Simple and unobtrusive design. I like that it has status lights on the end which indicate Wi-Fi connected and power state. It has a large on/off button on the side as well thats easy to operate but being on the side it could be obstructed depending on where it's installed. Being Wi-Fi it's fast and responsive even instantaneous when given the on/off command through HomeKit. The included remote control is an attractive and handy feature not offered from any other competitor. I have an Orbi router and they recently put out a firmware update that caused compatibility issues with this SmartPlug. It's was a few weeks before they issued a fix for that firmware so be cautious about updating your routers firmware if everything is setup and working as it should. I'm looking forward to the day that these devices come down in price. In my home I have about 8 lamps to control and the price quickly gets out of control.
This is a WiFi 2.4GHz (only) sensor package, Temp, Humidity, Light, Sound. It is (not) battery powered. Its is microUSB powered and comes with a small 120 volt to USB type A adapter. But you can use it with any USB type A port. I needed something compact and already built to monitor a place that already had WiFi and power available. This fit that profile. The device has several internal sensors, but HomeKit treats it as a (single Device) not a (Sensor) so its kind of complicated if you set it up to work with Apple Homekit. Basically it doesn't "fit" the way Apple wants its users to think, but Homekit does split out the actual sensors and "displays" them one at a time on the Status and in Favorites of the Home app, you just can't use them in Apple Automation.. and it doens't allow for collecting trending data over time.. Homekit after several years is still in its infancy. iHome (not Apple) who makes this however has iHome Cloud which is a service that Android and iOS mobile apps and this "Device" can all connect to and exchange information.. so it doesn't need a (Hub) like most to act as a Bridge or go-between to get to the Cloud and push or pull messages back and forth. The weak link of course is the Cloud service, if its down, its down. This device like (all) internet connected devices does not have a watchdog circuit, it will (lockup) over time for many legitimate reasons, so don't plant it in a summer home and expect it to stay up all winter.. unless you plug it into an independent (reset) plug, like a NetReset or other daily power cycle device. There are lots of them.. just be sure to use one... and don't forget your WiFi router will need the same thing. NetReset has two plugs and a delay between them for just such a purpose. This iHome iSSS05 device however connects to the cloud and uploads its readings. It only works with mobiles apps for Android(4.4+) and iOS (9+) over 2.4GHz, and setup begins with a Bluetooth connection from your mobile device to the iSSS05 and configuring your WiFi password into it then configuring it to connect to the iHome cloud, the mobile app then finds your device in the iHome cloud and registers it to your iHome account. NOTE: your WiFi (must) support 2.4GHz for the iSSS05 to get to the cloud, it can't work over 5GHz. (After) its configured, your mobile app can use 5GHz to check on its status in the iHome cloud from "anywhere" on the planet. -no-local-hub- required. Apple Homekit requires an AppleTV or iPad that's (always on) and local to the iSSS05 to connect your devices to the Homekit cloud.. that (local hub) secures the data traffic from your house to the Homekit cloud. (All in All) I use the Android Mobile app on a Nexus 5X and the iOS Mobile app on an iPhone SE to check on the Temp, Humidity, Light and Sound of the location I am monitoring. iHome has one automation feature in its apps for this device, it can switch on and off an iHome plug similarly connect to the iHome cloud.
UPDATE
I've now had the monitor for a few weeks. It has worked nearly perfectly the whole time. I had one false motion sensor reading, and a couple times, the sensors haven't responded the first time to my asking Siri about them. However, the latter happens to all smart devices from time to time, so I don't blame the iHome device. The former is a bit annoying, but as it's only happened once, I'm not worried about it. I still highly recommend this product. For under $40, I couldn't be happier. Pro tip: to get more from your HomeKit automations, get the Elgato Eve Home app. It has automation options that Apple should adopt and will let you take full advantage of your iHome's sensors. Well, except sound, since HomeKit doesn't support SPL sensors.
I've only been using this device for about 12 hours, but so far, it seems to work as advertised. It was very easy to set up, though it does need a 2.4GhZ network, as is common for smart devices of this type. It seems accurate, and I've had no problems.
