The Wink home automation thread

[Narumi]

Anyone know if these require a neutral wire of some sort? My house is old and doesn't even ground most receptacles and I'm trying to decide if I could even install that where I want it.

I don't know how a wall outlet would work without a neutral? I always thought there had to be a neutral, unless a ground is being used as one? In any case those receptacles probably have a relay controlled by a microcontroller so you would need a neutral wire.

The Lutron light switches do not need a neutral so that makes things easy for older home installs.

So far my overall experience has been pretty good. The Hub had initial setup issues (expected), there is some lag (expected), and there are some small design quirks I would like to see worked out (app layout, sliders bouncing around, etc.). Overall it seems pretty good though. Since Home Depot is backing this, I'd imagine it will only grow more solid & have even more product support as time goes on, especially with that $250 color touchscreen wallswitch coming out.

I'm glad it's working out. Mine has had few few hiccups but everything for me seems more or less instant now. Maybe 1/2 second delay for the most part. Have you tried updating the hub again? I know I had to update mine about 2 times to get to the latest firmware and after that some of the lag issues went away. Also the app (for android) just got updated today.

Been thinking about getting one of the kidde smoke/CO alarms but everything in the place I live is electric and they cannot be hardwired (currently all my smoke alarms are hardwired). If they had a hardwire version I would jump on it pretty quick.

 

[Kaido]

Been thinking about getting one of the kidde smoke/CO alarms but everything in the place I live is electric and they cannot be hardwired (currently all my smoke alarms are hardwired). If they had a hardwire version I would jump on it pretty quick.

Is it legally required to have hardwired alarms where you live? If not, the Kidde models use three AA batteries (included) and only have a single screw for mounting, so it's a piece of cake to do. I love that they're half the price of the Nest Protect too!

I wish I knew how long the batteries will last though...

 

[Narumi]

Is it legally required to have hardwired alarms where you live? If not, the Kidde models use three AA batteries (included) and only have a single screw for mounting, so it's a piece of cake to do. I love that they're half the price of the Nest Protect too!

I wish I knew how long the batteries will last though...

Yeah, I found nest stuff to be overpriced for what they offered.. It's nice stuff just way over budget for people like me trying to not spend a fortune on something I may replace in 10 years.

I don't think it is a requirement to have hard wired smoke alarms, but since I am used to having them I prefer it. I like that they can be powered by AC because as long as there is power (which rarely goes out here) my smoke alarms will work and in case the power is out, I have battery backup. Plus most alarms will beep if the battery is low, and if these are connected and labeled in the wink app I know exactly which one needs to have it's battery replaced instead of trying to hunt it down.

Also it is my preference to have a CO detector and smoke alarm separate. The reason being that CO detectors never really have to be replaced. My parents are using some that are around 15 years old and they are still operating (have tested them and made sure they are working). Smoke detectors on the other hand, should be replaced every 10 years.

It would be nice if these CO/Smoke Detectors had replaceable elements i.e. replace the photo sensor or ionization chamber and it's good for another 10 years. How much have basic smoke detectors really changed in the past ten years anyways? They all seem the same to me (except for features like being connected to the internet) but I digress....

 

[Kaido]

Yeah, I found nest stuff to be overpriced for what they offered.. It's nice stuff just way over budget for people like me trying to not spend a fortune on something I may replace in 10 years.

I don't think it is a requirement to have hard wired smoke alarms, but since I am used to having them I prefer it. I like that they can be powered by AC because as long as there is power (which rarely goes out here) my smoke alarms will work and in case the power is out, I have battery backup. Plus most alarms will beep if the battery is low, and if these are connected and labeled in the wink app I know exactly which one needs to have it's battery replaced instead of trying to hunt it down.

Also it is my preference to have a CO detector and smoke alarm separate. The reason being that CO detectors never really have to be replaced. My parents are using some that are around 15 years old and they are still operating (have tested them and made sure they are working). Smoke detectors on the other hand, should be replaced every 10 years.

