Buggy update
New update has produced a consistent app crash when attempting to access network speed tool. The tool appears to still run automatically, if set to do so, but can no longer be viewed. Last known network speed is still shown in individual device settings but tapping on it to bring up the tool also produces a crash. Device speed analyzer still works.
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Generally good
Obviously, if you have a Plume WiFi set-up you need this app, and if you don't, you don't. That said, I'm giving my thoughts here in the hopes they may be useful to someone considering Plume.
Generally the app works well, is clearly laid out, and other than a few odd choices is intuitive enough. It does not feel like a native iOS app though, and the navigation stack seems quirky if you're expecting the usual iOS drill-down approach. There is no iPad app (guys, this app is being used for heavy lifting, throw us a bone here), so you're going to be stuck doing all your network tweaking on your phone. Fortunately for most users, heavy tweaking should not be required.
It's a shame there's no way to set the icons for devices: I have a HomeKit switch that shows up as a laptop, and I cannot change that. Also, while Plume grabs ZeroConf (Bonjour) names from devices so most devices on your network will be nicely named in the devices list, HomeKit devices show up with little to no differentiation. It'd be nice if the app could be updated to mine the HomeKit catalog for device names.
Generally the app works well, is clearly laid out, and other than a few odd choices is intuitive enough. It does not feel like a native iOS app though, and the navigation stack seems quirky if you're expecting the usual iOS drill-down approach. There is no iPad app (guys, this app is being used for heavy lifting, throw us a bone here), so you're going to be stuck doing all your network tweaking on your phone. Fortunately for most users, heavy tweaking should not be required.
It's a shame there's no way to set the icons for devices: I have a HomeKit switch that shows up as a laptop, and I cannot change that. Also, while Plume grabs ZeroConf (Bonjour) names from devices so most devices on your network will be nicely named in the devices list, HomeKit devices show up with little to no differentiation. It'd be nice if the app could be updated to mine the HomeKit catalog for device names.
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Accessibility issues for the visually impaired
I love the capabilities of the app. The issue that I am having is that I am visually impaired. I use voiceover which reads the screen to me. Many of the buttons on the Plume app are not labeled, and aren’t read in the order that they appear visually on the screen. This is confusing when trying to figure out how to access different functions. Also, many of the buttons cannot be pressed using the jesters with voiceover. If these things were fixed this app would be excellent. Apple has tutorials for developers on how to integrate accessibility into apps. Also, Apple has accessibility support available.
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Solid WiFi - Outstanding Support
This system is a snap to install and provides the connectivity and speed I was hoping for. I had occasion to interact with customer support and can’t say enough about the outstanding response.
The Plume app provides an easy and informative display of the network and makes management a snap.
Overall very happy and pleased also that a lifetime optioned available.
The Plume app provides an easy and informative display of the network and makes management a snap.
Overall very happy and pleased also that a lifetime optioned available.
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Love it!
Works great; I have six units scattered throughout the house; mobile devices (laptop, chrome books, iPad, and phones) all of them seamlessly transfer from one pod to another. Also, I have fixed devices such as a wifi enabled thermostat and wifi enabled audio visual equipment. I just did not realize that my set up required turning off the wifi on my router-that was easy but had to explore the settings on the router. I just set up plume with the same SSID and password as the router and devices started communicating via the plume with out any issues. I have two pods connected to the router via cat6 cables , the other four pods are just plugged in wall sockets around the house; the cloud at plume monitors all the connections ( ?on a weekly basis??) and using this app I can see how plume has reconfigured the pods to talk to each other as the kids come and go. I live in suburbs and can see multiple SSIDs belonging to my neighbors. I am pleased with my purchase. Just started seeing what the updated app can do. I have no connection with the website arstechnica--they have two good articles on how plume works. UPDATED on October 3, 2018: I really like the new version of the app on my iPhone-I feel the app is more intuitive.
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Powerful WiFi Without Being Complex
The ease of use starts as soon as the first Plume SuperPod is plugged into a power receptacle and the mobile app is opened.
A few simple steps and Plume takes over connecting to your Internet router, then creating and optimizing your WiFi. Adding additional Pods or SuperPods will further extend the distance of your wireless access.
I like that you can tryout the system and subscription before deciding on what setup best suits your location an needs.
A few simple steps and Plume takes over connecting to your Internet router, then creating and optimizing your WiFi. Adding additional Pods or SuperPods will further extend the distance of your wireless access.
I like that you can tryout the system and subscription before deciding on what setup best suits your location an needs.
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Best advice
I listen to the Tech Guy fairly regularly. When mesh routers became available it sounded interesting but I didn’t know if the idea would work for me or be necessary. We got a couple smart tv’s and streaming then became unreliable. Upon investigation I discovered the reason and all the extenders I used, even different brands were no solution. I tried Plume and found even consistent connection with no interruption or buffering difficulties after that. WooHoo!
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Just works!
Plume has simplified my network hardware and performance. I got rid of my router/3 range extenders and installed pods in every room for complete coverage. My range now includes my driveway, garage, patio and backyard. I can stream dyi maintaince videos on my car/lawnmower/or outdoor projects without worry of lag or loss of connection. End result things get done and stay clean. The GUI is simple and informative. I would like to see the ability to share network information so multiple plume networks are represented on one screen. Or at least have a drop down box to cycle between different accounts.
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Plume-tastic!!
I was skeptical about Plume meeting our WiFi needs at first; but, my son talked me into it - and I am SO glad he did!! Prior to using Plume, I was allowed to work at home - but couldn’t because our WiFi signal sucked! This product solved that issue and is so easy to use right out of the box! Setup was a breeze and we now have evenly distributed WiFi coverage throughout our home. Not only can I work at home now, the Wi-Fi coverage so good that I can hook up our Ring doorbell which requires a pretty strong signal. Their customer service and technical support can’t be beat! They are second to none - seriously!! Not that we had any issues- I just had some questions. I love this product!! Highly Recommend!!!
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Worth every cent
I was an early adopter, preordering the plume pods before launch and have been really happy with them all around. When I had problems, the technical support team was very detailed and helpful. They’ve continued to release new features every so often and my connection has been near perfect throughout the entire house since day one.
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