

Kasa Smart HS100 WiFi Smart Plug, Classic 1-Pack, White
-
Kal Belle
> 3 dayI bought this to control a TV & Satellite box but after reading some others reviews I realized that it would not do the job I was expecting it to do in that capacity. Im grateful and thankful to those people for their reviews detailing why it wont work to control your TV (basically the device thinks its unplugged from the wall if turned off from a smart plug so turning it back on means rebooting tvs & satellite boxes) before I started unplugging and setting things back up only to find my dreams dashed. Seriously, search TV in the reviews search and see their knowledge and save yourself the hassle. I figured I might as well try plugging an awkward to access lamp into one of the two plugs I bought before I initiated a return and was happy to find that the set up and connection process was effortless and fast. The app was easy to use on my phone, I literally just plugged the plug in, waited for lights to turn colors per the apps on screen directions and within a few minutes, it worked. I then connected my Google Home to it in another seamless & simple set up connection process and now I no longer have to contort my arm to find the switch for this lamp, I just say Hey Google, turn on the lights and on it goes. Theres an audible click when it goes on and off that comes from the plug itself, its a satisfying sound to me. So I was bummed I couldnt use these for what I intended, but am thrilled that I was able to simplify something and expand my Google Homes capabilities. This was my first Smart Home purchase and Im very pleased with the ease of this system. So trust the reviews, dont use this for your TV, but do use it for lamps or other appliances that dont need to reboot to be used. Also trust us that youre going to want the Mini plug if you want second outlet access. This one hangs too low over the bottom outlet if you plug into the top. Lesson learned. If I ever decide to add more smart plugs, I will go with the mini.
-
nashBridges
> 3 dayOh, Alexa, what did I do before I had you? TP-LINK offers this wifi plug that works with Amazons Alexa, and its currently 10 dollars cheaper than the most popular other wifi plug. I now have five of them, and although its only been a few weeks, I am extremely satisfied. I have an apartment with horrific built in lighting, so I have lamps everywhere to keep the mood right. I have known for years that I have a penchant for laziness, but I cannot express the level of satisfaction I have when I sit on my couch and command lamps to turn on or off with my voice. Sometimes I do it just to entertain the cats. There are some pros and cons to the device: Pros: Does not require a hub - these plugs connect directly to your Wifi router. Thats a good thing, but as you keep adding them your router is going to do more work. Relatively easy software setup - if you have an iPhone or Android phone, setup is a snap Reliability - I havent had a failure yet Software - Scheduling is a plus, remote control from outside your home is an even bigger plus. I have a paranoia about my coffee maker burning the house down due to my father, so that plug turns on at 4am every day but it shuts off at 10am (except on weekends!) so I never have to worry about it. If youre on vacation you can setup a lighting schedule, but even if you forget you can just turn the outlets on from your phone wherever you are in the world. Cons: Does not require a hub - customers with cheaper/leased routers may run into a device limit Software - you NEED an iPhone, Android phone, or one of those tablets to set this device up. Apparently programming for an actual computer was too much work for TP-LINK Interference - dont put them near a microwave and expect them to work. Some people may experience less than ideal performance if they have a large house and their wifi router is not nearby. I live in an apartment, so I havent run into any issues with reception. I am very happy with this plug, and if you have to choose this one or the more expensive option, I cannot think of a reason to get the more expensive option. They offer identical services.