It would be nice if these CO/Smoke Detectors had replaceable elements i.e. replace the photo sensor or ionization chamber and it's good for another 10 years. How much have basic smoke detectors really changed in the past ten years anyways? They all seem the same to me (except for features like being connected to the internet) but I digress....

Yeah, and a lot of the new fire/co alarms are being sold with a 10-year sealed battery, so you never really have to worry about it, so that's nice. That's why I'm wondering how long the Wink-Certified Kidde alarms will last on three AA batteries - if I don't get the smart-enabled versions, I don't have to think about them until the year 2024, haha.

That, plus I need like 10 alarms, given my preference. If I bought Nest only, that would be a thousand dollars! Even Kidde's would be $500. Versus $200 for a 10-pack of non-connect alarms from the local big-box store, plus that gives me some extra room in the budget to put a fire extinguisher in all of the main closets for emergencies.

 

[Kaido]

btw, I removed & re-added the GE Link Light to my Wink Hub & it works fine now.

Everything has been working smoothly so far. The GE bulb doesn't seem to like being completely unplugged - not sure if that was a one-time fluke, or if it's something I'll have to worry about if the power goes out in the future. Kidde, Caseta (Pico remote & plug-in dimmer), and GE bulb are all working well, as long as I respect the "wait 3 seconds" rule between sending commands to stuff like the Caseta-connected lights, so it doesn't get signal confusion & not respond.

 

[MjnMixael]

That's odd. I regularly send multiple commands close together and haven't had any issues.

 

[Kaido]

Wink Certified hardware per the latest app update:

1. Wink Hub

2. Alarms:
a. Kidde smoke alarm

3. Blinds:
a. Bali Blinds
b. Lutron Serena Honeycomb Shades
c. Lutron Serena Roller Shades
d. ZWave Blind (appears to be a generic support function, per the instructions)

4. Cameras:
a. Dropcam

5. Climate:
a. Quirky+GE Aros Air Conditioner
b. Honeywell Prestige Thermostat
c. Hoenywell Programmable Thermostat
d. ZWave Thermostat (again, generic entry...not sure if things would be 100% supported)

6. Fun:
a. Quirky+GE Nimbus Dashboard
b. Quirky+GE Porkfolio Piggy Bank

7. Garage Doors:
a. Chamberlain MyQ (requires MyQ app setup first with account)

8. Kitchen:
a. Quirky+GE Egg Minder

9. Lawn + Patio:
a. Rachio (setup Rachio account first)

10. Lights:
a. Lutron Caseta In-Wall Dimmer
b. Lutron Caseta Plug-In Dimmer
c. TCP Connected by TCP Lights (setup TCP account first)
d. GE Bulb
e. Philips Hue Lights
f. Leviton Vizia RF+ Dimmer
g. Leviton Vizia RF+ Outlet
h. Leviton Vizia RF+ Plug-In Switch
i. Leviton Vizia RF+ Switch
j. Zwave Light
k. Zwave Switch
l. Zigbee Light (generic Zigbee light)

11. Locks:
a. Kwikset SmartCode Deadbolt
b. Schlage Touchscreen Deadbolt
c. Zwave Lock (generic)

12. Remotes:
a. Lutron Pico Remote

13. Sensors:
a. Quirky+GE Refuel Tank Gauge
b. Quirky+GE Spotter

14. Water Heater:
a. Rheem

Quick review of some products:

1. The Wink Hub is still available for $50 instead of $80. Staples dropped their Connect hub to $50, so I'd imagine they're trying to stay competitive price-wise there. Outside of the initial setup issues I had getting it connected to my wireless network (to be expected, from reading the initial reviews), it's been running pretty great. High WAF in terms of usability.

