NEW T-Mobile 5G Home Internet Service & Home Automation

[krzykat]

Wyze now has their own door lock add-on. Rather inexpensive. You can also add a remote keypad to it.

Wyze Lock | Add Brains To Your Deadbolt. Wi-Fi & Bluetooth

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Enabled Smart Lock. The award-winning WiFi Smart Lock from Wyze. Recommended by NYTimes, CNET, and PCMAG.

wyze.com

I use Kevo for door locks, but Wyze is impressive. Just installed their Thermostat for our weekend getaway place and its great as are their cheap surveillance cameras.

 

[krzykat]

FWIW - here's some of the smart home items I've used that I like and have had good use with:

Kevo Kwikset Smart door lock (bluetooth - touch to unlock) looks beautiful just like your normal lock on outside.
Kevo Bluetooth-Wifi Hub (allows to use from WIFI anywhere)
Genie Alladin Wifi Garage door opener
Kasa Light switch (These allow to use even when wifi is out and look just like any decora model)
3-Way Kasa Light switch
Wyze Outdoor IP64 2 port WIFI power strip (perfect for Halloween and Christmas decorations)
Kasa Dimming Light switch
Honeywell Color Display Smart thermostat
Wyze Smart Thermostat

These are all useable with IFTTT, Google, and Alexa.

Something I recommend for anyone doing a Smart home is to use a proper router with VLAN capabilities (such as Ubiquiti Edgerouter), and then make a VLAN for smarthome that you can lock down. Last but not least ... Setup the WIFI for the smarthome devices on 2.4Ghz ... You'll get much better range and the speed doesn't matter to you.

 

[hawk#1]

I used Ultraloq smart door and dead bolts, used Amazon Wireless outlets for outdoor holiday led lights, and US led flag, Blu ray players, stereo equipent, and all plug in lights. All my wall switches are gosund. TV's and roku's power are all controlled by Alexa without a need for smart outlets. Both garage doors using Aubric openers controlled by Alexa app installed on Vehicles sync systems, or alexa app on mobile phones and in house echo devices. I have not figured out how to get alexa to bring me my beer, so I am currently training my Service Dog (Angel) to do that. It's a work in progress so far because she wants her beer first. I decided to run all the smart home devices, security cameras and alarm system are all on a network of their own. Then voip equipment on a seperate network, and finally the last network is for streaming, internet, etc

 

[kenn10]

Rather than clutter up my home LAN with a bunch of wifi home control devices, I use HomeSeer and a z-wave network. I have about 70 devices and my HomeSeer is interfaced with Alexa for voice control. I'm still not comfortable being dependent on Amazon as the primary controller of my house. HomeSeer runs in a Debian VM at my house. Long before Alexa could do routines (which are still very rudimentary,) I have had my home control run my house (and formerly two houses) for me. Geofencing is used to alert the system as we come and go. When all are away, thermostats automatically cut back, lights go off, the alarm system arms, etc.

Home control is almost as much fun as VOIP telephony, but tends to be a more expensive hobby.

 

[roundaway]

A concern with the Wi-Fi automation devices is that most appear to require downloading an app and creating an account. The beauty of Z-Wave (or whatever the new name is) and Zigbee is an app and account are not required. Just need a hub.

 

[krzykat]

I have not figured out how to get alexa to bring me my beer, so I am currently training my Service Dog (Angel) to do that. It's a work in progress so far because she wants her beer first.

You just need to look harder:

 

[hawk#1]

A concern with the Wi-Fi automation devices is that most appear to require downloading an app and creating an account. The beauty of Z-Wave (or whatever the new name is) and Zigbee is an app and account are not required. Just need a hub.

I consider not needing a hub to be an advantage. All my devices are controlled by one app (Alexa app) and only one account that I already had (my amazon account). Which can be installed on only one device or multiple devices. Too add more devices, all I have to do is open alexa app and add device.

 

[Eliad]

If you're an audio geek, the article on the Bozak CG's that I referenced on Nerd Vittles is worth your time.

During the last 6 mo I have put together an analog sound system, turntable, vacuum tube preamp and vacuum tube amp. I am very impressed, I had not idea old school audio sounds this good. I bought new Klipsch RP-500M, now I am looking for a better speaker alternative.

 

[KNERD]

A concern with the Wi-Fi automation devices is that most appear to require downloading an app and creating an account. The beauty of Z-Wave (or whatever the new name is) and Zigbee is an app and account are not required. Just need a hub.

Seeing less of devices that support Zigbee

 

[KNERD]

I consider not needing a hub to be an advantage. All my devices are controlled by one app (Alexa app) and only one account that I already had (my amazon account). Which can be installed on only one device or multiple devices. Too add more devices, all I have to do is open alexa app and add device.

What happens if their servers are shut down? Businesses shutter, or bought out by another all the time. For example, EA Games was dependent on using Game Fly for multi-player gaming. Then one day they decide to shut down their servers, and then al of a sudden people could not play online anymore. Also, EA Games did not patch those games because they are games they no longer support.

 

[wardmundy]

Trusting in the Big Boys doesn't always guarantee stability either. There's Google that shuts down services for any or no reason. Amazon has a much better long-term track record. I doubt Alexa is going anywhere for a very long time.

 

[kenn10]

I doubt Alexa is going anywhere for a very long time.

I agree with that. Alexa is more successful than the Google assistant and has begun moving into automobiles as the voice assistant. I find voice recognition by Alexa much more precise than the Google assistant. And since Alexa speaks to my home control system, all the better.