Pros:
* accurate sensors
* easy setup, at least with HomeKit, the only platform I've tested
* works as advertised
Cons:
* much larger and less nice-looking than the Eve Degree, the other temperature/humidity sensor I've tried, though this does have more sensors
* no battery option, meaning it has to stay plugged in to work
* HomeKit automation can't seem to use any sensor other than motion, though that may well be an Apple limitation and not the fault of the iHome
Overall, I really like this product, especially for the price. The cons don't bother me, so I took no stars off for them. If you need a sleek monitor with a great look and minimalist design, go for the Eve Degree. If you need motion and light sensors, and don't mind a bulkier look that may not fit in as well, and you don't mind having to leave it plugged in, this one is a great (cheaper) option that should work well.
The items grouped under this one product heading are completely different items. I have several of the outdoor outlet plugs (iSP100) that work with Apple HomeKit and have performed perfectly for me for at least a year. I also just received the leak detector (iSB02) that does NOT work with HomeKit and doesn’t seem to have any way to alert me when the unit has gone offline (I took the batteries out.)
These are two different products, with two different feature sets, and deserve two different reviews. Why are they lumped together as if I’m buying two sizes of the same sweater?
On another note: customer service seems non-existent. I called the support number several times this morning, once to a recorded “Goodbye” message, others to a phone company “this number is no longer in service message”, and now I’m finally connected and I’ve been first in line for 15 minutes. Poor.
The iSS50 Smart Monitor is a good concept and seems to be well engineered and constructed. I was able to get it working without any problems. However, there is one major flaw in the implementation: the notifications are by design silent, and there is no way to turn on sound or vibration to alert the user when a notification is received on a smartphone. (My phone is an up-to-date Android Motorola Moto G4.) For my purposes (backup notification of my security system alarm sound), this silence feature essentially renders the Smart Monitor useless.
UPDATE: July 20, 2018. Apparently the software has been updated because sound is now part of the alert, a major improvement. I am changing my review from 2-stars to 4-stars based on this change.
Feature Product
- Works with Alexa for voice control (Alexa device sold separately)
- Broadest smart home platform support, compatible with - Amazon Alexa, Google assistant, Apple home kit, IFTTT, SmartThings, Nest, wink
- Wi-Fi enabled wall plug lets you control small appliances using 1800 watts or under, great for controlling lights, window air conditioners, fans, portable heaters, coffee makers, home audio systems and more
- Global remote access. 24/7 control and notifications with iHome's highly secure and encrypted data and privacy protection.
- Slim design fits into any standard 120 vac outlet, leaving second outlet free, or plug in two smart plugs
- Home Kit compatibility: controlling this home kit-enabled accessory requires an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS 9.0 or later. Control your smart plug away from home.Controlling this home kit-enabled accessory away from home requires an Apple TV (3Rd generation or later) with Apple TV software 7.0 or later and an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS 9.0 or later
- Total Power Outlets : 1
Description
Smart plug lets you control any connected device from home or remotely: turn off the heat, turn on a light-it's all at your fingertips. Home kit system from apple makes control of compliant Devices simple and standardized. Control plugs with siri individually or as a group. Works with and Nest "home" and "away" status and wink app.
We’ve been wanting a remotely controllable plug for outdoors for a few things, but most products we’ve not been super big fans of.
We noticed that iHome was coming out with this plug, but the price was a bit prohibitive at first. It’s super nice that I can use it with Siri as well as Alexa, but we just couldn’t justify the price until recently
Previously we’ve been using a cheap instamtic type controller that worked via a clicking wheel and pins. It was a pain in the butt to set, failed typically after 2 or so years, and after swapping the old one out we found that the old one was actually not working right and singeing the electrical outlet (that we just freaking replaced recently, no less!)
Since this doesn’t have moving parts, it’s MUCH smaller than the old device. Once set up it works perfectly, and has cycled itself appropriately. I think The only “negative” is the cord is smaller than the last device, so I have to put a new screw in to hold it up correctly. This is probably our 7th iHome plug, and for the cost and functionality (minus the beginning of this year when they had issues), their service has been rock solid.
