You then repeat this process for the right outlet and update the firmware (if necessary) to complete the installation. Once you have your Cync Outdoor Smart Plug paired with your home Wi-Fi network, you can set up control for each individual outlet on the plug. This dual-outlet, weather-resistant smart plug lets you control each plug independently, and works with both Alexa and Google Assistant services. You can connect up to 6Cync (C by GE) bulbs and plugs with each speaker or display. Tip: make sure the names you use to identify each outlet on your Cync Outdoor Smart Plug are easy to remember and not cumbersome to say when using voice commands with a smart speaker or display. Its always good to test the Wi-Fi signal prior to installation of the outdoor device. Thank you for signing up to Tom's Guide. They can also help save you money on your energy bill by having them turn on/off at specific times. Get an answer from an expert on the Google Home Help Forum. Many outdoor smart plugs we have tested to-date come with only one outlet. Not many homes have good Wi-Fi signals outside and you need a good wireless connection to your router for the smart plug to work properly. Many good smart outdoor plugs come with one outlet or if they have two, work in tandem and not separately. Other smart plugs are designed so that the prongs are perpendicular to the cord, so that when you plug it into an outlet, it hangs down naturally, and wont get bent if you plug it into an outlet. If you tap the gear icon in the upper right corner, you can configure Wi-Fi settings, edit the names of each outlet, and disable the status LEDs. 11,315,162 -, the rebranding of GE Lightings C by GE brand. For comparison, the $39.99 Wemo Wi-Fi Smart Outdoor Plug works with both of those platforms. The best premium and luxury smart speakers to buy in 2022, Back to school and college tech guide 2022, 11 best robotic vacuum cleaners under $500, 8 back-to-school helpers that take the sting out of the fall routine. Fortunately, WeMos app is pretty robust. How did Cync Outdoor Smart Plug perform during testing. If so, youre done. And it can control more than one strand of lights separately using one outlet. There also should be a reasonable amount of security, in the form of two-factor authentication. It has a Max load of 15A 1800W and a Rating 120V 60Hz. Make sure you have the latest version of the Google Home app. Most of the other smart plugs we tested were all very good, but all had one thing or another that just wasnt right. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time. But the best feature of this outdoor smart plug is the cost. Like the Cync Indoor Smart Plug, the Outdoor plug pairs with the Cync mobile app (available for Android and iOS). Tom's Guide is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. If the bulbor plug light doesnt blink, it means youneed to factory reset each, Choose a home to set up the device in and tap. To move devices from the Cync (C by GE) app, delete them from the Cync (C by GE) app and set them up in the Google Home app. However, the plugs can also be controlled via Alexa or Google Assistant, so you can use those assistants. Make sure your bulbs or plugsare powered on. Once the app identifies the plug, tap Setup to give it a name and to connect it to your network SSID. For example, you can set your outdoor smart plug to turn on your lights as it gets dark, and turn them off in the morning. We recommend setting up the Cync plug close to your Home Wi-Fi router before taking it outside. The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of PCMag. If weak, you might need a Wi-Fi extender to help improve the wireless connection. To increase the signal strength, move the Cync (C by GE) device and your speaker or display closer to each other. We got to test one of the new Cync products, Cync Outdoor Smart Plug on a real home with normal connectivity. New York, You can turn your device on and off or change the Tunable White bulb color temperature. Two soft rubber flaps help protect the outlets when theyre not in use.
Here, you can also create schedules for the plug to turn on or off at a specific time of day. cync connectedcrib It should have protective covers for the ports you're not using, and it should have large buttons that are easy to press, and let you know if the outlet is powered or not. For more information about how we review products in general, please check out the Tom's Guide How We Test page. However, its high price of $80 four times that of other outdoor smart plugs and the fact that it only has one plug for its massive size moves it well down our list. ge plugin timer digital manual owner manuals One of the features we look for in the best outdoor smart plugs is the ability to schedule them to turn on at sunset and off at sunrise. cync rebrands lineup Within the Ring app, you can configure the two outlets to work together or separately, and create schedules for when it turns on and off.
We decided to go back inside and connect the plug to our Wi-Fi router by plugging it into an outlet within 4 feet of our router. Smart outlet plug turns ordinary lights and devices into smart devices with enhanced functionality like out of home control, scheduling and scene setting. The Kasa app has a ton of features, from scheduling to connecting the plug to other TP-Link smart home devices, to controlling it with Alexa, Google Assistant, and SmartThings. Our recommendation is to keep it simple. At the top is a 6.5-inch cord thats long enough to plug the Ring into an outdoor outlet, while still being able to close your outlets door. You can also use your voice if you have either an Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant enabled device.