-
D. Glass
> 3 dayLet me start by saying, when I first installed these they worked great. I have four of them. The reason I bought was to help my mother who has a hard time getting around. We loved showing them off to friends and family. Soon the love turned to frustration. They are easy to set up, my Wi-Fi had no problems finding and set up was fast. I put the app. on my phone and Fire tablet. Even setup groups to turn all on and off at same time. I could control while away from the house or using everyones wi-fi or cell tower. The problem is they continue to lose connection to Wi-Fi and then Alexa will not control. App says local only, meaning you have to get your phone to turn on and off, and you have to be in the house on your Wi-Fi. I have strong Wi-Fi signal at my house. You can get 300 plus yards away and still get a signal. I live in a rural area, no neighbors. So there is no other Wi-Fi interference. Other problems, re-setting them all the time. You have to delete one by one and sometimes the app will not let you do that. Why cant there be a simple reset? Then when you go to reinstall it, can not find. You can do it manually, then that is hit or miss. I have had them for over six months. I reset all of them last night 12-2-16 and today when I woke up two were off line. I really want them to work. Talking to Alexa is a fun way to control lights, but im getting tired of hearing Alexa say sorry I cant find table light and so on. Dont waste your money on this. I am curious to know if the people who left good reviews, did it right away or waited a few weeks to try out? I always wait a few months before I do. I am ready to recreate the scene from Office Space with the fax machine. Q, generic response from TP-Link, Ill update if they have any real answer to the problems. UPDATE 12/14/16 I did a reset on all 12/4/16 as of the 14th they are all working fine. So 10 days with no problems. Lets see how long we can go. Also for the people how say plugs are to big and block furniture. Try Power Extension Cord Cable, https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CEJW0WQ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
-
J. P. Healy
> 3 dayTP-LINK Wi-Fi Smart Plug HS100 Review A couple of weeks ago, I purchased a Smart Plug (HS100) to confirm that the product works with Alexa (Amazon Echo) and provides easy, reliable, secure remote control of plugged-in devices. Pros and cons are below. If you use consumer Wi-Fi (IP) webcams (Foscam, etc.), then you may be familiar with this products technology and potential concerns about security and privacy. A webcam contains a microprocessor which can be programmed (with network data, operational settings and user options) and controls a camera which may be monitored using an app. A Smart Plug contains a microprocessor which can be programmed and controls a power switch which may be monitored using an app. Both local (LAN) and remote (Internet WAN) control are possible in each case. After confirming that the Plug indeed works as advertised, I was more curious about how and where operational data (supplied via the app) is stored and secured. That is, Im not sure if all operational data is stored on-board the Plug in non-volatile memory in case of extended power outages and to secure such data locally. If remote control is used, whats stored in TP-LINKs Cloud server? [A Vine Voice review on 1-23-2016 indicated that the plug has internal storage for its own status and the schedule. ... a copy of the schedule is stored in the plug itself and does not rely on having a persistent internet connection to function. ... plug does rely on the power to keep time so that it can act on scheduled events.] If the Plug is like a Wi-Fi webcam, then operational data is stored on-board, as can be verified using a local web browser connection to the cameras built-in web server. A Smart Plug, however, does not provide browser access, whether it runs a web server or not [there is a http port]. Remotely using a manufacturers app, whether for a camera or Plug, introduces Cloud-based data storage and collection. And because Wi-Fi webcams and Smart Plugs are computers, they can crash or glitch and need to be reset. Thats why reliability is a key factor. Time will tell. The Plug has a 2 year warranty. So, setup was relatively easy, and I discovered (as other reviewers have noted) that the best (but not perfect) instructions are in the Support section of TP-LINKs website, rather than in the included Quick Start Guide. * * * [...] How to connect my TP-LINK Smart Plug to my home network via Kasa? How to make my TP-LINK Smart Plug work with Amazon Echo? * * * 1. Install the Kasa app on your iPhone. 2. Open Kasa. If you want to use the Smart Plug with Alexa (Remote Control), setup a TP-LINK (Cloud / P2P registry server) account; and, after receiving an email activation message, login; otherwise, you may Skip setting up an account for just local control. 