Octopus Tripod for Universal Action Camera / Smartphone

Priced at just £10.28 this is a budget alternative to the Phillips Hue or other smart lights but this Excelvan bulb from GearBest connects directly with no hub required and works directly with Amazon and Google voice-controlled home automation. Of course, for this to work you will need an Amazon Echo or Google Home device but even without it you can still fully control the bulb through wifi.

The standard sized E27 screw bulb arrived in a small and simple box of the sort used by normal bulbs and inside with the bulb was a small but well printed and easy to read User Guide. I enclose a scan of it on the end of my unboxing video, switch to full screen and pause as needed to read it.

To use the bulb first download the Smart Life app. This app works with a wide range of smart devices from different suppliers and is not used with the bulb alone. After installation follow the in-app instructions to add a new device. Plug the bulb in and it will flash repeatedly to show it is in Setup mode. The procedure is simple enough and is well explained in the app. You will have to input your wifi password into the app and this is then sent to the bulb’s built-in wifi connection. The bulb will then automatically connect to your home wifi as long as the power supply to it is connected. Remember not to turn the bulb off at the socket, but always through the app or Alexa/Google. What happens when the wifi is off, you may ask, it can still work as a normal bulb and can be switched off and on from the power socket or lamp switch.

Once online and registered with the app you can then turn the bulb off and on, engage a range of preset lighting patterns as well as manually selecting the colour and brightness you want. Once the Smart Life Alexa/Google skill has been enabled and the bulb named and recognised you can then perform most functions just by voice alone. You can turn it Off and On, vary the brightness, and select colours.

The bulb works well and once it is installed it could not be easier to use. The price and build quality are excellent and if you need an introduction to the Smart Home then this would be a fine choice.

The Good
Good Price
No hub needed
Alea/Google voice commands
Good User Guide
Easy to configure

Suggestion

Basic packaging
Limited usability when wifi is down

Jun 02,2018

After receiving this product in a very timely manner from GearBest, I was somewhat initially concerned that this product at the price paid would be somewhat 'lower' in quality and function (adjustability) but indeed quite the opposite! All the elements/pieces to the unit are in good working condition and very durable from the use so far.

I give this product a "Love It" rating for product price, functionality and solid construction.
Adjustments are so easy and definitely can use it on the go to mount to most anything in the position(s)
you need.
I placed my Akaso V50 Pro camera on it and I am ready to go to work with my new Octopus Tripod.
I would definitely recommend this product.

Sep 08,2018

This pen is beautiful!
The quality of this product is sensational! This is my next and certainly not the last pen of this company. You write it perfectly. The implementation of this gadget is at the highest level! This small, lightweight compact ball pen performs all its tasks. It works perfectly in what it was created for. It is perfect in its simplicity. It is simply sensational! Despite its small dimensions, it perfectly fulfills its task. It works great. I am very happy with the purchase. This is my next, hit purchase in this store. As always, I recommend the @Gearbest store!

Suggestion

Nothng

Jul 20,2018

Produto útil, com um preço ótimo.
Já o usei algumas vezes e sem problemas.
Ele realmente dobra as pernas sem dificuldades, se ajustando aos mais diferentes lugares e objetos.
Pode-se colocar em postes, canos, galhos de árvores etc, para filmagens e fotos.
Resumindo, indico sem dúvidas, tanto o produto quanto a loja.

Suggestion

Até o momento, comigo, não houve problemas. Espero que continue assim.

May 11,2018

Дешевый, куплен по акции всего за 99 центов. Небольшой, но вполне функциональный штатив со стандартным винтом крепления. Можно закрепить легкий фотоаппарат или смартфон (нужен держатель, в комплект не входит). Головка на шарике, можно наклонить на 90 градусов. Фиксируется винтом. Ноги гибкие, но пружинят не сильно, лучше всего прикреплять "заворачивая" ноги за что-то. На ногах мягкая резина (но явно недолговечная).

Suggestion

Основная потенциальная проблема - покрытие ног. Резина мягкая, покрытие типа софт-тач, но не стойкое. При активном использовании на природе быстро придет в негодность.

Feb 24,2018