The Wink home automation thread

[CAL7]

It's premature to bid Wink a fond RIP, but they clearly had a great shot (partnered with GE, Home Depot; mass market price point) and blew it. I hope they stay around for a few months, if for no other reason than to keep the pressure on Samsung ST to perform and compete.

 

[Kaido]

It's premature to bid Wink a fond RIP, but they clearly had a great shot (partnered with GE, Home Depot; mass market price point) and blew it. I hope they stay around for a few months, if for no other reason than to keep the pressure on Samsung ST to perform and compete.

All I really want is natively-supported local control, which appears to be in the pipeline.

Hopefully we're not building up the STv2 up on too high of a pedestal :awe:

 

[CAL7]

Hopefully we're not building up the STv2 up on too high of a pedestal :awe:

That's my concern. Especially given the paucity of information... Don't know when or for what price or if they can even deliver what's been promised. We got a vague, mouth-watering, announcement months ago and nothing since.

 

[Kaido]

That's my concern. Especially given the paucity of information... Don't know when or for what price or if they can even deliver what's been promised. We got a vague, mouth-watering, announcement months ago and nothing since.

Really though, Wink has it 90% nailed. They just need a few more things to be awesome:

1. Add local control to eliminate lag & other network hiccups

2. Add more complex programming relationships (the Robots & stuff are getting there, sort of...)

3. Improve the GUI (or make it customizable)

Would also like to see the usual features...web GUI, Windows phone support, etc. It's not too far off!

 

[Mike A.]

I don't know about the rest of Quirky's products, but I think everyone agrees that the Wink project has been very poorly run. I personally don't believe Wink will survive much longer unless a bigger player acquires it. Ben should've been replaced long ago IMO but at this stage, I am not sure it matters.

They do appear to kind of throw things out there with little info or ongoing product management and then just kind of quietly abandon them. A number of products that I can think of where that seems to have happened - Spotter, Nimbus, etc. I'd even give them credit for having very good customer support in my experience, but I'm talking more about product support.

Ben seems like one of those 'big idea' guys who are very good on the front end. But the Wink stuff isn't a cable wrap or wine stand. You're just getting started at the point that you invent and get a product like that on the shelves. Especially one targeted toward the plug-and-go consumer end of the market. There's a whole world of follow through and continuing effort that's required, most of which isn't nearly as much fun and it takes an entirely different mindset and skill set. They don't seem to be as good on that back end. That's been my biggest question getting into this from the beginning. Lots of others with a good idea and a good product have failed in the same way.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

It's premature to bid Wink a fond RIP, but they clearly had a great shot (partnered with GE, Home Depot; mass market price point) and blew it. I hope they stay around for a few months, if for no other reason than to keep the pressure on Samsung ST to perform and compete.

Yes, it is premature and with new management, maybe they can pull it off. I don't think Ben Kaufman can, however.

 

[MjnMixael]

As I understand it, Quirky is simply getting out of manufacturing things and will be focusing more on software and or development and leaving actual production to someone else. So they are just selling off all the things they make themselves.

As one of the other Wink Beta users posted elsewhere, it's very similar to how Microsoft opted to stay out of the hardware race years ago. Who knows, perhaps this will allow them to focus on getting the Wink app to work better with lots of other company's products instead of constantly focusing on their own. (Tripper, I'm looking at you.)

 

[wagohn]

It's premature to bid Wink a fond RIP, but they clearly had a great shot (partnered with GE, Home Depot; mass market price point) and blew it. I hope they stay around for a few months, if for no other reason than to keep the pressure on Samsung ST to perform and compete.

I think they're done. With the April update nightmare and now Apple and Android fully jumping into the HA market, its only a matter of time.

Strictly because of the emergence of Apple / Android HA, I've stuck to buying bulbs only, in the hope they will work with the emerging systems.

Its sad to say that there is no way I would rely on Wink to remotely run my heat, locks, or blinds. 30% of the time Wink cant turn off a lightbulb reliably.

When Apple / Android get into gear, this stuff will work and work well.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

As I understand it, Quirky is simply getting out of manufacturing things and will be focusing more on software and or development and leaving actual production to someone else. So they are just selling off all the things they make themselves.