3. With your iPhone on a local 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection, open Kasa and then: (a) plug Smart Plug into an AC outlet; (b) Add Device > SMART PLUG and follow the instructions; (c) which say to go to your iPhones Wi-Fi settings and connect to the Smart Plugs Wi-Fi network and then return to Kasa; (d) customize your Plug -- with a unique name, etc.; and (e) connect the Plug to your local Wi-Fi (with or without Remote Control, but Alexa requires Remote Control enabled). To use a Smart Plug with Alexa: A. On your iPhone in the Alexa app settings (via hamburger icon), tap on Smart Home and then the TP-LINK Kasa item and login with your TP-LINK (Cloud) account name and password. B. Scroll down Smart Home and near the bottom tap Discover devices (search your Wi-Fi LAN) to add your named Smart Plug, which will then be listed. C. With Alexa, say Turn on / off (name of plug). Pros • Good package and product design (both hardware and app). • Works with Alexa without a hub. • Setup relatively easy. • WiFi connectivity provides 2-way communication for control and real-time status (unlike one-way powerline modules). • Remote access without router configuration (port forwarding) [probably using companys (or subcontractors) Cloud / P2P server like most Wi-Fi cameras]. • 15A load max. • Can unplug from AC without losing settings in order to relocate unit. • Moderate price. • TP-LINK supportive with comments on Amazon reviews. • 2 year warranty. Minor Cons • No support for 5 GHz Wi-Fi (okay as long as most routers are dual band). • Plug socket on front rather than the side or bottom (like on X-10 modules) of unit -- cord protrudes even farther from wall. • Status LED always on -- no way to turn off (like on Sonos speakers). • With Alexa, limited to only commands to turn on / off. Cons • Size (see photos) -- bulkier than standard X-10 appliance module (longer and thicker); even thicker than X-10 Pro appliance module and around the same length. • Covers both outlets if plugged into bottom outlet; covers upper edge of bottom outlet if plugged into top outlet, making bottom outlet unusable. Concerns • UL certification Some reviewers were worried about UL certification (which is not marked on the product or box). The manufacturer stated that certification was obtained. I searched ULs Online Certifications Directory (database) and found a listing: XACN.E481494 Miscellaneous Controls Operating Control, Smart Plug, Model(s) HS100, HS110 Last Updated on 2016-03-29. • Heat buildup when connected to some (high wattage) appliances Some reviewers were worried about the Plug getting too warm. I have only connected LED lamps (~10 W) to the Plug so far; so, I cannot as yet comment on possible thermal issues. The manufacturer stated that the Plug will remain well within a safe temperature range. • Security and use of encryption, e.g., protection of data stored in Plugs memory and TP-LINKs Cloud. The manufacturer stated: In order to control your Smart Plug remotely, a TP-LINK Cloud Account is required. Your Cloud Account is safe and secured, and remote access to your Smart Plug is controlled solely by you through the Kasa App. Cloud accounts and Cloud servers are an industry standard for Smart Plugs and Smart Home devices. The Smart Plug does not hand over or transmit any password information to us; It receives Wi-Fi profile information from your phone during setup, in order to connect the Smart Plug to your router. • Privacy (privacy trade-offs) The weighty Terms of Use and Privacy Policy pose questions about data collection and sharing of personal data, anonymized or not -- for marketing & promotion, including partners and other 3rd parties. Device submissions ... device names, groups, schedules, locations, ...usage information ... Software limitations • No offset possible on sunrise and sunset timer, but can use Away mode for randomness. Questions 1. Security: Is Wi-Fi password saved only in Plugs memory or also in TP-LINKs Cloud? Encrypted? 2. Security: Are timers, schedule, Away settings stored in Plugs memory or the Cloud? Encrypted? 3. Plugs do NOT communicate with each other, correct? Only with the TP-LINK Cloud? 4. When the unit is unplugged from AC outlet, are all settings (defined using the Kasa app) truly non-volatile? Does the on-board clock re-synchronize via Wi-Fi on the LAN anyway when plugged into AC again? UPDATE 6-13-2016 Purchased another 2 Smart Plugs on June 3. New packaging has UL certification mark, as well as new graphics and description: old Wi-Fi SMART PLUG vs. new Smart Wi-Fi Plug; old FC and RoHS marks vs. new UL and RoHS marks; model and part number unchanged. UPDATE 12-18-2017 All 3 Smart Plugs (HS100) are still working okay 24/7. Reliable. Some glitches with the Kasa app showing a blank on time when actually one is scheduled, but rarely needing to power cycle the unit (these glitches are rare but more common for the Smart Bulbs). The issue with unit bulk -- covering the second outlet, for example -- is not a problem with a newer model but that new model is too expensive to justify as yet. The Smart Plugs work with Alexa. Theres been an occasional (rare) problem using Alexa due to TP-Link service outages or Amazon Echo glitches.
