Control your gadgets on the go with D-Link's new Wi-Fi Smart Plug
D-Link's $50 Wi-Fi Smart Plug is poised to compete with the $50 Belkin WeMo Switch and the Belkin $60 WeMo Insight Switch.
If D-Link's new $50 Wi-Fi Smart Plug seems familiar to you, it's because it looks a lot like Belkin's $50 WeMo Switch. One of the few differences between the two is that D-Link's version offers energy usage stats. That feature makes the D-Link Wi-Fi Smart Plug pretty much identical in features to Belkin's other smart plug -- the $60 WeMo Insight Switch -- for 10 bucks less. One thing, though: We haven't heard anything from D-Link regarding IFTTT compatibility for its new smart plug.
As with the Belkin WeMo switches, setup for the D-Link Wi-Fi Smart Plug seems pretty straightforward. Add it to an outlet, plug in a lamp or other device, pair it to your home Wi-Fi, and voila. You should be able to use the mydlink app on your smartphone or tablet (for Android 4.0 or later and iOS 6 or later) to turn your gadgets on and off.
In addition to being able to power your device on and off from the app, you can also set schedules and receive details on the device's energy usage. D-Link's Wi-Fi Smart Plug is also equipped with a thermal sensor designed to turn your appliance off if it's overheating. No extra hardware is required to get this plug up and running.
So while D-Link's new plug looks more like the $50 WeMo Switch, it's closer to the $60 WeMo Insight Switch in terms of functionality due to the energy usage feature. That means that Belkin's prices are beginning to look a bit steep in comparison to some newer smart plugs. And that isn't just true among larger brand names like D-Link.
Take the SAM plug. This product is available via Kickstarter and offers similar functionality to both D-Link and Belkin smart plugs. However, it also adds motion, ambient light, and temperature sensors similar to those in the Piper all-in-one security system. It's also currently available to project backers for just $49 and is planned to have IFTTT compatibility. Belkin and D-Link might have to get creative to compete with startups offering crossover products with enhanced functionality at similar price points.