A suggestion - the plugs still cycle even if you can’t control them correctly. Set your automation up so you’re not frustrated in the end 😊
This water alert device is a must if you want to be proactive in protecting your home from extensive water damage. This great device will not only sound a loud audible alarm, but will send you an email to make sure you address a water leak immediately. When flooding is concerned, time is of the essence and this could save you a bundle! One setback is that the initial reading of the bar code does not always work and it will require the manual inputting of the product number provided. That's the easy problem. The main problem has to do with installing it onto your network because it requires multiple attempts! For some reason, the device is very fickle when trying to join your network, but worth the effort!
I’m an Apple HomeKit user. I plugged the iHome smart plug into an outlet, opened my Apple Home app, held my camera over the item number on the package and it installed automatically. Couldn’t be simpler. I eventually did download the iHome app but only as a way to update the firmware when a new version comes out. I don’t need the iHome app for anything else. So far the plug has worked flawlessly. I even plugged a power strip into it and everything that was plugged into the strip could be turned on and off with Siri or my phone. However, this is an all or nothing option. Everything on the power strip is treated as one device (the smart plug). So it’s all on or all off, like a TV, speakers, and lamp all on and all off at once. Either way, power strip or stand alone, it works. So many of the user reviews cite problems with the iHome app and losing connection. I’ve had zero trouble with the Apple Home app and it hasn’t ever dropped the connection. Oh, and unlike other smart plugs, this one is slim. It doesn’t block the second outlet on a two outlet face plate. If you are an Apple user, it’s a really good buy.
I'm using two iHome iSP100 and two iHome iSP6X outlets to turn on and off by Christmas decorations. I set them with the manufacturer’s iHome App on a sundown to 10 PM scene, which is easy with iHome (HomeKit) app after it's setup. Initially I had problems because I used the Apple Home app to setup the first device. I didn't have any problems after using their iHome app for setup and updating firmware.
SETUP - Before plugging in or connecting any iHome device, it’s best to download/register the iHome app and connect it to your wifi. Then plug in the device and connect to it using the iHome app. After which you need to update the firmware though the iHome menu. Skipping any of the steps will cause problems with functionality in the Apple Home app.
There are some nice features in the iHome app with lets you clearly name and tag these in "Service Type" as decorations or tree. I also created a "Room" Christmas Lights, so I can turn the Christmas lights on/off with Siri voice commands.
I have the Google mesh Wi-Fi network, so I don’t have any problems with any devices receiving a Wi-Fi signal. My outdoor devices include; MyQ, Nest Hello, Rachio, and Sonus. So if you’re having problems connecting these devices, consider the Google router (3) mess system.
There are some negative reviews of this product; so, I bought it with a bit of fear and trembling. However, it has been really great for me. I am running it on Apple HomeKit.
I have it connected to an extension cord on one side and some outdoor string lights on the other. I’m not sure how wet it has gotten since it is under a roof, but I’m sure some water has splashed on it since it right on the edge, and it is still working fine.
It was super easy to setup. As I mentioned before, I am running it on Apple HomeKit; so, I can’t speak to how it works on the other services, but it was easy to connect through the home app. You just tap to add and accessory and then scan the number on it and it finds and connects it. Boom, done.
Since I have a 4th Generation Apple TV on the same network, I was able to set up automation, which is really great. The lights turn on automatically at sunset and then off at midnight. They also turn off when both my wife and I leave the house, and turn back on whenever one of us gets home. That is all Apple that is running those automation, but the plug is doing its part in working.
The plug only connects to a 2.4ghz wifi connection. I had a router issue and had to switch to an old one for a while that had both 2.4 and 5 as separate networks (most good routers nowadays broadcast them both as one network automatically). That was kind of annoying to have to switch around, but once I figured out that it could only connect to the 2.4 it was fine. Something to keep in mind though if you have two different networks.
There is an iHome app, but I never use that. Just the Apple Home app, and that works great, and connects all my accessories from different manufactures.
I am new to Smart Home stuff, but this product has worked great for me. And while Siri is generally pretty dumb, it gets turning the lights on and off right every time. I’m planning to keep adding outlets and switches because this one has worked so well.
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