-
Jon R
> 3 dayAfter reading a lot of reviews, most purchasers have this product (HS100 TP-Link Smart Plug) interface with other voice command devices. I purchased for a specific purpose. I have two separate controllers for outdoor landscape lights. Due to the configuration of my home and outside, I have two separate sets and the units that control them are located inside (garage and the basement). Therefore, the HS100 would not be exposed to outside. When I bought the two controllers I could have had them app controlled but that would have been $200 extra per unit. The units come with a simple pin timer. However, the times are hard to set to come on at the the same time and then the times typically gain or lose time. I started to research the smart plugs to see if I can use those rather than the timers. I put the smart plugs in the units and they appear to work. I have the lights off during the holidays. I tested them with holiday lights in the house that were on timer and both sets of lights for each timer come on at the same time. The current manual pull pin times have gained about 15 minutes in less than a month. Setup of the plugs - actual it is easy if you follow the directions. Of course, I did not. When I created my account and password, I kept using the new password when it was asking to connect to my wireless network. If you have to call support...good luck. They are oversees (maybe China) and rush to get you off the phone. However, it was my error. Scheduling - again it would have been faster to follow the directions, but you can figure it out. I linked both units to the app and both are set off and on at the same time each day. So far, no issues. For both of these times I have been home. I am going to test what happens when I am not at home for these times and also when my phone is powered off at these times. I will keep you posted. Away - they have a nice feature that lets the time vary when the unit powers on. This is so the connected light is not coming on at the exact same time each evening. I am not sure I will purchase more. I would like them at the holidays as I have lights on 6 different times. It would be nice to have them all on the same cycle and exact time. Not sure it is worth the price to be using them about a month a year.
-
Steve H
> 3 day* Edit: updated to add extra stars because TP-Link support has been very helpful and I resolved the issue with them Ive had the same exact problem as Tom happen with mine, it consistently drops off the network. See Toms comment on the link below: http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-Amazon-Electronics-Anywhere-HS100/product-reviews/B0178IC734/ref=cm_cr_dp_qt_hist_one?ie=UTF8&filterByStar=one_star&showViewpoints=0 I can watch it on the Kasa app, it will drop off from availability in Kasa something like 70% of the time Im looking at it. Going to try to reinstall the Kasa app like customer support has suggested, but if this doesnt work Id really like to get this working instead of returning it and waiting for another. Here is my situation: - Smart Plug is connected to my 2.4GHz connection. - SSID is hidden but I got Kasa to connect by temporarily showing the network SSID, connecting, then re-hiding the SSID. - This connection is secured by WPA2-AES and is using 802.11 b, g, and n protocols (all of which are supposedly supported by the HS100). - DHCP has more than enough IP address allocation for this device to join the network. - HS100 is plugged in directly below the shelf where the router sits. This means it is about a foot away from the router and rules out any chance that out of range errors are valid. Possible issues: - If any ports need to be opened to allow this traffic through the router, I have not been informed about them (there shouldnt be anyway). - Are the TP-Link servers experiencing connectivity issues on their end? If the plug is unable to reach them because their servers are having problems, that would explain why I keep seeing Local only when I want to use the Remote services. - The app seems to be not quite 100% polished, could there be some flawed logic in it? I did notice a spelling mistake of youre instead of youre, are there other things that need to be fixed in the app? I will continue working with customer support on this, and will change my review if we get it working.
