Review: VocoLinc's Smart Power Strip is an easy but fickle way to upgrade 'dumb' devices

AppleInsider · January 29, 2020 7:07PM

If you've got a couple devices you're looking to make smarter, the Vocolinc smart power strip features three HomeKit-enabled smart outlets, three convenient USB outlets, and boasts an attractive price point to boot.

Whether you're looking for a quick way to start adding HomeKit to your house or simply upgrade some of your last remaining "dumb" devices with smarter solution, Vocolinc has got your back. We're looking at Vocolinc's HomeKit enabled smart power strip, an affordable way to automate three "dumb" devices in your home.

Design

Let's talk design for a second. I actually enjoy the design of the Smart Power Strip quite a bit. Having three outlets and three USB ports is extremely convenient for under-desk setups such as mine. It certainly eliminates the need for a lot of power converter boxes taking up extra space.

Additionally, one of the USB ports is a Quick Charge port, which is is a nice bonus. With more quick-charge compatible devices available these days, it's always nice to have an extra place to keep them topped up as needed.

Features

The LinkWise app allows you to control features of your Smart Power Strip

So, aside from the overall design, the VocoLinc Smart Power Strip has a few other tricks up its sleeve. Curious how much energy one of your devices use? Head into the VocoLinc LinkWise app and check out detailed information about whatever is plugged into outlet C.

Need a clever way to power "dumb" lights? The Smart Power Strip allows you to set schedules, perfect for controlling any lamp you haven't dropped a smart bulb in yet. Likewise, the LinkWise app gives you the ability to control whatever is plugged into your Smart Power Strip with Siri Shortcuts.

Worried about the safety of your tech? Each outlet and USB port comes equipped with dual overload protection, all wrapped up in in a fire-resistant housing.

Drawbacks

The Smart Power Strip isn't without its flaws, though. I found a few times one of the wifi enabled outlets would simply stop working, especially if it wasn't continuously supplying energy to something. The outlets that powered my MacBook and my external monitor never suffered this problem, but my USB-C fast-charger that only intermittently powered things would become unresponsive.

The solution, fortunately, was fairly simple -- I'd just hit the power switch on the Smart Power Strip, wait for ten seconds, and then turn it back on. Of course, my power strip is in one of the most inconveniently located places in my apartment -- under my tiny desk, on a shelf designed to reduce cord-clutter.

While I don't have too much issue climbing under my desk to reset the power strip when needed, I can't imagine that too many people are going to be thrilled with this solution. Likewise, if you buy this power strip to plug into behind an entertainment center or gaming console, you're not going to want to climb behind a TV into a mess of cords to fix it.

My other small complaint is that I'd prefer it if all three outlets had energy monitoring, rather than just the third outlet. Being able to easily take a look at what sort of energy draws your tech is making is a convenient -- and useful -- feature, and I'd like to have more of that information available.

Overall

The VocoLinc Smart Power Strip is a good device, though I personally have a tough time figuring out where it fits into my life. I could see it being the perfect holiday accessory for anyone who wants to schedule lighting, or perfect for those who don't already have a house outfitted with smart lighting. But, the instability is a problem.

Where to buy: The VocoLinc Smart Power Strip can be purchased from Amazon for $41.99.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5

Three USB charging ports, including one quick-charge port
Siri integration
Energy monitoring for one outlet

Energy monitoring for only one outlet
Occasionally becomes unresponsive and requires a manual reset

macgui · January 29, 2020 8:05PM

AI said:
The solution, fortunately, was fairly simple -- I'd just hit the power switch on the Smart Power Strip, wait for ten seconds, and then turn it back on. Of course, my power strip is in one of the most inconveniently located places in my apartment -- under my tiny desk, on a shelf designed to reduce cord-clutter.

I feel your pain. But- you could but the Voco on a smart switch that's Siri aware and turn it on and off remotely! LOL Obviously it's better that the Voco work like it should. The ersatz workaround occurred to me after seeing somebody power cycle their router in the attic with Google and a smartswitch.

Mariner8 · January 30, 2020 4:54PM

Aside from working around this particular device, Macgui’s idea here is an eye-opening solution for a persistent problem that plagues most of us sooner or later ... power-cycling inaccessible tech gizmos!

Our house has a closed, panel, in a closet, on the wrong side of a wall, tying TV, phone, and a wired and wireless modem into a single optical internet distributor with no way of switching any of the devices. M’s workaround solves this in one fell swoop.

By the same token, t’s just now occurred to me that I could go into the garage and find and throw whichever main breaker sends power to that tech panel — at least the breaker panel is more or less accessible. Thanks, Macgui!

AppleSince1976 · January 30, 2020 7:23PM

macgui said:

AI said:
The solution, fortunately, was fairly simple -- I'd just hit the power switch on the Smart Power Strip, wait for ten seconds, and then turn it back on. Of course, my power strip is in one of the most inconveniently located places in my apartment -- under my tiny desk, on a shelf designed to reduce cord-clutter.
I feel your pain. But- you could but the Voco on a smart switch that's Siri aware and turn it on and off remotely! LOL Obviously it's better that the Voco work like it should. The ersatz workaround occurred to me after seeing somebody power cycle their router in the attic with Google and a smartswitch.

"AppleSince1976" Replying in this "Quote" section because I seem to be "trapped" here:

Here's a concept: Build a stable product!

As an embedded designer for over 3 decades, with industrial control products that run for years without restarting, I submit there is absolutely no reason to give a "pass" to an embedded product that you employ with the understanding that "You might have to cycle its power if it becomes unresponsive." None at all.

Speaking of Routers, one of the things that even Apple-Haters admitted about Apple's Routers was that they ran for months and years without rebooting, which is apparently an exception in Router-Land. That is how it should be.

There are all sorts of "self-checking" Watchdog systems that have been built into Microcontrollers and SoCs for literally decades. If such a Watchdog system causes a Reset internally, Initialization software can return the device to proper operation, with no user intervention, and if properly written, often without the User even knowing anything happened.

But obviously, this is yet another half-baked product with firmware written by dollar-a-day contractors.

Vote with your wallets. Avoid feces like this for your own sanity.

realistic · January 30, 2020 11:20PM

Why would anyone need or want this as you could buy regular wifi switches for a lot less?

JustSomeGuy1 · January 31, 2020 5:56AM

This product should get zero stars. If it's unreliable, it's not out of beta and they shouldn't be selling it.

This *review* loses stars for missing that point. But also, you're reviewing a power strip, yet you blindly take for granted the assurances of the vendor that it has good power protection. Why didn't you crack it open and look at how it's built? If there's a problem there, it's not just your $42 for the strip that's as risk, it's potentially thousands of dollars of other gear. Just looking to make sure it's got at least three MOVs would be a good start (and honestly, as much as I'd expect from a review from a non-specialist website). Just one (or none at all, like some shady gear that used to be fairly common) would be bad, and grounds for zero stars.

cottonthePrt · February 1, 2020 8:09AM

Something I’m interested in with these devices is the power draw. Presumably the main reason you want to switch something off is power savings, if it’s a small draw (like your usb-c charger) you may be incurring more vampire current from the Wi-Fi switch. I’ve seen the go from about one watt to almost ten (based on kill-o-watt readings)