2. Generally, Quirky stuff seems to be junk, especially stuff like the Aros A/C unit & the Spotter multi-function sensor. Plus they have really random stuff like expensive egg minders & piggy banks. Cool ideas, just a bit useless & pricey. I like the idea of the Refuel (weight-based propane tank life sensor), but at $50, I can buy a brand-new, filled propane tank for $5 more & always have a spare can available for grilling, so there's that.

3. Chamberlain's MyQ garage door adapter is now officially supported, so buy away!

4. The Rachio irrigation controller is now available from Home Depot ($250 for 8 zones or $300 for 16 zones). Personally, I'm holding out for the Eve smart irrigation controller, which includes moisture sensors. That, and I need a yard first :whiste:

5. Interesting to see generic Zwave products being supported within the "Add" function of the app, instead of having to go into the special semi-hidden Zwave menu. There's blinds, thermostats, lights, switches, and locks. Since they're generic, I don't imagine they'll support all of the functions that a Wink Certified piece of hardware would. For example, people have mentioned that they've gotten basic remote lock/unlock functionality working on non-certified hardware, but extra stuff like programming PIN numbers don't work (although I don't know if they do in supported ones, either). I plan on getting a supported Schlage deadbolt at some point, so I'll see how it goes.

6. Speaking of locks, a reminder that Kiwkset locks are extremely easy to pick.

7. GE's Link Light bulbs (LED) are available for purchase now (Zigbee-based) in a few different flavors (regular, flood, etc.). Everything is in the bulb...just buy it, plug it in, turn it on, and pair it to your hub - instant on/off/dim control, no wiring necessary! Really neat concept, I love the idea! I bought one for my bedroom reading lamp & it is working out great so far. Lutron announced in a blog post that a ClearConnect-enabled GE Link bulb will be arriving later this year as well (lets you control it from the awesome Pico remote controls).

8. The Kidde smoke alarm is working out great - gives me status & was only half the cost of a Nest Protect alarm ($50 vs. $100). You can link up to 12 units together. Only catch is that the Kidde uses ionization; they recommend having both ionization & photoelectric models in your home for maximum protection. The Nest Protect uses photoelectric, so if you want all of your fire alarms to be smart-enabled, you can optionally do both. Right now there is no integration in Wink for Nest, but Wink supports Dropcam, which is now owned by Nest, and Nest has an API, so I'd imagine we'll get support eventually.

9. The Rheem water heater sensor looks somewhat useless, outside of having leak detection. It's basically wifi control for temperature, leak detection, service diagnostics, and system status. There's not a lot of information available on it outside of those features; I don't think it has any kind of usage meter to tell you how much water you're actually using. I don't know if people normally change the temperature, either...the only time I've ever touched my gas water heater is to replace it, so outside of leak detection, it seems a bit overkill.

10. The Pico remote from Lutron is really cool for controlling lights, but for some reason, you can't control anything else from it directly. You can set up if-then sequences in the app, but if you want to add a Caseta light & a GE Link light straight-up, no dice. This is strange because the Wink Hub has a ClearConnect radio inside & the Pico remote pairs directly to the Hub (not the Caseta switch), so they should be able to easily software-relay any commands to anything else (such as blinds or other brands of lights). I don't know what's up with that. Maybe licensing issues? Seems dumb to only support one wireless remote in the Wink Hub, but not have it be able to control anything other than the parent company's hardware (Lutron).

11. Still missing hardware support for motion sensors & door/windows sensors & other pretty basic smarthome stuff like that. I'd like to see an I/O contact closure type of interface like this one as well. I would love to use these for triggers, especially coupled with time-of-day triplines...turn on the hallway light if it's after 9:00pm & motion is detected, etc.

Overall I have a high level of confidence that the Wink ecosystem will continue to improve, especially given Home Depot's strong backing on it & the leak of their $250 color touchscreen lightswitch, which is a pretty serious product for the pricerange. I'm hoping we'll see some cool stuff with the next batch of iOS updates, including HomeKit & Siri integration, particularly with Siri's "always on" functionality - it'd be cool to say "Hey, Siri, turn off the lights and lock the doors"!

