Reviews posted by

RiiDA Smart Timer Controller – control your electrical gadgets from a distance with your phone [Review]

riidacontroller1

Everything needs to be remote controllable nowadays. Our cars, toys, kettles and even our socks (yes those electric socks for winter). So it’s no surprise to find a new controller called the RiiDA Smart Timer which is specifically designed to let you turn just about any standard electrical product into a remote controlled device you can manage from your smartphone. But does it work?

The simple answer is yes. Sort of. For one thing it only works with Apple iPhones and tablets, so no luck for Android users. And unfortunately they do not mention that fact on the box, so beware. But apart from that, there are some neat bits about the product we like. See our video below for a quick overview.

First impressions
The unit looks very professional, and although it feels a little flimsy, we didn’t have any problems with it during the testing. The first thing to notice is the fact that it comes with a rather sparse user guide, and this is something you must not lose, since the controller is useless without a smartphone. The free app does everything.

riidacontroller4

In use
Because it uses Bluetooth, the range is not that long – standard 10 meters in fact. So as long as you are not in a home with thick walls that should be fine. The whole thing, as you’ll see from the video, is very idiot proof to set up and use. Just plug in your device (lamp, hi-fi or whatever), start the app and you are ready to take control.

riidacontroller2

It’s also cool that you can use it when traveling in a hotel or whatever, no matter where you are at the time. So you can switch your portable iron on and off from the bed while you are on a business trip. If you feel the need to do that sort of stuff. The other good thing is the fact that you can control multiple devices with the single RiiDA controller.

riidacontroller3

One other note, you should be careful if you have important equipment attached to the controller/timer, because it looks like there is no security on the system. So if anyone else has the app on their phone, and they are within range, they will be able to turn your lights on and off. That may not worry you, but it could be embarrassing.

Conclusion
Overall an interesting little product. We can see it having some serious use if you travel a lot and need remote control of a specific piece of equipment while roaming. Hook it up to a power strip and you’ll be able to control a lot of things at once (just on or off, of course), which might be fun.

Price: $25.99 (with free shipping)

Comments are closed.

comments powered by Disqus

Side Advert

Write For Us

Personnel

Managing Editor:
Nigel Powell

Associate Editor:
Caitlyn Muncy
Associate Editor:
Dan Ferris
Ecological Editor:
Debra Atlas
Technology Editor:
Fritz Effenberger
Asian Editor:
Hu Ping
Reviews Editor:
Kevin Evans

FB Like Box