 

[hawk#1]

What happens if their servers are shut down? Businesses shutter, or bought out by another all the time. For example, EA Games was dependent on using Game Fly for multi-player gaming. Then one day they decide to shut down their servers, and then al of a sudden people could not play online anymore. Also, EA Games did not patch those games because they are games they no longer support.

Then I could download the app for google or for apple or just download the app for the devices, I just would not be able to use Aleza. What happens if Z-Wave or Zigbee is bought out by Amazon and discontinues the hubs. What do you do when the hub goes out then. At least I only have to change apps, not replace all the devices also. I use Alexa by choice not because it is required for devices to function. Even Amazon outlets can be used with other apps. Although I hate to use google, I could if I have too.

 

[kenn10]

Z-wave has been around for 20 or more years. I have devices dating back to the early 2000's and they still work. Z-wave has added more features so the controllers have changed over the years but all is backward compatible for my old devices. The new series-700 chip in the latest Z-wave controllers has new features and security. Z-wave devices are produced by many different vendors so I don't see the consortium selling out. Z-wave is also open source. The Alexa host is not open source.

Exciting News: Z-Wave Embraces Open Source Technology!

Discover the groundbreaking shift as Z-Wave adopts open-source tech. A new era of connectivity and innovation awaits!

homecontrolsblog.com

 

[hawk#1]

I really don't think either Zwave or Alexa host will go away in my lifetime. and it really does not matter if Alexa host is open source or not. Alexa host and Alexa skills are not needed for any of my devices to function. I just have to use a different app to control the devices.

 

[KNERD]

Trusting in the Big Boys doesn't always guarantee stability either. There's Google that shuts down services for any or no reason. Amazon has a much better long-term track record. I doubt Alexa is going anywhere for a very long time.

Not necessarily Amazon, or Google, but the third parties which use those voice assistants. They have their own applications, and servers they use so you can use their products, or services.

 

[hawk#1]

Not necessarily Amazon, or Google, but the third parties which use those voice assistants. They have their own applications, and servers they use so you can use their products, or services.

So what, then if those third parties, their applications and servers were to disappear, then you just use the Alexa app written by Amazon to setup and configure the devices. You sure seem to like to argue about something you have very little knowledge of.

I can use Alexa app and host to add gosund smart devices. Nothing else needed to add devices
I can use Google's app and host to add gosund devices. Nothing else needed to add devices
I can use gosund's app and host to add gosund devices. Nothing else needed to add devices
I can use treatlife's app and host to add gosund devices. Nothing else needed to add devices
I can use Smart Life app and host to add gosund devices. Nothing else needed to add devices
I can use Alexa app and host to turn gosund switches on or off. Nothing else needed
I can use Google's app and host to turn gosund switches on or off. Nothing else needed
I can use gosund's app and host to turn gosund switches on or off. Nothing else needed.
I can use treatlife's app and host to turn gosund switches on or off. Nothing else needed
I can use Smart Life app and host to turn gosund switches on or off. Nothing else needed

Now can you understand that loss of one app and host does not make a bit of difference. Just use one of the others that is compatible. So many wifi smart device company's out there. Some of the companies will even recommend you use a different company's app to add the device to your network because it is easier to use.

 

[KNERD]

So what, then if those third parties, their applications and servers were to disappear, then you just use the Alexa app written by Amazon to setup and configure the devices. You sure seem to like to argue about something you have very little knowledge of.

I can use Alexa app and host to add gosund smart devices. Nothing else needed to add devices
I can use Google's app and host to add gosund devices. Nothing else needed to add devices
I can use gosund's app and host to add gosund devices. Nothing else needed to add devices
I can use treatlife's app and host to add gosund devices. Nothing else needed to add devices
I can use Smart Life app and host to add gosund devices. Nothing else needed to add devices
I can use Alexa app and host to turn gosund switches on or off. Nothing else needed
I can use Google's app and host to turn gosund switches on or off. Nothing else needed
I can use gosund's app and host to turn gosund switches on or off. Nothing else needed.
I can use treatlife's app and host to turn gosund switches on or off. Nothing else needed
I can use Smart Life app and host to turn gosund switches on or off. Nothing else needed

Now can you understand that loss of one app and host does not make a bit of difference. Just use one of the others that is compatible. So many wifi smart device company's out there. Some of the companies will even recommend you use a different company's app to add the device to your network because it is easier to use.

Umm...those devices still need access to their home servers. They still need access to your account on the third party site. Once the servers go down, the device will be useless. Amazon, or not.

 

[KNERD]

What happens if Z-Wave or Zigbee is bought out by Amazon and discontinues the hubs. What do you do when the hub goes out then. At least I d with other apps. Although I hate to use google, I could if I have too.

Zigbee was bought out by Amazon, and notice they have not been coming out with new devices which Zigbee Hubs.

 

[KNERD]

Z-wave has been around for 20 or more years. I have devices dating back to the early 2000's and they still work. Z-wave has added more features so the controllers have changed over the years but all is backward compatible for my old devices. The new series-700 chip in the latest Z-wave controllers has new features and security. Z-wave devices are produced by many different vendors so I don't see the consortium selling out. Z-wave is also open source. The Alexa host is not open source.

Exciting News: Z-Wave Embraces Open Source Technology!

Discover the groundbreaking shift as Z-Wave adopts open-source tech. A new era of connectivity and innovation awaits!

homecontrolsblog.com

Another open source project is MagucMirror where you can build Amazon Echo Show like devices using the Raspberry Pi. There are even modules for speech control, and no need to use Amazon or Google.

MagicMirror²

magicmirror.builders