-
Retiree15
Greater than one weekVery upset that this will not work with my 5.2 router. Why was the product info not clearer that it will only work with 2.4??? Is there one available that WILL work with my router. After 3 kindles and my echo this is the first Amazon product I haver been upset about. I am not smart enough to know how to change my router and am hesitant to do so since I dont want to mess up my computer, my Kindles, my cell phone and two smart tvs. I also have two Dots on order will they work with my current router?? Gosh - I hope so!!!!! Since I am disabled I was really looking forward to telling Alexa to turn on my lamp. Is there another device that will work with my router? How do I go about returning the tp-link. I have the original box but I will have to pay someone to take it to the UPS office. , This is the only product from Amazon that I have ever been disappointed in. I have had 3 Kindles and words cannot express how much I LOVE my ECHO. Since I live alone and have no friends or family anywhere near, it is nice to hear another voice. I learn something new every day to use it for. I am not smart enough to know how to change my router and am hesitant to do so since I dont want to mess up my computer, my Kindles, my cell phone and two smart tvs. I also have two Dots on order will they work with my current router?? Gosh - I hope so!!!!! Since I am disabled I was really looking forward to telling Alexa to turn on my lamp. Is there another device that will work with my router? How do I go about returning the tp-link. I have the original box but I will have to pay someone to take it to the UPS office. , This is the only product from Amazon that I have ever been disappointed in. I have had 3 Kindles and words cannot express how much I LOVE my ECHO. Since I live alone and have no friends or family anywhere near, it is nice to hear another voice. I learn something new every day to use it for. I am not smart enough to know how to change my router and am hesitant to do so since I dont want to mess up my computer, my Kindles, my cell phone and two smart tvs. I also have two Dots on order will they work with my current router?? Gosh - I hope so!!!!! Since I am disabled I was really looking forward to telling Alexa to turn on my lamp. Is there another device that will work with my router? How do I go about returning the tp-link. I have the original box but I will have to pay someone to take it to the UPS office. , This is the only product from Amazon that I have ever been disappointed in. I have had 3 Kindles and words cannot express how much I LOVE my ECHO. Since I live alone and have no friends or family anywhere near, it is nice to hear another voice. I learn something new every day to use it for. I am not smart enough to know how to change my router and am hesitant to do so since I dont want to mess up my computer, my Kindles, my cell phone and two smart tvs. I also have two Dots on order will they work with my current router?? Gosh - I hope so!!!!! Since I am disabled I was really looking forward to telling Alexa to turn on my lamp. Is there another device that will work with my router? How do I go about returning the tp-link. I have the original box but I will have to pay someone to take it to the UPS office. , This is the only product from Amazon that I have ever been disappointed in. I have had 3 Kindles and words cannot express how much I LOVE my ECHO. Since I live alone and have no friends or family anywhere near, it is nice to hear another voice. I learn something new every day to use it for. I am not smart enough to know how to change my router and am hesitant to do so since I dont want to mess up my computer, my Kindles, my cell phone and two smart tvs. I also have two Dots on order will they work with my current router?? Gosh - I hope so!!!!! Since I am disabled I was really looking forward to telling Alexa to turn on my lamp. Is there another device that will work with my router? How do I go about returning the tp-link. I have the original box but I will have to pay someone to take it to the UPS office. , This is the only product from Amazon that I have ever been disappointed in. I have had 3 Kindles and words cannot express how much I LOVE my ECHO. Since I live alone and have no friends or family anywhere near, it is nice to hear another voice. I learn something new