Rubber covers protect each of the three-prong, downward-facing outlets. The plug would not pair with our home Wi-Fi. Keep in mind that not all lights will react the same to being dimmed some may flicker. However, like TP-Links other outdoor plug as well as all of its other smart home devices the Kasa app lacks two-factor authentication, which makes it easier for hackers to potentially break into your account and take control of your smart home devices. But these smart devices do present problems to users because of where they are installed. Ive been working with computers for ages, starting with a multi-year stint in purchasing for a major IBM reseller in New York City before eventually landing at PCMag (back when it was still in print as PC Magazine). GE doesn't list the IP rating for the product, but, for comparison, the Wyze Outdoor Plug carries an IP64 weather-resistance rating. Chances are, youve got more than one thing to plug in outdoors, so the better smart plugs have at least two outlets. Whatever your purpose, an outdoor smart plug is an inexpensive, yet handy smart home gadget.
Cyncs new outdoor smart plug is a smart plug that works either inside or outside your smart home on a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection. We take these, as well as other factors such as the price into consideration, and then compare that to competing devices to determine our final rating. When you removeone Cync (C by GE) device through these steps, itremovesall Cync (C by GE) devices: Note: If your bulbs or plugs dont show up in either the Google Home app or the Cync (C by GE) app, they probably need to be factory reset. Keep an eye on your inbox! cync ge lighting unveils branding paperblog switch speed smart fan Cync does require the outdoor plug be within 40 feet of your router. You can use Routines to set a schedule for your device. Note: You can't unlink individual Cync (C by GE) lights or plugs. Select Plugs from the list of devices, follow the instructions to plug in the device, and confirm that the LEDs start to flash blue. Note: This article applies to Cync(C by GE) bulbs and plugs only. However, if a smart plugs prongs are in line with its cord, then this often means that the cord will have to be bent 90 degrees in order for you to close the cover, which could lead to the smart plug wearing out sooner. This action also factory resets the device. Another item to be aware of when installing smart plugs outside is how many outlets do you need? You can create schedules for the plugs to turn on and off at scheduled times, but theres no sunrise or sunset option, for instance (you could do this with Alexa, but thats a separate step). Michael A. Prospero is the U.S. Being outside your home and far from your Wi-Fi router, you can experience a weak wireless connection. Most have what's called an IP (Ingress Protection) rating of 64 or higher; this means they can handle sprays of water, but shouldn't be submerged. Use a name like "reading light"or "overhead light." While less applicable for outdoor lights, its a good feature for indoor smart plugs. For many homeowners, a smart plug will be one of the first forays into the smart home, so it should be easy to set up via the app. The button makes a slight clicking sound. The PowrUI Smart Power Strip is built for those Clark Griswold types who have a lot of outdoor smart lights, and not enough outlets. The Cync Outdoor Smart Plug costs only $29.99 and is available on Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart. Our top pick for outdoor smart plugs remains the Wyze Plug Outdoor, which integrates with more third-party platforms, produces energy reports, and costs about a third of the price, earning it our Editors' Choice award.
Theres even an offset if you want the lights to turn off at a set time before sunrise, or on before sunset. The plug also adhered to the usage schedule I set up without issues. That said, it doesn't support IFTTT or Apple's Homekit, and it cant generate power usage reports. Set up integrations with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant in Cync app.
When looking at Cyncs product line of smart devices, its rather big. Setup of the Cync outdoor smart plug is extremely simple. Use a name like "reading light"or "overhead light."
The very best apps in this regard also have an offset, so you can have your lights turn on at a set time before sunset when its getting dark. Its great if you want to create even greater ambiance in your outdoor space. imilab deal: $99 for imilab Smart Video Doorbell with 90 days free video storage. Like the best smart plugs, the best outdoor smart plugs can make anything that's plugged into them smart. After this, the app prompts you to set up the left outlet by giving it a name and assigning it to a group. Above each outlet is a small button to control each independently, with two small LEDs indicating their status. After testing a number of devices, we think the Wyze Plug Outdoor is the best outdoor smart plug around. If the factory reset is successful, the bulb youre about to setup should blink 3 timesor the plug light should blink blue. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Tip: The name you give your device will be used for voice commands. A green LED above each plug indicates whether its on or off. He oversees all evergreen content as well as the Homes, Smart Home, and Fitness/Wearables categories, but also tests out the latest standing desks, webcams, drones, and electric scooters. switch smart outlet plug outdoor When hes not testing out the latest running watch, electric scooter, or skiing or training for a marathon, hes probably using the latest sous vide machine, smoker, or pizza oven, to the delight or chagrin of his family. Just below the buttons is a small light sensor; this can be used to tell the outlet when to turn on or off, based on the ambient lighting conditions. At the bottom are two plugs, each protected by a rubber flap. We look at all of the features in the app, and see how they compare to other apps. This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. The GE Cync Outdoor Smart Plug is a rugged, two-receptacle model without outlets you can control independently of one another with your phone and voice. Most outdoor outlets have a protective cover to shield them from the elements. https://www.officedepot.com/images/us/od/, 20% off your qualifying reg. cync homekit rebrands Is it well designed? Regardless, you should always try and mount an outdoor smart plug so that its outlets are facing down, and cover up the plugs that aren't being used. What features does the app have? You can configure the plug to control both outlets at the same time, or set them up to work independently of one another. It includes not only smart lights and light strips, but switches, cameras, thermostat, sensors and indoor plugs. The KP400 is IP64-rated, so it can withstand dust and most rainfall, but you should ensure that the outlets are facing downward and covered when not in use. Tap the Scenes button on the home screen to set up an automation that lets you control both the plug and other Cync devices with the tap of a button. The Ring Outdoor smart plug is a massive brick. There was a problem. More importantly, they let you control each outlet separately, making it much easier to control when things turn on and off.