I definitely want to see some expanded device support as well. I was showing my mom how the system worked and she was like "that's cool, does it work with my Windows phone?" Nope, sorry - no Windows phone support, not even via a basic web GUI. So that's super lacking right now - I can't buy her a Wink system because she literally doesn't have any devices that support it right now, although given how well Lutron's Caseta system has worked for me, I'll probably start doing some lighting upgrades to lay the foundation for her. It'd be cool if they added some support for other devices as well, such as a Roku app, or some kind of in-line overlay device like a lot of the cable providers have for telephone alerts & that sort of thing.

 

[Kaido]

A few notes:

1. Somfy makes a power distribution system for 12/24VDC motors, so you don't have to use the wall-wart if you don't want to use battery (although some of the batteries last up to 3 years with 2 ups/2 downs a day). I saw them in 5 & 10-motor configurations. Price isn't bad, about $110 for 10 motors, considering that a single wall-wart with a 25' cable is $71: (it's just more work to install in existing construction)

http://www.automatedshadestore.com/...10-Motor_Power_Distribution_Board-pid560.html

2. Lutron's Caseta Smart Bridge controller has some alarm integration; I'm curious if Wink is going to add Alarm.com integration as well: (since it's a Lutron partner)

The Lutron Smart Bridge Pro works with select security systems. The Alarm.com smart phone app, for example, provides control of Caseta Wireless dimmers and Serena shades both from the Alarm.com app and as part of a security event. If the alarm is tripped, Serena shades will rise and lights will turn on, drawing attention to the situation. The Smart Bridge Pro is also compatible with select security systems from ELK and others.

3. Honeywell now has a basic $99 programmable thermostat that is Wink-compatible, which is nice if you don't want a fancy color touchscreen model, which is twice the price:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Honeywel...mable-Thermostat-Free-App-RTH6580WF/203556922

For an extra $50, you can get a basic touchscreen (non-color) version:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Honeywel...creen-Thermostat-Free-App-RTH8580WF/203356032

 

[jalaram]

A few notes:

2. Lutron's Caseta Smart Bridge controller has some alarm integration; I'm curious if Wink is going to add Alarm.com integration as well: (since it's a Lutron partner)

There are z-wave alarm systems right? Would they be compatible with Wink?

3. Honeywell now has a basic $99 programmable thermostat that is Wink-compatible, which is nice if you don't want a fancy color touchscreen model, which is twice the price:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Honeywel...mable-Thermostat-Free-App-RTH6580WF/203556922

For an extra $50, you can get a basic touchscreen (non-color) version:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Honeywel...creen-Thermostat-Free-App-RTH8580WF/203356032

The latter looks like my current thermostat (except that i don't have wifi). It's definitely a better price than the fancy pants version.

 

[Kaido]

There are z-wave alarm systems right? Would they be compatible with Wink?

The latter looks like my current thermostat (except that i don't have wifi). It's definitely a better price than the fancy pants version.

Currently there is no alarm integration. I doubt you could add it as a third-party system either, since the generic Zwave control set doesn't really have anything for service type of stuff. I would like to see this as an option down the road, but right now they don't even have motion/door/window sensors available, plus they have issues relaying commands whenever their servers go down, so they'd be on the hook for liability if they went down & you got robbed.

I'm kind of leaning towards the color touchscreen myself...my thermostat gets fiddled with multiple times a day & no one knows how to use our existing one, so it might be a worth investment for a little extra dough :biggrin:

 

[lsd]

Currently there is no alarm integration. I doubt you could add it as a third-party system either, since the generic Zwave control set doesn't really have anything for service type of stuff. I would like to see this as an option down the road, but right now they don't even have motion/door/window sensors available, plus they have issues relaying commands whenever their servers go down, so they'd be on the hook for liability if they went down & you got robbed.