every day to use it for. I am not smart enough to know how to change my router and am hesitant to do so since I dont want to mess up my computer, my Kindles, my cell phone and two smart tvs. I also have two Dots on order will they work with my current router?? Gosh - I hope so!!!!! Since I am disabled I was really looking forward to telling Alexa to turn on my lamp. Is there another device that will work with my router? How do I go about returning the tp-link. I have the original box but I will have to pay someone to take it to the UPS office. , This is the only product from Amazon that I have ever been disappointed in. I have had 3 Kindles and words cannot express how much I LOVE my ECHO. Since I live alone and have no friends or family anywhere near, it is nice to hear another voice. I learn something new every day to use it for. I am not smart enough to know how to change my router and am hesitant to do so since I dont want to mess up my computer, my Kindles, my cell phone and two smart tvs. I also have two Dots on order will they work with my current router?? Gosh - I hope so!!!!! Since I am disabled I was really looking forward to telling Alexa to turn on my lamp. Is there another device that will work with my router? How do I go about returning the tp-link. I have the original box but I will have to pay someone to take it to the UPS office. , This is the only product from Amazon that I have ever been disappointed in. I have had 3 Kindles and words cannot express how much I LOVE my ECHO. Since I live alone and have no friends or family anywhere near, it is nice to hear another voice. I learn something new every day to use it for. I am not smart enough to know how to change my router and am hesitant to do so since I dont want to mess up my computer, my Kindles, my cell phone and two smart tvs. I also have two Dots on order will they work with my current router?? Gosh - I hope so!!!!! Since I am disabled I was really looking forward to telling Alexa to turn on my lamp. Is there another device that will work with my router? How do I go about returning the tp-link. I have the original box but I will have to pay someone to take it to the UPS office. , This is the only product from Amazon that I have ever been disappointed in. I have had 3 Kindles and words cannot express how much I LOVE my ECHO. Since I live alone and have no friends or family anywhere near, it is nice to hear another voice. I learn something new every day to use it for. I am not smart enough to know how to change my router and am hesitant to do so since I dont want to mess up my computer, my Kindles, my cell phone and two smart tvs. I also have two Dots on order will they work with my current router?? Gosh - I hope so!!!!! Since I am disabled I was really looking forward to telling Alexa to turn on my lamp. Is there another device that will work with my router? How do I go about returning the tp-link. I have the original box but I will have to pay someone to take it to the UPS office. , This is the only product from Amazon that I have ever been disappointed in. I have had 3 Kindles and words cannot express how much I LOVE my ECHO. Since I live alone and have no friends or family anywhere near, it is nice to hear another voice. I learn something new every day to use it for. I am not smart enough to know how to change my router and am hesitant to do so since I dont want to mess up my computer, my Kindles, my cell phone and two smart tvs. I also have two Dots on order will they work with my current router?? Gosh - I hope so!!!!! Since I am disabled I was really looking forward to telling Alexa to turn on my lamp. Is there another device that will work with my router? How do I go about returning the tp-link. I have the original box but I will have to pay someone to take it to the UPS office. , This is the only product from Amazon that I have ever been disappointed in. I have had 3 Kindles and words cannot express how much I LOVE my ECHO. Since I live alone and have no friends or family anywhere near, it is nice to hear another voice. I learn something new every day to use it for. I am not smart enough to know how to change my router and am hesitant to do so since I dont want to mess up my computer, my Kindles, my cell phone and two smart tvs. I also have two Dots on order will they work with my current router?? Gosh - I hope