Maria Diaz/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. Remember The Clapper? The plug-in staple may have made for a catchy jingle in the 1980s, but it could also be considered as a primitive ancestor of today’s smart plug — that is, if you can say anything from a few decades ago is primitive. Smart plugs offer greater convenience than The Clapper ever did, letting you control your devices from an app on your phone, your voice, or a schedule. Also: Unplugging these 7 common household devices greatly reduced my electricity bill There are many ways to use smart plugs to automate your home, including turning dumb devices into smart ones, strengthening your home’s security, or bringing more convenience to your life. Beyond using a smart plug for an old table lamp, you can also use them strategically to save on your utility bills, monitor your energy consumption, or enhance your home’s fire safety. 1. Deter would-be intruders You can use a smart plug to automate lights when you’re out of town so that …