As one of the other Wink Beta users posted elsewhere, it's very similar to how Microsoft opted to stay out of the hardware race years ago. Who knows, perhaps this will allow them to focus on getting the Wink app to work better with lots of other company's products instead of constantly focusing on their own. (Tripper, I'm looking at you.)

So are they going to discontinue the Tripper? Wondering if I should buy a few more "just in case."

 

[Meanderthal]

Anybody know how many hubs and relays are in operation?

Even if the current regime decided to walk away I bet someone would step in, assuming that Home Depot and Amazon remain onboard.

 

[aosmer]

As I understand it, Quirky is simply getting out of manufacturing things and will be focusing more on software and or development and leaving actual production to someone else.

So this is what I took from their announcement as well. The big question is, how is this profitable? They don't charge for their service, and they were basically giving the hubs away. I'd imagine most of their profit was from the products they made. Without that, I don't see where they're making money from.

 

[JFHughes08088]

So are they going to discontinue the Tripper? Wondering if I should buy a few more "just in case."

If they do, Trippers work with SmartThings

 

[Kaido]

So this is what I took from their announcement as well. The big question is, how is this profitable? They don't charge for their service, and they were basically giving the hubs away. I'd imagine most of their profit was from the products they made. Without that, I don't see where they're making money from.

Yeah, that's the question. If you give away the hub for a dollar, don't make any other products, and give the users free lifetime cloud service...where's the mula coming from? Recurring partner certification requirements?

 

[IndyColtsFan]

If they do, Trippers work with SmartThings

Yeah, I'm aware - that's why I was wondering if I should buy more. I think Trippers are currently the cheapest window/door sensor by far and I'm wondering if I should stock up before they're gone (IF they're gone). Maybe I should buy another set "just in case." Still need to weatherize the one extra Tripper I have for gate duty.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

So this is what I took from their announcement as well. The big question is, how is this profitable? They don't charge for their service, and they were basically giving the hubs away. I'd imagine most of their profit was from the products they made. Without that, I don't see where they're making money from.

Exactly. I'm still not sure if they're ditching ALL hardware or if they're just going to keep many of their current devices and outsource design/manufacturing to partners.

At any rate, just took a quick peek on Amazon and Trippers are out of stock (except from third parties) and are listed as "usually ships in 1 to 2 months" if you try to get them from Amazon. Not good IMO.

 

[Mike A.]

Has anyone set up a secondary Z-wave controller in Wink?

Supposedly you can do this according to their FAQ but, as with most things Wink, there are no details provided. The FAQ question is "Can you have a secondary controller?" The extent of the answer is "Yes, you can have a secondary controller." Wink support wasn't much help with this one.

I have the remote (GE 45608) added to the network as an unknown device. I need to know how the transfer of devices to a secondary controller works in Wink. Under Z-wave setup, there are selections for "Learning Mode" and "Shift Controller" which I assume is how this would be done but again no details provided and the selections in that menu don't give you any of the walk-throughs or "are you sure?" type stops before it does whatever. Obviously, I don't want to do things the wrong direction and have the Wink hub become the secondary, etc., and lose all of my device setup.

*********

Edit to add... Never mind. I'd still like to have more detail re how the secondary controllers work but I realized after messing with it for a few that I was having a duh moment. Don't need to do any of that with a Z-wave remote and wouldn't buy you much anyway. It's operating "out of band" with respect to Wink and talking to the devices directly with buttons assigned to various devices/functions. No need to bother with or even have the hub at all.

As an aside, I'd forgotten how quick things happen when directly controlled. Lights are on/off before I'm even finished pushing the button.

 

[Kaido]

Wink now has an official blog:

http://blog.wink.com/news/2015/5/11/new-smart-home

...

With that in mind, we realize there is a growing need for an outlet to share what’s going on at Wink while helping people navigate the smart home.