I'm kind of leaning towards the color touchscreen myself...my thermostat gets fiddled with multiple times a day & no one knows how to use our existing one, so it might be a worth investment for a little extra dough :biggrin:

Supposedly window sensor support is in the works. The response about them from quirky was
"The window sensors that are in the the pipeline for Wink app compatibility are:

Aeon Labs Aeotec Z-Wave Door/Window Sensor, G2
Ecolink Z-WAVE Wireless Door/Window Sensor
Schlage Home Door & Window Sensor"

Whether or not they'd be used to support an alarm function is another story. They do have a motion sensor with the spotter but that thing is a joke.


Is anyone else having battery drain issues with the wink app? I've tried different roms in my gs4 and have the some problem, it has to be the app causing the issue. Quirky support pretty much said I'm SOL.

 

[MjnMixael]

Oh, yes.. I want the door sensor. I just installed the Schlage door lock and would love a way to tell if the door is closed or open as well!

 

[mcrimm]

I'd like a sensor to monitor my hot tub temp. I live in NW Montana where winters are for manly men. I worry about turning my HT into a 300 gallon ice cube. I know LaCrosse makes a sensor but I’ve had less than stellar results with their products in the past. Maybe a Wink enabled product will emerge.
Mike

 

[Kneedragger]

Lutron's Caseta Smart Bridge controller has some alarm integration; I'm curious if Wink is going to add Alarm.com integration as well: (since it's a Lutron partner)

See now this would be a cool feature. A hub like the wink taking the signal from home alarm when triggered and notifies you. This would be another good one for me.

This would be a good idea since you can keep the alarm on its own and it will still do its job with or without internet. I just think having them separate would be a good idea..

 

[Kaido]

See now this would be a cool feature. A hub like the wink taking the signal from home alarm when triggered and notifies you. This would be another good one for me.

This would be a good idea since you can keep the alarm on its own and it will still do its job with or without internet. I just think having them separate would be a good idea..

Agreed. lsd mentioned above that support for sensors is in the pipeline, so I'd definitely like to roll my own. Plus you can just use Blue Iris & Foscams on the cheap instead of paying a monthly fee for Dropcam, you know?

I am also interested in the GE Link light with Caseta. I like the concept of the existing Zigbee-based one, but it's a bit annoying in practice. I put the bulb in my bedside lamp. If I turn it off manually, then I can't turn it on via the Wink App because there's no power going to it in the socket. I can't control it with a Pico remote because for some reason Wink has chosen not to add full support for non-Caseta-based devices (ex. relaying commands from ClearConnect to Zigbee through the Hub), which means that I can't mount the Pico in a wallmount next to my bed or by the bedroom door to turn it on or off.

So basically the only way I can really control it is by the app - I can't shut it off via the switch & go to bed, I have to use the app to do it if I want to control it the next day. So the GE Caseta Link light will be nice, OR if Wink would add non-Caseta control to the Pico via a software relay that would be better.

 

[Kaido]

Found a good article on Rheem's EcoNet heater, which is Wink Certified:

http://www.networkworld.com/article...opportunity-controlling-the-water-heater.html

* Water heaters are the second largest consumer of energy in your home (after HVAC)
* Only works with Rheem water heaters
* Only works on select Rheem models
* Main function is leak detection (possibly an insurance savings down the road)
* Can set water heater to vacation mode to save energy costs
* Gives you error codes to give the technician
* Ability to schedule heating

Per the article:

Using the Rheem app to set schedules based on your lifestyle and usage needs -- and being able to quickly change things on the fly -- the module makes it possible to save energy without inconveniencing you. So if you have it programmed to cool down during the day while you’re at work, but then unexpected get the day off, you can override your normal schedule in a snap. Heading out of town? Remotely set the water heater to vacation mode, preventing it from heating and reheating water that's not going to be used.

