There are now so many smart sockets available on the market, many similar to each other. We have already tested some of them, with excellent results, but in this article we tell you why these Maxcioos have allowed us to save some work at home.
Let's start immediately with the aesthetics. It is probably not the one we liked the most from an aesthetic point of view. Much like the original Amazon one (although this one is thinner), it has an elongated shape, and is not among the most minimal ever. There are more compact smart sockets on the market, although to tell the truth, what many sockets gain in length, they lose in depth.
This Maxcio smart socket is taller than many others, but at the same time it is thinner. It is completely white, almost entirely made of plastic if the final parts of the poles are excluded. The only button on the front is also white, except a red circle lights up when the socket is in operation.
If it is true that the aesthetics did not immediately impress us, it is equally true that, once inserted into the wall, it is not bad at all visually. On the contrary. In any case, net of personal tastes, what has served us a lot, and which will serve many of you, is the 3-pin plug, type 16A. Unlike many smart sockets on the market, which are all schuko type, this Maxcio has a 3-pole connection. This allowed us not to have to change the wall sockets, replacing a schuko.
The first configuration of these sockets is absolutely simple. Just download the Smart Life app from the Google Play Store or App Store, available for free, click on the “+” button at the top right and choose the first of the sockets indicated in the figure below.
At this point it will be sufficient to follow the on-screen settings for pairing. It should be noted that there are two different pairing modes: the first automatic (when the LED on the socket flashes quickly), and the second manual. This last solution could solve connection problems, due to the smartphone.
For example, we have noticed that Xiaomi smartphones struggle to automatically connect to these sockets: it is necessary to connect via manual method for correct pairing. Even in this, however, the configuration will be guided by the on-screen indications.
Once the socket is paired, everything works as you would expect. It is possible to turn it on and off from the app, set a timer, program the times and days of ignition and check consumption. During our tests we did not find any problems, the switching on and off of the sockets has always worked correctly.
Moreover, the commands are immediately received by the socket, which turns on and off in a second just after each tap. Of course, they also work remotely, so when the smartphone is not connected to the same WiFi network as the socket.
Not only can you set the operation of the sockets with the Smart Life app, but you can also control the sockets with Alexa and Google Home. We have tried Big G's service with success. After configuring the sockets, simply open the Google Home app and connect the Smart Life account, created by the app during the first pairing of the sockets.
By doing so, not only will it be possible to turn the sockets on and off via voice request, but the same result will also be obtained via the Home app. Of course, the socket can also be switched on and off manually using the appropriate central button.
It goes without saying that the uses at home are innumerable. Not only is it possible, for example, to choose to turn on and off a lamp at certain times, thus always simulating a constant presence inside the house, but also to power the coffee machine or other appliances in the kitchen, being able to turn them on with a simple voice command.
Still, considering that Christmas is now approaching, think of being able to turn the tree lights on and off at certain times, all automatically, without having to insert the plug manually.
Conclusions
The Maxcio smart sockets have, first of all, the price: the pack of two costs just 28.99 euros. Furthermore, the fact that it is not schuko, and that it has a 3-pin 16A plug could be an advantage for those who do not have schuko sockets in the house, but do not want to give up the convenience of a smart socket.
Not only is the wall connection not schuko, but it will be possible to connect non-schuko plugs, therefore the classic 3-pole plugs, to the smart socket. Beyond the excellent functioning, shared with many other smart sockets on the market, it is the type of attack that represents a real element of diversity, which can convince users to purchase.
PRO
VERSUS
Maxcio smart sockets can be purchased on Amazon starting from about 13 euros by clicking on this direct link and applying the discount code 59OLKIZJ valid until 30/01/2020
