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Elgato Eve Energy Switch & Power Meter and Eve Button review

I’m particularly fond of home automation and have enjoyed making things light, whirr and spin with a poke at my phone or voice command. Adding the ability to monitor mower is icing on the cake so I was eager to give Elgato’s Eve Energy Switch & Power Meter and Eve Button a try.

What is it?

Eva Power Switch & Power Meter devices allow the control of a single socket via a smartphone app or Siri. Equipped with power monitoring functions, the app allows activation/ deactivation and power draw analysis for the connected appliance.

Adding the Eve Button allows remote control of Eve Power Switches without the need of a smartphone…

Hardware Specs

        Eve Wireless Switch & Power Meter

  • Plastic housing
  • Dimensions: 2.6 x 1.9 x 2.6 inches
  • Weight: 3.04oz
  • Power Rating: 120VAC, 15 Amps/1800 Watts maximum load
  • AC Frequency: 50/60Hz
  • Interior use only

Eve Button

  • Plastic and aluminum housing
  • Dimensions: 2.1 x 2.1 x 0.5 inches
  • Weight: 1.28 oz.
  • Power Rating: 3.0VDC, CR2032 lithium coin cell battery included

What’s in the box?

        Eve Wireless Switch & Power Meter

  • Eve Switch
  • Instruction manual
  • Quick-start manual

Eve Button

  • Eve Button
  • Instruction manual
  • Quick-start manual
  • Several sets of device icon stickers

Design and features

The Eve Switch and Eve Button cardboard packaging are full-color and attractive looking. There is ample support to keep the contents from being damaged in transit. The quick-start manuals have easily understood graphics. The instruction manual is very tiny.

Because of the case design, it’s not possible to plug in two Eve Switches into a single two-outlet socket. However, it is possible for another 3-prong grounded plug to fit in the second socket with the Eve switch plugged into the first. This has been a shortcoming of other manufacturers that Elgato has addressed nicely, although a case design that allows two Eve Switches in a single duplex outlet would be advantageous.

Connecting the sockets to Apple Home was super simple – just plug in, open Apple Home on your iPhone, click the + to add a new piece of hardware, Select “Add Accessory,” Allow the camera to scan the device code, Click the new device “icon,” wait for the confirmation and done and works without installing the Eve app. After successfully adding the switch, Apple Home allows the user to specify the room and give the new switch a name that can be used to verbally turn the connected device on or off. It’s very cool to be able to issue a voice command like,”Hey Siri, turn on the coffee maker.”

Here’s where the Elgato Eve is different: Once connected and functional, the Eve app shows the status,  power consumption, projected cost, total consumption, total cost (based in my energy rate taken from my electric bill), Current (Amps) and voltage. For someone looking to reduce energy costs, this is a valuable tool to find out what’s sucking the energy out of your home. I connected a small 3-cup rice cooker to the Eve Switch and turned it on. Over the next, I watched the power consumption while cooking and warming modes. The Eve app gave me an overview of my little rice cooker’s usage.

I can see this being a great tool for determining where my home appliances are wasting energy. It will be interesting to use the Eve Switches to monitor parasitic drain devices and reduce electrical costs.

The app also provides a mechanism to create scenes, turning any Apple Home devices on and off dependent on environmental issues. It’s not as comprehensive a list of trigger conditions I’ve seen in other products, but in testing everything works well.

Next, I linked the Eve Button to my Apple Home account. The switch is small and sleek and has three button modes – single press, double-press, and long-press. Each mode can be configured to perform tasks on any Apple Home device but requires an Apple TV hub to configure and use. I don’t have one at the time of this writing, but it’s on my wish list. I envision using the Eve Button to turn an entire house of lights on or off at the end of a busy day without the need to go from room to room. Elgato includes stick-on rubber feet and several sheets of appliance icons that can be applied to the Eve switch as a reminder of what it’s configured to control. A nice touch.

 

What I like

  • Snazzy looking
  • Easy configuration
  • Only one can be used per duplex socket
  • Capable app with energy usage feedback

What needs to be improved?

  • It would be nice if an Apple TV hub were not needed.