Yeah, I don't know if I want to care about my water heater that much...the only time I ever look at it if it breaks. It's kind of a fixed cost, like a fridge. I think I got an EE model last time mine broke a couple years ago, which supposedly saves a few hundred dollars. Here's an overview of the various costs associated with a hot water heater:

http://waterheatertimer.org/How-much-does-it-cost-to-run-water-heater.html

There are some Zwave flow control & monitoring valves available, like the one in this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smHw5KcovUc

Downside is that it's nearly $500 for that technology:

http://www.smarthome.com/fortrezz-wv-01-wireless-z-wave-water-valve-3-4-valve.html

It would be interesting to hook these up to each water outlet (showers, toilets, sinks, dishwasher, etc.) to see the statistics of how many gallons are being used at what times & what temperatures. Not that it would change anything...I'm still going to take a hot shower every morning & I'm still going to run my dishwasher after dinner, and if you buy energy-efficient appliances (dishwashers, fridges, water heaters, etc.) that's about the best you can do short of living like a hippie (or investing in pricey & complicated stuff like solar heaters, solar panels, etc.), so ultimately it'd be used more for the "hey, neat" aspect of seeing the data tracked than anything (especially at $500 per water outlet...).

So it's kind of a neat product. If you have a compatible electric or gas Rheem water heater, $99 for a connected leak detector doesn't seem like too bad of a price, considering standalone products like the LeakFrog sells for $35 online, so an extra $65 to add wifi & alerts isn't horrifically expensive.

 

[SchillerM]

Agreed. lsd mentioned above that support for sensors is in the pipeline, so I'd definitely like to roll my own. Plus you can just use Blue Iris & Foscams on the cheap instead of paying a monthly fee for Dropcam, you know?

I am also interested in the GE Link light with Caseta. I like the concept of the existing Zigbee-based one, but it's a bit annoying in practice. I put the bulb in my bedside lamp. If I turn it off manually, then I can't turn it on via the Wink App because there's no power going to it in the socket. I can't control it with a Pico remote because for some reason Wink has chosen not to add full support for non-Caseta-based devices (ex. relaying commands from ClearConnect to Zigbee through the Hub), which means that I can't mount the Pico in a wallmount next to my bed or by the bedroom door to turn it on or off.

So basically the only way I can really control it is by the app - I can't shut it off via the switch & go to bed, I have to use the app to do it if I want to control it the next day. So the GE Caseta Link light will be nice, OR if Wink would add non-Caseta control to the Pico via a software relay that would be better.

I set a robot so that the entry light (lutron w/pico), that is left on most of the time we are home, when turned off will turn off all other lights, including the GE Link in bedroom. Turning off the hallway is done with Pico. Makes it nice and easy for us at bed time.
So far we have not ran into a time that we wanted entry light off but others on. Mostly because entry light is in dark hallway, so its a night/safety light.

I still agree I want to be able to use pico remote to do non lutron things, but for now the robot works..
Matt

 

[Kaido]

I set a robot so that the entry light (lutron w/pico), that is left on most of the time we are home, when turned off will turn off all other lights, including the GE Link in bedroom. Turning off the hallway is done with Pico. Makes it nice and easy for us at bed time.
So far we have not ran into a time that we wanted entry light off but others on. Mostly because entry light is in dark hallway, so its a night/safety light.

I still agree I want to be able to use pico remote to do non lutron things, but for now the robot works..
Matt

Yeah. I just got the GE bulb for kicks; I still prefer my Philips lights. But I would like to use the Pico remote for other things down the road!

I am liking how it works so far. Set & forget now that I've learned the ropes. Now I just need about six grand to replace all of the bulbs, switches, outlets, blinds, etc.

 

[Narumi]

Yeah. I just got the GE bulb for kicks; I still prefer my Philips lights. But I would like to use the Pico remote for other things down the road!

I am liking how it works so far. Set & forget now that I've learned the ropes. Now I just need about six grand to replace all of the bulbs, switches, outlets, blinds, etc.

Haha, yeah if we had a good amount of money I would have gotten a control 4 system and they integrate with a lot of other gold standard HA systems.

