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Blog: https://tinyurl.com/yyjfyqsv
As I gradually evolve my connected home from a hub-based to a hub free setup I have encountered quite a few of these generic smart plugs which vary slightly in price and with which app they work. However, this new set of two plus from Meross has a particularly good price at £18.99 and includes an individual power monitoring feature
At home, I currently use LightwaveRF switches with my Amazon Echo and Google home devices and this works well but needs a hub to be connected to the router. The latest generation of IOT products, like this socket from Meross require no hub and connects directly to the router and assigned its’ own IP number and is easy to identify online. It is recognised by the Amazon Echo and Google Home and seamlessly blends in their home automation ecosystems.
In the rather plain branded product box were the plugs themselves and a well written and easy to read User Guide. The Guide assists in using the Meross app and for linking the device to Amazon Alexa and Google Home. I attach a scan the guide to my unboxing video. Switch to full screen and pause as needed to read it.
Each plug is well made, nicely designed and feels robust enough for long-term everyday use. It is smaller in size than some rivals and less obtrusive in use. I was pleased to see that it is not too wide and should fit into a multi-socket wall fixture. It has a large green/orange power status LED on the top which doubles as a proper clicky Off/On button.
Setting it up was easy enough and can all be done by following the in-app instructions. Open the app and begin the procedure to add a new device. Plug the socket in and the LED starts flashing quickly, select the device type from the list in the app, input your wifi password, let the app detect the device on the network. The switch can then be controlled by the app and you can add the Alexa and Google Home Meross skill to get in onto their ecosystem. The Meross app will walk you through this. Sadly, they seem not to work with the popular Smart Life app which will work with smart devices from a range of manufacturers. It means yet another app has to be installed on my phone. Actually, after setting it up with Alexa or Google you can always then remove the Meross app but I have kept it in place for when I install future devices. Unlike many rivals, these plugs have a 13A fuse and can control devices of up to 2200 watts, enough for most household heaters (but not immersion tank heaters).
In fact, the Meross app is excellent and does much more than just allow you to add the plug to Alexa and Google. The app will allow routines and timers to be configured to allow a range of events to trigger the plug switch alone or in conjunction with other devices. I doubt most users will use the app but will control is just through voice, as I do.
This is an excellent product in its own right and when integrated with Alexa or Google really can start to transform your home. I have seen similar products from other suppliers but this one has to be one of the most powerful and least expensive yet.
The Good
Good price
13Amp Switching
Works with Alexa
Works with Google Home
Excellent App
Compact Size
No hub needed
Part of a family of devices
Off/On button
Status LED
The Bad
Does not work with other Apps
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Music: YouTube Audio Library: Diamond Ortiz: RESPECOGNIZE
