This comprehensive review delves into the BN-LINK Smart WiFi Power Strip, exploring its setup, functionality, and integration with popular smart home ecosystems. We'll examine the ease of use of the BN-LINK Smart app, detailing the process of adding the power strip and configuring its various features. We'll also assess the app's control options, including individual outlet management, scheduling, and advanced functions like the "circulate" mode.Beyond app control, we'll cover the seamless integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, demonstrating how voice commands can simplify the management of your connected devices. Finally, we'll offer an overall assessment of the BN-LINK Smart WiFi Power Strip, weighing its affordability, feature set, and user experience against its potential drawbacks, providing a balanced perspective for potential buyers considering this smart home solution.
Pros And Cons
- Simple and easy to use
- Works with BN-Link smart app, Alexa, and Google Home
- Can be turned all on or all off using the power button
- Individual outlets can be toggled on/off
- Outlets can be renamed
- Timers, schedules, and child lock features are available
- 5 GHz networks will not work
- App will not notify you if the password is entered incorrectly
Read more: AMI Meter Reading Guide: Understanding Your Smart Electricity Meter
Setup and Installation
Setting up the BN-LINK smart power strip is remarkably straightforward. Begin by downloading the BN-LINK Smart app from either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Ensure you download the app version explicitly labeled 'Smart'.
After creating an account, the app will guide you through adding your device. The power strip should be turned on and rapidly blinking blue. If not, press and hold the power button for 5 seconds to initiate pairing mode.
Follow the in-app instructions. You'll need to provide your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network name and password. The app will then connect to your smart power strip and you can rename it.
App Control and Features
Once connected, the BN-LINK Smart app offers granular control over your power strip. You can independently switch each outlet on or off, easily rename each outlet for better organization, and schedule timers for automated control.
The app also lets you set up schedules, create timers for individual outlets, enable a child lock to prevent accidental changes, and even create groups of outlets for simultaneous control.
Advanced features include a 'circulate' function (randomly turning outlets on and off), and an 'inch' setting which is not explicitly defined in the provided text, but likely relates to gradual power adjustments.
Voice Control with Alexa and Google Home
The BN-LINK smart power strip seamlessly integrates with both Amazon Alexa and Google Home. After enabling the skill/service within each platform's respective app, your smart power strip and individual outlets will be discoverable.
You'll need to ensure the device names in the BN-LINK Smart app and the voice assistant apps are consistent. Once configured, you can use voice commands like "Alexa, turn on lamp" or "Okay Google, turn off outlet 3".
Creating groups within the voice assistant apps allows for even more efficient control over multiple outlets. Remember to always refer to your devices by the names set within the BN-LINK Smart app.
Conclusion
The BN-LINK Smart WiFi Power Strip offers a compelling blend of affordability, convenience, and robust functionality. Setting up is a breeze and both app and voice control are intuitive and reliable.
The wide range of features, from individual outlet control to scheduling and child lock, caters to a variety of needs. Whether you're looking for simple on/off control or more sophisticated automation, this power strip delivers.
While the manual setup might be slightly more complex compared to some competitor products, the level of control and feature set makes it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a full-featured smart power solution.