Belkin's Wemo brand today announced the launch of a new WiFi-connected HomeKit-compatible Outdoor Smart Plug that joins Wemo's other smart plugs, light switches, and dimmers.
The Outdoor Smart Plug is ideal for outdoor lighting, holiday decorations, and other outdoor appliances, and it does not require a hub to function.
It is equipped with two splash-proof, weather resistant AC outlets that allow the items that are plugged in to be controlled using Siri voice commands, the Wemo app, and the Home app. The Outdoor Smart Plug is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Hey Google for those that don't have a Siri ecosystem.
The WiFi Outdoor Smart Plug can be pre-ordered from Belkin or from Amazon for $39.99, with orders set to ship out in late October.
Top Rated Comments
https://www.amazon.com/meross-Compatible-Assistant-SmartThings-Waterproof/dp/B08HQ2N235/ref=sr_1_14?crid=19HNJVLKQQ5E2&dchild=1&keywords=meross+homekit&qid=1603302474&sprefix=Meross+%2Caps%2C215&sr=8-14
If it has an internet requirement, that is also a dealbreaker. Why the heck does a command that travels 20 feet from me to the device need to relay to their servers. Too suspicious. Forget that.
No HomeKit is a dealbreaker. Less because of ecosystem convenience and more because of security standards.
https://www.amazon.com/meross-Waterproof-Compatible-Assistant-SmartThings/dp/B07SYHBVY4 ('https://www.amazon.com/meross-Waterproof-Compatible-Assistant-SmartThings/dp/B07SYHBVY4?ref_=ast_sto_dp')
Wemo was my first foray into smart home, I've used their products since their launch. However, I have to express my disappointment with the Wemo brand. They could not make the setup process any more frustrating. Since day one, I dont think I've yet to set up a Wemo product without it either unable to find my Wifi, the pairing process failing, or the Wemo app just outright crashing.
Now recently Wemo announced the change to a cloud required model. If your internet connection fails, you cannot turn on and off your lights through the app. I think this is a huge mistake and this direction should not be supported. If Belkin shuts off their service, you're left with paperweights. Just like they did with their Wifi camera. Why should I continue to trust this brand?
There are numerous products that compete with this. I'd suggest avoiding Wemo at this point.
Edit: I see as well from the Q/A that the outlets are tied together, you can't control them independently. How is this supposed to compete?