I do wonder if they will include ecobee support someday. It would be nice since it's zigbee capable and pairing that with a robot would be awesome for controlling the thermostat since my schedule changes all the time.

 

[Narumi]

Has any one found the caseta light switches found on their product page here? I wanted some basic on/off switches and wanted to keep the Lutron theme going. So far the online ones I found are like 70.

 

[Kaido]

Has any one found the caseta light switches found on their product page here? I wanted some basic on/off switches and wanted to keep the Lutron theme going. So far the online ones I found are like 70.

The 2-button switches aren't readily available; I have the 4-button models (on, off, dim up, dim down). They are $60 everywhere, unfortunately. At least it includes a remote control!

http://www.amazon.com/Lutron-P-PKG1W...dp/B00JJY0S4G/

 

[Kaido]

I am interested to see how smartwatches affect home automation. One of the biggest of the minor annoyances is that you have to do a process to send a command:

1. Pull out phone
2. Unlock phone
3. Launch app
4. Select action

It's quick, but not as quick as say flipping a lightswitch. A smartwatch could be a gamechanger in terms of convenience for things like opening the front door via RFID (wave your arm in front of the lock if you're holding groceries) & for activating commands via a simple touch interface. Tap a virtual button on the watch on your arm & your lights turn on or off. Neat! Wink is already supporting Android Wear, so HomeKit & the Apple Watch is a no-brainer.

 

[MjnMixael]

I don't find phone control useful at home for that very reason. That's also why I didn't go with Hue or TCP for my lighting... I want physical control while going about my day at home.

However, I do use my phone to control my light switches when I go to bed and shut down the house... Or use the Wink Robots to turn on the lights when I come home after dark.

Now when they add motion sensor support... I'll be putting those in rooms and having rooms automatically light up. Again, it's to avoid the 4 step process of using my phone to turn on my lights and instead to truly make my house automated.

 

[Kaido]

I don't find phone control useful at home for that very reason. That's also why I didn't go with Hue or TCP for my lighting... I want physical control while going about my day at home.

However, I do use my phone to control my light switches when I go to bed and shut down the house... Or use the Wink Robots to turn on the lights when I come home after dark.

Now when they add motion sensor support... I'll be putting those in rooms and having rooms automatically light up. Again, it's to avoid the 4 step process of using my phone to turn on my lights and instead to truly make my house automated.

Yeah, I was actually just thinking that the outside front entry light would be the best place to buy my GE Link Light, since I can schedule it in the Wink app to come on in the evening & turn off at night, and just leave the inside switch on all the time.

On a different topic, I am amazed how much my tastes for technology have changed over the years. Right now we have one operating workstation at home, which we keep in the kitchen for public use - photo editing for my wife, video editing for me, that sort of thing. The rest of it is basically Technology-as-a-Service (TaaS?):

1. Apple iPhone
2. Google Chromebook
3. Roku 3
4. Wink Hub

Unless I'm doing a video project or just want nef in a chair online, I just use the Chromebook for everything. The rest of the time I whip out my iPhone (no tinkering like with Android - it's an appliance like a toaster, "just works"). Same with the Roku 3 - has a bunch of apps, including one to stream video from our desktop via Plex, but we dropped the house phone (went to cell phones) & TV service (no cable) and just use a mix of Plex/Netflix/VUDU/Amazon. Throw in the Wink Hub for controlling the rest of the stuff & that pretty much covers all the bases!

That's about as much technology as I can think of, and the best part is, I don't have manage any of it! The iPhone, Chromebook, Roku, and Wink gear is all fairly stable & self-managing, so all I have to do is simply use it. I have so much more free time (and freed-up mental capacity) because I don't have to screw around with stuff anymore to get it to work (granted I get my geek fulfillment at work these days, so that works out there). So the Wink Hub is exactly the type of solution I've been looking for in a home automation system...it's not for everyone given the existing limitations (basic programming, no Windows/Blackberry/web GUI support, etc.), but if it works for you, then it's a pretty nice solution!