Final thoughts

I found the Elgato Eve Switches and buttons cost-effective, well-constructed and reliable. The switches work similarly to other manufacturers, but the energy collection data is top-notch.  I am looking forward to fully implementing the system and getting the Eve Button working.

Price: Eve Energy Switches $49.95. Eve Button $49.93
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Elgato.

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Elgato Eve Energy Switch & Power Meter and Eve Button review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 25, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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Geekbes USB Smart WiFi Plug review

Over the past decade, I’ve slowly been adding automation to my home, starting with X-10. Powerful new devices, like Geekbes Smart WiFi Plug, have made it easy to remotely control lamps and appliances with ease, even when outside my home.

What is it?

The Geekbes Smart plugs are single-socket, WiFi modules that turn on or off plug-in electrical devices using a smartphone app, Alexa or IFTTT. Additionally, each unit is equipped with a pair of USB power sockets.

Hardware Specs

  • Plastic housing
  • Dimensions: 3.75” x 2.25” x 1.2” (94.7 x 56.8 x 30mm)
  • Weight :3.8oz (107g)
  • Power Rating: 125V AC 10A
  • AC Frequency: 50/60Hz
  • Operating Temperature: -10C~+40C
  • Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 2.4GHz b/g/n
  • App Support: Android 4.1 and iOS8.0 or higher

What’s in the box?

  • 2x Smart Socket
  • 1 x User Manual

Design and features

The Geekbes Smart Sockets arrived in a subdued cardboard box with black print. The instruction manual provides a QR code for downloading the app and walks through the configuration, Amazon Eco, and IFTTT integration. It’s simple and efficiently written, but be prepared to pull out your magnifying glass, the text is tiny.

A single Geekbes plug can be used in a duplex socket. Unfortunately, only two-prong, non-grounded plugs can occupy the adjacent socket.

Connecting the sockets was a simple process: using the app, scan the QR code, wait for the device to connect, give it a name and you’re off and running. I do have one caveat – if you use a VPN, it will need to be disabled during the connection process. I could not add any devices with my VPN enabled. As soon as the devices are connected, I reconnected my VPN and had no difficulties using the app. There is an icon-based list of devices that can be controlled with the Geekbes app, a much wider variety than other home-automation apps I’ve used.

The app is intuitive and has some desirable features.  There are several app screens one can use to turn the sockets on or off, each with different capabilities. There are also simple and complex timers and scenes that can be created. Scenes can be triggered by temperature, humidity, weather, air quality sunrise/sunset, or even another device. I found this particularly interesting as it’s possible to cascade one event through any number of Geekbes devices. Pretty slick.

Now the bad news: Temperature settings are only available in Celsius, and the list of cities is only available in (I think) Cantonese. This makes using local area weather conditions somewhat cumbersome as I don’t know what cities are represented. As the product matures, I hope to see language options improve, making usage easier.

There is a one-shot timer that can be used to turn a device on or off after a configurable delay, up to 23 hours, 59 minutes. I’ve used this function to keep the living room light on long enough to allow me to walk to the bedroom without tripping over the cat. Additionally, any number of schedules can be created to turn devise on or off at a specified time, on specific days. Think of this function as a lighting timer on steroids. For security, this works great, but I would eventually like to see the ability to turn lights on and off randomly within +/- 15 minutes of the scheduled time. This would give the home a much more “lived in” appearance as none of us turns the lights on or off at exactly the same time every day and helps avoid the “Home Alone Silver Tuna” phenomena.

Linking the Geekbes app to Alexa was as simple as opening the Alexa app and adding the skill. Alexa integration works flawlessly with a lag of only a few seconds. My wife and kids love this.

What I like

  • Well-constructed
  • Easy configuration
  • Capable app with many timing and automated control options
  • Alexa  and IFTTT integration

What needs to be improved?

  • City list in other supported languages (English, German and, Japanese are stated, but not available) is needed.
  • Fahrenheit temperature settings would be welcomed.