Tap. Turn on your Cync (C by GE) device. Its relatively compact, has two outlets which can be controlled independently, and its app has a lot of scheduling options, even letting you connect it with other Wyze products.
The Cync plug supports Alexa and Google Assistant commands and routines, but lacks support for Apple HomeKit and the numerous third-party integrations that you get with IFTTT. Turn the device off for 10 seconds then turn it back on. Then, follow the steps to connect other smart devices in the Google Home app. Cync app will walk you through the setup process. Designed to withstand the elements, this Wi-Fi-enabled smart plug offers two independently functioning outlets that you can control via the Cync mobile app or with voice commands. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Two power buttons and two LED indicators (one for each outlet, respectively) sit on the top of the enclosure. Unlike most other smart plugs, the Ring needs to connect to a hub, which can either be a Ring Bridge ($49) or an Amazon Echo smart speaker. cync You can add. Delete the device from the Cync (C by GE) app. The plug also cannot generate power usage reports, something the Wyze Outdoor plug offers.
If it had the ability to control each outlet separately, this would be darn near perfect. The plug is a substantial 4.9 x 2.4 x 2.3 inches, but housed inside its thick plastic housing is a Wi-Fi radio that should connect to your router from up to 300 feet away. Just follow the instructions in the Cync app or supplied Quick Start Guide. timer digital ge sunsmart indoor depot expanded open plug Our outside location is close to 40 feet, but the signal was strong enough. cync Name. Note: The device may blink during its first firmware update after you set it up with the Google Home app. Read on to see what we liked about the best outdoor smart plugs. How well does it fit into an outdoor outlet? cync ge tecomity And while you can configure some third-party smart home devices to trigger one or both outlets with an Alexa routine, our Editors' Choice winner, the $11.99 Wyze Plug Outdoor, offers far more integrations options at a more affordable price, and is also capable of producing energy usage reports. We contacted customer service and they assisted us in getting the outdoor plug to connect with our router. Under the hood, a Bluetooth and a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi radio respectively allow you to pair the plug with your phone and connect it to your home network. Follow the in-app instructions to complete setup. PCMag, PCMag.com and PC Magazine are among the federally registered trademarks of Ziff Davis and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. Outdoor smart plugs are smart devices which can make operating your outdoor lighting easier, especially around the holidays. Once you download the mobile app and create an account, tap the Add Devices panel on the home screen.
Here are the results from our testing. A smart outdoor plug should be built to withstand the elements, which is why we look for an IP64 rating or better. It seemed we had to do two things: factory reset the plug and update the apps firmware. Your subscription has been confirmed. The app also lets you create scenes and automations to work with other Kasa devices. After the plug is added to the Cync app, it is recommended to check the firmware. The Cync app will allow you to setup custom schedules and connect with other compatible devices, including the smart speakers and displays which can act as your smart home hub if desired. We like that the prongs on the GE plug are perpendicular to the 7-inch cord; the prongs are slightly angled, too, so you can fit more than one in a standard outlet. The smart outdoor plug should also be flexible enough to allow you to use both receptacles in the outlet. Control outdoor lights with the touch of a button thanks to the GE CYNC Outdoor Smart Plug. The new name is Cync, and the company has started to launch a few new products under this new brand name. Your bulbs or plugsmight also use older firmware,so follow the second factory reset sequence if the first sequence doesnt work. No hub is required. GoogleNest allows you to turn your Cync(C by GE) devices on and offand control bulb brightness remotely withvoice commands, the Google Home app, or a visual display like the Google Nest Hub. Heres why you can trust us. Yet another has four plugs, but no way to turn them on or off on the device itself. You can rename each plug, set a countdown timer, and create schedules for each plug to turn on and off, but theres no sunrise or sunset setting. As we mentioned, make sure the names you use to label each outlet on your Cync Outdoor Smart Plug are easy to remember and not cumbersome to say when using voice commands. I spent more than 14 years on staff, most recently as the director of operations for PC Labs, before hitting the freelance circuit as a contributing editor. You can also use other Wyze products as triggers for example, having the plug turn on a light if a Wyze Cam detects motion. Try to use the device in a different lamp or socket. And, while it works with Alexa and Google Assistant, its not compatible with Siri. This should be a given, but any outdoor smart plug should be able to withstand some rain and snow. If you have a nearby Wi-Fi router, cordless phone, microwave, or Bluetooth speaker, move it further away if you can. Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology. To do a factory reset, you must plug in your Cync Outdoor Smart Plug and hold down the two buttons on top of the plug for 15 seconds.