 

[GT_YellowJacket]

Wink Certified hardware per the latest app update:
...
7. Garage Doors:
a. Chamberlain MyQ (requires MyQ app setup first with account)
...

3. Chamberlain's MyQ garage door adapter is now officially supported, so buy away!
...
4. The Rachio irrigation controller is now available from Home Depot ($250 for 8 zones or $300 for 16 zones). Personally, I'm holding out for the Eve smart irrigation controller, which includes moisture sensors. That, and I need a yard first :whiste:

5. Interesting to see generic Zwave products being supported within the "Add" function of the app, instead of having to go into the special semi-hidden Zwave menu. There's blinds, thermostats, lights, switches, and locks. Since they're generic, I don't imagine they'll support all of the functions that a Wink Certified piece of hardware would. For example, people have mentioned that they've gotten basic remote lock/unlock functionality working on non-certified hardware, but extra stuff like programming PIN numbers don't work (although I don't know if they do in supported ones, either). I plan on getting a supported Schlage deadbolt at some point, so I'll see how it goes.
....

11. Still missing hardware support for motion sensors & door/windows sensors & other pretty basic smarthome stuff like that. I'd like to see an I/O contact closure type of interface like this one as well. I would love to use these for triggers, especially coupled with time-of-day triplines...turn on the hallway light if it's after 9:00pm & motion is detected, etc.

Overall I have a high level of confidence that the Wink ecosystem will continue to improve, especially given Home Depot's strong backing on it & the leak of their $250 color touchscreen lightswitch, which is a pretty serious product for the pricerange. I'm hoping we'll see some cool stuff with the next batch of iOS updates, including HomeKit & Siri integration, particularly with Siri's "always on" functionality - it'd be cool to say "Hey, Siri, turn off the lights and lock the doors"!
...

Thanks, Kaido, for pointing out the garage door "integration"! I had asked Wink when that was coming and they said later in the month. BUT, I just installed the Chamberlain garage door opener a few weeks ago and updated the app to include the door. To my surprise, I could not add the door to any robots except to trigger an action, and when I emailed Wink support, they indicated that it really was not supported and would not be until some future update. Disappointing. And much slower than just going to the Chamberlain app, so nearly useless at this time.

Since you mentioned a few other products, I'll comment on those. I have the Rachio sprinkler controller and it works great! I love that I can spray my dogs or let them drink from the sprinklers with my smartphone. However, like many of the products, the native Rachio app works far better than Wink. I also would like to see a few enhancements...graphical view of weather-adjusted watering times, seasonal watering schedules to disable schedules over the winter, and single-cycle single-station delete (if I want to work in one section of my yard, don't want it wet that day, and I want everything else to water normally).

And the Schlage deadbolt (I have the Century). I love this thing! ...when used without the z-wave function. It's motorized, solidly built, easy to program, opens reliably, doesn't show fingerprints on the keypad (for security), easy to use manually, high W(girlfriend)AF, and the dogs have learned the motor sound (so I have an extra alarm!). I haven't touched my house key in weeks. BUT, the function with Wink is abysmal. I have a beaming z-wave switch within a few feet of it, and the hub is only about 8 feet from the lock. The lock-unlock function is slow when it actually works, my geofence robots work about 10% of the time, and the lock state is almost never right in the app. Does anyone else have issues with the Schlage lock integration? And do you expect the lock state to update in the app when locked/unlocked manually? I'm not sure if this is a Schlage issue related to communicating lock state or a Wink issue with correctly refreshing the state. I have a feeling this is a Wink problem, because the lock, generic z-wave light switches (GE/Jasco), and Chamberlain door all have this problem.

Anyway, I agree with you on #11 above, and I'm hopeful that the system improves. It has great promise, but right now I am spending far more time troubleshooting and contacting tech support than I am saving through automation.