Andrew_OSU

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Andrew_OSU
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  • Leviton announces second-gen Decora hubless HomeKit switches and plugs

    Andrew_OSUAndrew_OSU
    22july2013 said:
    No Thread support? It's already obsolete.
    I think this is a big misconception. Wi-Fi is still a better option than Thread for devices that are always powered. Wi-Fi allows a more constant connection than Thread. While it would certainly be a benefit to have Thread so that it is able to act as a Thread Router and extend your Thread network, it isn't necessary and many, many Thread devices are launching that will fill that role quite quickly.

    You will see Thread most often coming to low-power battery-operated devices rather than wired devices that can connect directly via Wi-Fi.
    roundaboutnowGeorgeBMac

  • Leviton announces second-gen Decora hubless HomeKit switches and plugs

    Andrew_OSUAndrew_OSU
    iOS_Guy80 said:
    Hue lighting system still the best. No extra hardware on the wall, no extra hardware in sockets, no adhesive needed to stick anything onto the wall.
    Hue is definitely great, but there are definite drawbacks that don’t make it ideal for everyone. The biggest of which is that the switches on the wall can’t be used to turn the bulbs on or off. There are workarounds, like the Aura, but that doesn’t make sense to everyone. If you have kids or older family members, you need a physical way to control the lights. Hue has the Dimmer and Tap and those need affixed to your wall with adhesives as well.

    There’s no right or wrong solution here, but in-wall switches are great because it has a physical button, smart control, need to replace one switch rather than several bulbs, and no hub. 
    gregoriusmstompycornchipGeorgeBMacmike1roundaboutnow

  • Apple HomeHub - What an iPad and HomePod fusion should deliver

    Andrew_OSUAndrew_OSU
    gatorguy said:
    So you noticed increasing mentions of Thread? I don't think most here are yet aware of the implications. Interoperability is the endgame rather than devices specific to only Google Home or only HomeKit or only Amazon. Faster, more reliable, less power needed and more security. As far as I know every smart device I've purchased in the past 18 months is Thread-capable. To use a new device with my Home network it connects to an already secured existing device of mine to communicate with. Extreme security IMO.  It did not use to be that way. 

    While this 2-year-old video discusses more about how Google Nest uses it and the advantages of doing so the same will apply to Apple and HomeKit. It's an excellent video if you want to understand why and how. 


    and the Thread Group link which Apple has joined, as has Amazon.
    https://www.threadgroup.org/What-is-Thread/Thread-Benefits

    we've talked EXTENSIVELY about what Thread is, why it is so important, and what it means for the smart home. 

    My individual explainer, with a focus on HomeKit, can be found here: https://appleinsider.com/articles/20/11/13/why-thread-is-a-game-changer-for-apples-homekit

    We've also talked about it repeatedly on the HomeKit Insider podcast and even had Eve and Nanoleaf executives stop by to talk about why Thread is a game-changer.
    roundaboutnowwatto_cobra

  • Eve Weather review: a worthy HomeKit weather station that's as powerful as you make it

    Andrew_OSUAndrew_OSU
    entropys said:
    Without the ability to measure rainfall or wind the Eve is a non starter, for me.

    A weather app generally crowd-sources weather stations that probably aren't in your backyard. While the information is generally accurate, it depends on how far you are away from that weather source, and it can be a fair bit of work tracking down which data source is best for you.

    A hundred dollar eBay weather station can be set up in your backyard to become one of those weather stations that can upload data to weather underground et al. Which you can then read with one of a range of apps and does everything such as rainfall, UV as well as all the more expensive Eve or Netatmo products. The apps can also as noted give info from neighbours’ stations and you get to see how the microclimate varies with distance. You can also see whose weather station is clearly dodgy, of course.

    I am not sure HomeKit functions in this space are that worthwhile given that the wifi range of a basic weather station is more than adequate and the indoor console or your app of choice does everything. 

    That said the eve looks a lot more attractive than those eBay jobs.
    I totally agree that rain and wind are crucial, but unfortunately, HomeKit doesn't include these. Eve does *everything* with HomeKit. They don't want the Eve app to be necessary/required and if they did rain or wind they'd have to communicate outside of HomeKit. Just won't happen with Eve. I love the Nanoleaf setup which I believe can be used with third-party weather apps such as Carrot and possibly WU. I have one of those and the basics go through HomeKit. Just quite a bit more and has no display.

    I buy this partially for the weather, partially for the ability to see the screen outside at the same time.
    gregoriusmwatto_cobra

  • Connectivity issues continue to plague Apple Fitness+ workouts

    Andrew_OSUAndrew_OSU
    hexclock said:
    Maybe I missed it in the article, but is this a paid service?
    Apple Fitness+ is a paid service that runs you $9.99 a month or $79.99 a year. It can also be included with your Apple One bundle for no additional cost if you are on the top tier.
    GeorgeBMacwatto_cobra