And so today, we’re thrilled to introduce the Wink blog! We’re just getting started, but here’s what you can expect to see from us here:

* The latest Wink product news and partnership announcements
* Our take on topics currently bubbling up in the industry
* Content that demystifies some of the common misconceptions or confusion surrounding the smart home
* Tips and tricks to maximize the value of your smart home
* Spotlights on the real people using Wink each and every day

+1 for more communication :thumbsup:

 

[bigverm24]

If they don't have local control ready when ST v.2 launches, they will be making a huge mistake. With the recent hub fiasco, local control is what all of us want. They know it, know how to do it and if they don't, loyal customers will jump ship.

At this point, Loyalty exists to the extent it aligns with self-interest

Those loyal customers are going to find that ST isn't nearly as user friendly as Wink

 

[JFHughes08088]

Those loyal customers are going to find that ST isn't nearly as user friendly as Wink

That may be true. Personally, I'll sacrifice user friendly for reliable and local control any day

 

[IndyColtsFan]

And there you have it - Wink is for sale:

http://fortune.com/2015/06/12/quirky-wink-funding-products/

 

[JFHughes08088]

And there you have it - Wink is for sale:

http://fortune.com/2015/06/12/quirky-wink-funding-products/

Actually, the article says bankers were looking for outside funding (which takes some of the load off Quirky) or a buyer. It says things were moving along well until the glitch, which halted sales talks.

Now it says it is closing in on new funding, not a sale.

Either way, Quirky is, at best, unstable as it navigates a new business model. Wink is a company they need to make profitable or find new funding since Quirky most likely won't be in a position to fund it long term.

SmartThings (now a Samsung company) is looking more stable every day. I doubt their v2 hub would work any worse than what we have now and they sure seem to be on more solid footing.

I'll be the first in line to buy the new hub, regardless of user friendliness.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Actually, the article says bankers were looking for outside funding (which takes some of the load off Quirky) or a buyer. It says things were moving along well until the glitch, which halted sales talks.

Now it says it is closing in on new funding, not a sale.

I was under the impression that the funding was for Quirky (rather than Wink) and that Wink was only temporarily off the market. But you're right, I missed the small part that Wink itself is closing in on more funding - I apologize. I really hope they put it back on the market and someone big takes it off Quirky's hands, but honestly, I don't know who would buy it at this stage.

Either way, Quirky is, at best, unstable as it navigates a new business model. Wink is a company they need to make profitable or find new funding since Quirky most likely won't be in a position to fund it long term.

SmartThings (now a Samsung company) is looking more stable every day. I doubt their v2 hub would work any worse than what we have now and they sure seem to be on more solid footing.

I'll be the first in line to buy the new hub, regardless of user friendliness.

Yeah, the Wink stuff is slowly disappearing from Amazon. Agree about ST as well - user friendliness is way down my list when I look at these products. In fact, I've long said in this thread that I believe Wink overly dumbed things down and created more issues than they solved.

 

[wagohn]

At this stage, would anyone still recommend buying GE Link Bulbs?

I need to add 4 more but if they are soon to be obsolete, I will hold off.

Any ideas if GE bulbs will work with the new Apple or Android Home Automation? I'd hate to drop $60 on bulbs this weekend and Wink to go away next week.

Thanks!

 

[IndyColtsFan]

At this stage, would anyone still recommend buying GE Link Bulbs?

I need to add 4 more but if they are soon to be obsolete, I will hold off.

Any ideas if GE bulbs will work with the new Apple or Android Home Automation? I'd hate to drop $60 on bulbs this weekend and Wink to go away next week.

Thanks!

The GE Link bulbs are compatible with Smart Things, AFAIK. Not sure about compatibility with other ecosystems.

 

[MjnMixael]

Honestly, I think if Wink were to fully and completely separate from Quirky (assuming they had the funding or a buyer), that would be one of the best things for them. Quirky often seems to get in the way of what Wink wants to do because Quirky keeps making Quirky versions of things that already exist.

For example... I love Tripper overall, but how is it an 'invention'? There was a lot of marketing push behind Tripper from Wink. That seems like wasted effort given how many other door/window sensors already existed. Why Tapt or Outlink? We already have countless Zigbee and Z-Wave versions of the same thing.

Take that effort, spend it on the Hub or Relay.. or the App.