Final thoughts

I found the Geekbes WiFi smart plugs to be reliable, convenient and simple to set up. While some enhancements to the app would be welcomed, the system performed well. I am also particularly fond because my daughter has the habit of leaving every light in the house burning. From outside, my house looks like a cruise ship. Being able to turn lamps and other devices off without chasing my daughter all over the house is priceless.

Price: $29.99 for a pack of two
Where to buy:Amazon
Source: Geekbes

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Geekbes USB Smart WiFi Plug review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 23, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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This adapter performs CPR on your router if it becomes unresponsive

Do you have security cameras or other automation devices in your home? All of these IoT gadgets are great until your home network goes belly up for one reason or another. In the past, I’ve had issues with my wireless router locking up after a power flicker. It’s not only annoying but frustrating when I’d try to check my cameras or Nest thermostat from a remote location only to find out that I couldn’t access them. That’s why the ResetPlug G2 from MultiNet looks interesting to me.

This small adapter which is available for US-style plugs, as well as plugs for Brazil, Europe, UK, Ireland, Austraila, New Zealand, and Asia, is designed to monitor your WiFi router/modem and reset power if WiFi fails. There is also an optional web app that will help you troubleshoot what caused the failure on your network so you will know if it was the WiFi signal, the router, the broadband modem, or the ISP that failed.

The app keeps a log of all of the events and you can subscribe to email alerts and send remote resets from anywhere. The web app is optional for $2 per month or $20 per year, but you don’t have to subscribe because the ResetPlug will operate just fine without the app.

The ResetPlug G2 will begin shipping in June 2018 and you can order one for $59.99 from ResetPlug.com.

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This adapter performs CPR on your router if it becomes unresponsive originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 15, 2018 at 8:00 am.

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Ecobee recruits Amazon’s Alexa for their new Switch+ smart switch

The ecobee Switch + is the smarter light switch with built-in Amazon Alexa. Unlike other smart switches that just work with Alexa, the ecobee Switch + has the voice assistant built right in. Use the built-in mic to ask Alexa for lights, news, music, and more. Or control other voice-enabled devices in your home.

Depending on Alexa’s state the built-in light bar will flash different colors.

What else can Switch + do?

With Switch +, you’re in total control of your lighting. Rely on motion and daylight sensors, or ask Alexa. You can even use the ecobee app.

If you’re old-school, a button allows you to turn it on and off manually. But who does that anymore?

The “smart-off” setting senses when a room is empty and automatically turns the lights off. There’s even a nightlight to keep you from fumbling around in the dark.

Any outdoor light will be upgraded to automatically turn on at sunset and turn off at a time of your choosing with Switch +.

Switch + plays well with all the platforms you already know and love, such as Apple Home Kit, Google Assistant, SmartThings, and IFTTT.

Simple do it yourself installation takes about 45 minutes. And step-by-step videos and illustrations in the ecobee app make it easy.

Coming soon

When you’re away on vacation you can randomize your lights to turn on or off at different times of the day. So your lights say someones home even when you’re thousands of miles away. Kind of like auto-pilot for your lights.

And you’ll soon be able to control your ecobee thermostats with the Switch +. Built-in sensors will help you to manage hot or cold spots in your home.

A firmware update coming this summer will add both of these new features.

The ecobee Switch + comes with a wall plate, mounting screws, wire nuts, and install guide. Available on March, 26th it will sell for $99.99. You can pre-order yours now on Amazon.

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Ecobee recruits Amazon’s Alexa for their new Switch+ smart switch originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 24, 2018 at 8:38 am.

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Sonoff S31 WiFi socket and Slampher RF bulb adapter review

Turning your home into a smart home is a whole lot easier if you add the home automation tech during the building phase instead of waiting years later to retrofit tech into an existing home. Although that’s great advice, it won’t help you if you want to get into the home automation game with an older home like mine. My home was built in the 1970’s and the smartest thing about it when I bought it was… ok there was nothing smart about my home when I bought it, but I’ve slowly been adding smart home gadgets over the years to raise its IQ.

Today I want to show you the Sonoff S31 WiFi Socket with Power Consumption Detection and the Slampher RF adapter. These devices provide an easy way to turn almost any plug-in device into a smart device and a light bulb adapter that turns dumb bulbs into smart ones that you can control with your smartphone. Let’s take a look.

