voice controls, but unfortunately doesn't support Apple HomeKit application.
With several ways to open the box, such as a pin code and a remote opening via the eufy app, it's easy to use for delivery owners and workers alike. The box is made of cold rolled carbon steel and is designed to thrive in any weather conditions. With a capacity of 68L, it is large enough for common deliveries and packages.
To ensure that deliveries are indeed placed inside, Smart Drop includes voice guidance with lights and an instructional sticker. Once the packages are entered, Smart Drop protects them by requiring a pin code or application controls to reopen. During delivery, the on-board camera and motion sensors will provide a notification and record the event either locally, when associated with the company's HomeBase hub, or in the cloud.
For those interested, eufy Security is launching a crowdfunding campaign through Kickstarter, today, with promises starting at $ 199. eufy Security estimates that the product will be delivered to sponsors in the third quarter of 2021, but, as with all crowdfunding campaigns, employment assistance does not guarantee that the product will actually hit the market and unforeseen challenges may cause delays in production. Although eufy Security is a well-known brand, associated with the popular accessory manufacturer Anker, these risks still apply.
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The level removed the latest HomeKit-enabled smart lock today, Level Touch. The latest lock continues to focus the company on a minimal design and, while not completely invisible like its predecessor, includes a sleek new way to lock the exit door with a simple touch.
"Level Touch introduces a new generation of locks and connected home," said John Martin, co-founder and CEO of Level. "So far, smart home products have traded design for functionality and features, creating an imbalance in the natural tension between design and technology. We end this compromise with Level Touch, where the exterior is as strong, beautiful and precise as the interior. Touch was created for people who want to make their home a home that values design and technology equally. "
The Touch level achieves a more traditional smart lock approach that requires the replacement of existing door hardware during installation. Because the latest level is really visible this time, the new lock comes in four finishes that allow it to match the existing decor: chrome satin, satin nickel, polished brass and matte black. The Touch level is made of stainless steel and has a gearbox that allows smooth operation in the "most difficult conditions" depending on the level.
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The Touch level is powered by a single replaceable CR2 battery, which is rated for up to one year of use. As with the original level lock, the battery is locked inside the lock itself and does not require any tools to access. Also taken from the lock is an integrated Bluetooth radio for wireless connectivity, which allows it to unlock based on proximity.
Stop typing keys or pressing buttons. The Touch level is connected via Bluetooth, so your door automatically unlocks when you enter the home boundary. The lock is as fast as the touch of a finger on the lock or will lock automatically after a preselected time. NFC-enabled discrete key cards are available to lock and unlock your home if you're not on the phone.
In addition to Bluetooth, Level Touch also includes an integrated NFC radio, which allows the lock to work completely without a phone. An NFC-enabled keyboard is included with the lock, which requires only one push to access and eliminates the need to remember a dedicated pin code.
Smart features include the ability to integrate the lock into the Apple HomeKit, which gives users the ability to use the lock in scenes, check the status with Siri, or change the lock status with a tap. Level Touch also works with the Level app, which adds additional ways to share your lock with friends and family and provides real-time notifications.
The Touch level is available for order now in selected finishes for $ 329. Additional lock information can be found at Level.co.
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