Intermatic ABRA Smart Plug – WiFi & Bluetooth Enabled, Compatible with Alexa & Google Assistant – Energy Monitoring & Voice Control, Flexible Scheduling & Automation, No Hub Required

convenient replacement for timed outlets
This makes for a great replacement for outlet timers for when traveling, but it also provides data on power consumption that is very handy for other devices. I’m currently using this for our security camera DVR not just to see how much it cost to run each month, but permits me to reset the cameras remotely if they go out when traveling. It doesn’t just allow manual operation of outlets, but you can set them up on a schedule through the app as well.The app feels very professional compared to many of the others have dealt with on Amazon, it is really set up for a whole suite of home wireless parts and pieces. I’m looking forward to being able to get more of these to control more of my appliances, and have a more comprehensive view of energy consumption, and being able to switch things on or off remotely.Setup was relatively simple, there was some confusion as there are multiple Intermatic apps available on the App Store. Make sure to download the Intermatic ABRA app, the standard Intermatic app doesn’t work, And if you set up an account on one, it doesn’t work on the other. Otherwise, all you need is Bluetooth, Wi-Fi password, and you’re done. There is no QR code, you have to search the App Store manually.

Works fine, but set-up and compatibility could be better
I’m using this smart outlet as a way to control the power to an appliance in my basement shop. At first, I tried to set it up in the Intermatic ABRA app (as instructed) but “Basement” was not available as a location choice for the device. So I chose one of the available Locations (even though it really didn’t fit), but still was unable to get it set up. I figured out that I could set it up via the Smart Life app, which is used by another smart device that I have (that isn’t completely set up yet). This worked, but I did initially have some difficulty getting Smart Life to find the new device, and I also had to link Smart Life to Amazon Alexa in order to get the device to be controllable via Alexa voice commands. The switching now works fine via Alexa voice commands, but it took much longer than I expected to get it all to work. My devices that work with Tapo were much easier to get working, perhaps because I have several Tapo-compatible devices and adding new ones is less involved. If you’re willing to use Smart Life with this device and fiddle with it to get is set up, it should be fine. But if you’re already set up with other devices in Tapo and want to add this one to Tapo, I don’t think it’s compatible.

Simple and Handy Timer That Works
This timer worked perfectly right out of the box—well, after it connected to the Abra app, that is. Once it was set up, the timer worked seamlessly by. I did have a couple of hiccups with certain devices, like my humidifier, since it needs to be manually set each time, but that is more of a device issue than the timer’s fault.I ended up using it on my Christmas tree, and it has been fantastic. It turns the lights on and off right on schedule, making my life so much easier,‘no more bending down under the tree to turn the tree off and on. This is my first timer, and honestly, the hardest part was deciding which device needed it the most. Overall it’s a super useful gadget that I am glad to have around.