What is it?

The Sonoff S31 is a WiFi enabled smart switch that you can control with your smartphone, Alexa enabled speakers, Google Home, and Google Assistant.

The Slampher RF adapter is a WiFi enabled adapter that will turn a regular light bulb into a smart light bulb that can be controlled by your phone, Alexa, Google Home, and Google Assistant.

What’s in the box?

Each of these adapters is sold separately and do not come with any special parts or accessories. The small keychain remote is also sold separately.

Design and features

Sonoff S31

The S31 is compact size 1 gang US standard wifi smart plug with energy monitoring that turns a “dumb” device into a “smart” device that can be controlled via WiFi with an iOS or Android device or voice assistant from Amazon and Google.

The adapter is made of white and black plastic with two status LEDs on the front.

On one side is a power button that you can use to manually toggle power to the outlet.

The Sonoff S31 WiFi Socket has a horizontal layout that keeps it from blocking the other outlet on a standard wall outlet.

I used the S31 adapter with an IR heater in my basement. With the S31’s socket powered on, the heater performed normally, but with the eWeLink app, I could control it in real time or with timers and schedules.  The app also provides info on usage and power consumption. More on the app in a sec.

Sonoff Slampher RF


In addition to smart WiFi enabled socket adapters, Sonoff also sells adapters that will turn a regular light bulb into a smart light bulb that can be controlled by your mobile device. These adapters are bulky and might not fit in certain lamps because they add extra height to the bulb.

Sonoff even sells a wireless controller that can be used to toggle power to their N and W series RF switches and adapters like the Slampher RF. However, I was never able to get it to work because it didn’t come with any instructions and everything I tried (instructions with the Slampher RF light bulb adapter) did not work. The product page for the remote has quite a few comments from customers who also are unable to get it to work.

Let’s make our home smarter!

Setting up and configuring the Sonoff WiFi Socket and Slampher RF light bulb adapter is quick and easy using the eWeLink app for Android and iOS.


The app walks you through adding a new device and once added, it shows up on the main screen like you see above on the left. Power to the Slampher RF adapter can be toggled by tapping it on this screen. Controlling the S31 socket requires that you go into the detail view for that device and then tap the power toggle.

The detail view of the S31 shows a real-time reading of how much current and voltage it’s drawing if it’s powered on.


The app allows you to set a timer to record power consumption during a specific time frame. It also tracks historical usage whenever the switch is in use and keeps a log of the last 100 days with the ability to export it as a CSV file.

You can also customize the data by plugging in your electric company’s rates. Every power company is different and my company (Duke Energy) uses three different rates:

First 300 kWh $0.092945 per kWh
Next 700kWh $0.054178 per kWh
Over 1000 kWh $0.044464 per kWh



The eWeLink app can be used to schedule times when the switch will be powered on/off and info for overload protection.

One way you could use the schedule feature is for charging your phone during the night. Instead of having it trickle charging all night which can cause your battery to age prematurely, you can set the S31 to turn off after 3 hours.

If controlling your smart switches by your phone is too much trouble, you can also control them with your voice assistant. I set up the Sonoff switches with Alexa and it worked great. I could say “Alexa, turn off the heater” and bada boom bada bing, the switch would turn off.

What I like

  • Easy to use and install
  • Can track power consumption and cost

What needs to be improved

  • Slampher RF adapter didn’t want to work with CFL and LED light bulbs
  • Couldn’t get the wireless remote to work with the Slampher RF adapter
  • Slampher adapter is bulky and adds height to the bulb.

Final thoughts

Sonoff makes easy to use products that can help you turn your non-smart home into a better smarter version without a lot of hassle and expense. I liked the S31 WiFi socket quite a bit but wasn’t impressed with the Slampher RF adapter. I’d rather just buy an inexpensive WiFi enabled smart bulb.

Price:$18.90 for the S31 socket, $16.09 for the Slampher RF
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by ITEAD.

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Sonoff S31 WiFi socket and Slampher RF bulb adapter review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 8, 2018 at 1:00 pm.

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