so!!!!! Since I am disabled I was really looking forward to telling Alexa to turn on my lamp. Is there another device that will work with my router? How do I go about returning the tp-link. I have the original box but I will have to pay someone to take it to the UPS office. , This is the only product from Amazon that I have ever been disappointed in. I have had 3 Kindles and words cannot express how much I LOVE my ECHO. Since I live alone and have no friends or family anywhere near, it is nice to hear another voice. I learn something new every day to use it for. I am not smart enough to know how to change my router and am hesitant to do so since I dont want to mess up my computer, my Kindles, my cell phone and two smart tvs. I also have two Dots on order will they work with my current router?? Gosh - I hope so!!!!! Since I am disabled I was really looking forward to telling Alexa to turn on my lamp. Is there another device that will work with my router? How do I go about returning the tp-link. I have the original box but I will have to pay someone to take it to the UPS office. , This is the only product from Amazon that I have ever been disappointed in. I have had 3 Kindles and words cannot express how much I LOVE my ECHO. Since I live alone and have no friends or family anywhere near, it is nice to hear another voice. I learn something new every day to use it for. I am not smart enough to know how to change my router and am hesitant to do so since I dont want to mess up my computer, my Kindles, my cell phone and two smart tvs. I also have two Dots on order will they work with my current router?? Gosh - I hope so!!!!! Since I am disabled I was really looking forward to telling Alexa to turn on my lamp. Is there another device that will work with my router? How do I go about returning the tp-link. I have the original box but I will have to pay someone to take it to the UPS office. , This is the only product from Amazon that I have ever been disappointed in. I have had 3 Kindles and words cannot express how much I LOVE my ECHO. Since I live alone and have no friends or family anywhere near, it is nice to hear another voice. I learn something new every day to use it for. I am not smart enough to know how to change my router and am hesitant to do so since I dont want to mess up my computer, my Kindles, my cell phone and two smart tvs. I also have two Dots on order will they work with my current router?? Gosh - I hope so!!!!! Since I am disabled I was really looking forward to telling Alexa to turn on my lamp. Is there another device that will work with my router? How do I go about returning the tp-link. I have the original box but I will have to pay someone to take it to the UPS office. , This is the only product from Amazon that I have ever been disappointed in. I have had 3 Kindles and words cannot express how much I LOVE my ECHO. Since I live alone and have no friends or family anywhere near, it is nice to hear another voice. I learn something new every day to use it for. I am not smart enough to know how to change my router and am hesitant to do so since I dont want to mess up my computer, my Kindles, my cell phone and two smart tvs. I also have two Dots on order will they work with my current router?? Gosh - I hope so!!!!! Since I am disabled I was really looking forward to telling Alexa to turn on my lamp. Is there another device that will work with my router? How do I go about returning the tp-link. I have the original box but I will have to pay someone to take it to the UPS office. ,I am not smart enough to know how to change my router and am hesitant to do so since I dont want to mess up my computer, my Kindles, my cell phone and two smart tvs. I also have two Dots on order will they work with my current router?? Gosh - I hope so!!!!! Since I am disabled I was really looking forward to telling Alexa to turn on my lamp. Is there another device that will work with my router? How do I go about returning the tp-link. I have the original box but I will have to pay someone to take it to the UPS office. This is the only product from Amazon that I have ever been disappointed in. I have had 3 Kindles and words cannot express how much I LOVE my ECHO. Since I live alone and have no friends or family anywhere near, it is nice to hear another voice. I learn something new every day to use it for.
