This Ayococr Smart Socket is one of a small army of essentially similar products coming from overseas, all built on the Tuya Smart IoT (Internet of Things) platform. Setup is essentially identical to any of the other similar, no-name products sold on Amazon. A download link is provided for the "Smart Life" app, in the form of a QR code on the product box, and in the included instructions. I can't speak to the Android version of the app, but the iOS version works well, and is highly rated. The Smart Life app performs the initial setup of the Smart Plug, to get it on your 2.4 GHz WiFi, and provides remote turn on/off. In the case of this device, the "Quick Mode" setup did not work, but the fallback "AP Mode" configuration was completely effective. Once this one-time setup is complete, Smart Life provides on/off status, and provides myriad timer on/off functions.
Alexa integration requires additional steps, to install the "Smart Life" skill, and configure Alexa to control the Smart Plug. Instructions for this are also included. Once the initial setup is completed, the unit functions as expected with the greater Alexa ecosystem. Altogether, being a two-app process, setup is disjointed, compared to the Amazon Smart Plug, but unlike the Amazon product, provides multi-platform support (Google and IFTTT). I have lamps plugged into mine, and setup to respond to "Alexa, turn on/off the bedroom/family room/living room lights" which works flawlessly.
Interestingly, the product itself does not have the ETL certification mark called out in the product description, but does have legitimate FCC and RoHS marks. The product itself is attractively packaged, and has good fit and finish, particularly for the price point. It is also more compact than many competitors; this plug can be used in a standard duplex outlet without blocking the other socket. Given I can buy a four-pack of these for about the same price as a single Amazon plug, and get the same final result, it's a great buy.
Update: Based on my previous experience with this product, purchased in August 2019, I ordered another one of these in February, 2020. In contrast to my earlier experience, this time, I was able to successfully configure the new unit via the "Quick Mode" setup. Also, unlike the units I received last summer, the new one has an ETL regulatory mark on it. Quick web searches confirm the ETL and FCC marks are "genuine." Given how many low cost electronics of Chinese origin are lacking such regulatory approval markings entirely, or have obviously falsified markings, this inspires a much greater degree of confidence that this product is well made and safe.
| Product Dimensions | 2.16 x 2.16 x 2.16 inches; 8.47 Ounces |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 8.4 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Aoycocr |
| ASIN | B07N1JPPXK |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | January 16, 2019 |
