Lidl is back at it again with a pack of two Parkside wireless plugs that are controlled via a radio frequency remote. For €12.99, they promise to turn lights and appliances on or off in awkward spots, like behind furniture or in basements, without needing to set up WiFi networks or install apps on your phone. A simple proposal for a user who doesn't want complications.
3,680 W of power and radio range: the alternative without IoT protocols 🔌
The pack includes two receivers with a maximum load of 3,680 W, enough to connect heaters, tools, or high-voltage LED lighting, far exceeding the limits of many low-end smart plugs that cap out at 2,200 W. The transmitter remote operates on the 433 MHz band, offering a typical indoor range of 30 meters, although thick walls can reduce that distance. There's no status feedback or scheduling features, but installation is immediate: plug it in, pair it with the receiver's button, and you're done. For an electrician, it's a robust solution for clients who reject the complexity of smart home ecosystems, though it loses advanced features like voice control or real-time consumption monitoring.
The remote that doesn't understand updates or passwords 📻
While the gurus of the connected home debate whether their light bulb talks to the speaker or if the router has swallowed the signal, this Parkside remote does what it's supposed to: press the button and the thing turns on. It might seem like we're dealing with a technological fossil, but it works when the WiFi goes down and the app updates. Of course, if you lose the remote between the sofa cushions, you'll have to draw a treasure map to find it, because there's no assistant to help you locate it. Quite a trip to the past, plug included.