-
B. Colonna
> 3 dayOne of my smartest purchases ever. I bought my first HS100 around Thanksgiving 2017. I got two for $5 each, as bundles with my Echo and Echo Dot. I just added a 3rd (an HS110) for under $20. They are a breeze to set up. just plug in and wait for the light to go from amber to green. Go to setting on your phone and join the TP Kaza wifi (temporary for the setup), and let it prompt you to connect to your home wifi. From there, use the phone app to manage the devices, create schedules, groups of devices, and of course, turn things on or off with Alexa. You can use the Kaza app to set up schedules. I use these on lamps and the Christmas tree, etc. One great thing - these are actually smart - they know if they are off or on. This differs from a simple time which just turns itself back and forth to on and off, without controlling the actual flow of electricity to the timer. The Kasaoutlet knows if it is on or off, so for example if you ask Alexa to turn off the lamp and the Kasa outlet is already off, it will do nothing. You wont get out of sync with on being off and off being on. Scheduling is a breeze, and much easier to do from a smartphone than having to go to an outlet timer, bend down, play with settings, etc. You can schedule on and off functions individual on different days, or set a timer to turn off in say 30 minutes, or set an away schedule to randomly turn lights on to give the appearance you are home. Of course, you can use the app to turn things on and off when you are away from home too. You can also override the schedule with simple commands like Alexa turn on the den lamp. If you prefer a smaller plug, TP-Link does make a smaller version. Coverage seems very good. I have some of these on different floors than my router, and about 60-70 feet away with no issue at all. A couple of notes: 1. These are good size, so in a duplex outlet it is bets to plug it in the top outlet so the bottom outlet remains accessible. I see people complain that the Kasa blocks the whole duplex outlet. I guess it could in some cases, depending how your outlet is mounted, or it what you want to plug into the other outlet is large. In general though, plug into the top outlet on a duplex, and you are good to go. 2. These are grounded and have 3 prongs so if you have an old style outlet, thats an issue. The HS110 comes with energy monitoring which the HS100 does not. The HS100 still shows you hours of usage, averages, etc.so I would go with whichever is the best price on the day you buy it.
-
C. Flowers
> 3 dayUpdate 03.27.17 From 5 stars to 1 star and now at 4stars. After the fix provided by Customer Service all seems well but time will tell. The Fix: You can download the upgrade tool here: http://static.tp-link.com/iotUpgradeTool_V1.0.zip Please note the upgrade tool is currently compatible with Windows systems only, and the computer must be on the same network as the smart device(s). After downloading the tool, extract the compressed folder using a decompression utility such as 7zip or WinRAR, and run the main executable file. Please allow firewall access if prompted by Windows. Once the program is open, click Scan, then select the smart device you want to update, and click Upgrade. If you have more than one smart device that needs updating, simply repeat these steps for each one. Once the update is completed, your smart device may need to be re-configured. If so, please use the Kasa app to re-configure the smart device. Update 03.20.17 Worst purchase ever from Tp-Link besides the new smart bulls. They are both horrible if you lose service for more than a few hours. I had to have my modem/router replaced and once all was said and done all of my original smart plugs were back online and communicating with Echo. However, after several resets, following Tp-Links instructions, my three (3) smart bulbs and my one (1) mini smart plug are still not responsive. Well, not entirely true, they are responsive after the initial reset but if I turn my phone off or leave the house, nothing. Of course they are visible on the app but unreachable. The smaller size of the new smart plugs is great but they are not worth the hassle. If this was a one-time thing maybe but I happened to live in an area that losing power for hours if not days during storms and I can’t see going through this frustration after each incident. For now I am only out a little over $100 and I am thankful this happened now before invested any more money in these products. The convenience of the smaller sized of the mini plugs and the no plug needed bulbs was sop great I naturally wanted more of them. Now, if youre wondering why my others devices worked with my new router instantly, the cable guy replaced the name or something on the new router with the name and password of my old router so I wouldnt have to reset everything. He did mention if I had a hub I would only have to redo the hub but that would still leave all of other devices, i.e. echoes, dot, thermostat, Kuna lights and everything else that runs off Wi-Fi. I know this review has crossed over between the mini plugs and the smart bulbs but since they responded the same way to my outage I thought it appropriate. However, I will be updating my review for the bulbs as well if I left one if not, I will be leaving one. I love these plugs. Set up was easy. I ordered one, then two, and now I am on my third. Having the app is great and the ability to work around my scheduled settings has proven to be a much needed asset. Im sure there may be at least one more in my future, maybe two :). And how could I forget to mention these plugs work with my Echo, even better. My house may be old but she is smart!
-
cookingMaven
Greater than one weekThis item worked well for years with minimal problems. But when my modem died and I had to change the network I found out that you cant change the plug. They advise me to set up the new network with the same network ID and password as the old network. Since Id already set up the network and many many devices in my house I ended up just ordering a different plug. From Amazon of course. I will get it tomorrow