teejay2012

williamlondon said:

Aplus said:

We've been using them for a year or so with the lower price being the main attraction. I didn't install the Koogeek app, just added them directly by scanning the sticker using the HomeKit app. No Koogeek app means no firmware updates, but since they worked right out of the box and have kept working through power cuts, etc this seems a simpler way to go unless you encounter problems. We are using the always-awesome Apple AirPort Extreme, so your mileage may vary. I like them. Does what it says it will do with no fuss.

Thanks for this, that's very good to know. Live in a small apartment here and not much opportunity to install big HomeKit accessories, but something simple like this (which seems much cheaper than other more comprehensive alternatives) which can be used and is working well for others is actually rather exciting.

BTW, welcome to the forum!

One feature of the Koogeek app (besides firmware updates) is that it provides basic power consumption information, including current watts being consumed. Not something that I use, but of interest to some for sure. Another point about them. While they are easy to set up generally, things sometimes do not work first time, and I have had to reset them. To reset a Koogeek, you need to hold the power button in while inserting into power, and hold down for a good 10 seconds - LED flashes and changes color. Then to add it to your network, go to Settings->WiFi and find the device which will appear like a WiFi station, 'click on it' to add it to your network, and then you will be instructed to add its code to complete. They are ok devices and a bit cheaper than others, but Koogeek does not have easy to find detailed instructions if first attempt does not work. I have 4 of them and they work well for the most part, although they seem to go 'offline' once in a while - unplug and plug and things right themselves. Welcome to Homekit, the early days!

amarkap said:

Uh...just because an article is about HomeKit doesn't mean every comment has to be about HomeKit and HomeKit specific products.  Bocaboy comment was acceptable and informative.  As well, I appreciate your informative comment.


I have two lamps in my home that have timers attached to them to come on in the evenings and shut off around 10:00PM.  Yes, a few times a year I have to readjust the setting but it is fine.  It works and costs less than $10.00.

The topic is Homekit and Koogeek P1 - which I own and use. In forums, it is polite to stay on topic. The comment made was 'off topic' and might mislead some into thinking that TP-link and WeMo are Homekit compatible, which I wanted to correct. As to which system is 'better', well that's another topic.

bocaboy said:

Skip the Koogeek and stick with either TP-Link or WeMo, in that order. I've been using these switches for a couple years now. I have the plug-in and wall switch from both vendors. My recommendation tips towards TP-Link. Their wireless reception performs better where a WiFi signal isn't very strong. In areas where WiFi reception is good, both are equally good. Every device I have connected to either a TP-Link or WeMo is controlled by Amazon Echo and allows for a completely automated home.

When all is said and done, TP-Link is my preferred product. It's ability to be more tenacious in holding on to a weak wireless signal and not being fussy during upgrades are the two reasons I use them. The sunrise/sunset problem will hopefully be fixed in a future update of their Kasa app. Either way, both can be controlled by an Echo, which is way more functional than Homekit. 

Uh.. This article is about Homekit. TP-Link and WeMo make good hardware but they do not work with Homekit directly, and require users to set up Homebridge - not for the technically timid.

We have Koogeek and iHome devices, and they all have equivalent glitches in terms of firmware updating, and becoming 'unavailable' or 'updating' at random times, which could be related to our complicated Apple hardware based network (many Expresses to 'extend'). We still have a few lights controlled with ancient X10 devices and ironically they are more stable than our Homekit stuff - but we wanted to have ability to control some of the lights away from home.

fmalloy said:

Amazing the pure, naive adulation for All Things Apple. Apple can sue the hell out of anyone and everyone, but if someone does it to them, oh poor Apple the victim. Fanboys...smh...

You did notice the sign when you came in right. This is an Apple site.
Perhaps you were looking for the "five minute argument room"?
I think most of us are waiting for the details of the case, but word around is that Qualcomm is the bad guy here.
Please close the door on your way out and have a nice weekend.

I think that Apple will use a DNA based security system, in which a tiny needle will pick your finger with the power button, and then unlock the phone if the DNA matches.
Now that James Comey is gone from the FBI, Apple feels comfortable that the government will not press Apple to share DNA identification with the government. /double s