Kneedragger
Golden Member
- Feb 18, 2013
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But... Smartthings runs in the cloud. So does Revolv. In fact, I'm willing to bet that if you want an off-the-shelf automation solution that just works, then you'll need to be OK with it running in the cloud.
Otherwise, you are probably going to have to build your own system from scratch using advanced networking and tons of Raspberry Pis or something.
Anyway, my main point is that the Cloud issue is not Wink specific. You'll have to decide, then, which automation companie's security you trust more.
Wow that would suck if they constantly have server issues.
I'd definitely like some more information on it...from what I understand, a recent update added more local caching to the Wink system, but according that review (posted August 26, 2014), that isn't the case if their servers go down.
I'd be curious to know if the same thing happens if your Internet goes down...does it see it as as "network unreachable" state & work off cached data, or does it see it as "server unreachable" & completely kill access to the devices? Because that would mean you'd for sure want backup equipment installed - wall switches for your motorized blinds, a PIN number & key for your electronic deadbolt, and so on.
According to the following review, Vera has issues. Has that changed in the almost 2 years since it was written?How is this a surprise - everybody knows these other systems rely on centralized external servers. The big one that doesn't, from what I can see, is Vera.
How is this a surprise - everybody knows these other systems rely on centralized external servers. The big one that doesn't, from what I can see, is Vera.
According to the following review, Vera has issues. Has that changed in the almost 2 years since it was written?
http://www.networkworld.com/article...a-3---poor-but-promising-home-automation.html
I was waiting a few weeks before posting here my experiences with the wink and it's implementation. My impressions after using it for a few weeks are as follows
Thanks for the review! That's pretty much in-line with everything I've read so far. There are a few key things I'm hoping they'll update in the existing v1.0 hardware:
Your welcome!
I agree, the server reliance is a bit of a let down but hopefully they will cache more of the settings on the hub itself as time moves on. I can only see this going forward.
Smartthings and Samsung look like a good prospect, but at the same time I have little respect for big businesses..... things just don't go the way they should and well I am a bit skeptical things will stay entirely the same. Only time will tell though.
The Wink HUB requires power and internet to connect you and your smart products. If your power or internet goes out you will still be able to manually control your products but you will not be able to control them via the Wink App.
What about tablets?
Currently we are focused on expanding our mobile phone support but are looking to expand support to apps that are optimized for Android and iOS tablets. Stay tuned.
Can I access my Wink products through a desktop connection?
Wink is available on Android mobile, Android Wear, and iOS. Currently, there is no desktop support.
What about mobile web?
We currently do not support mobile web access. Download the free Wink app from iTunes App Store or Google Play.
The biggest bummer is that Quirky's new Wink3 system and hub has Caséta support in addition to everything SmartThings supports. Are there any plans for SmartThings to support Caséta? If so, I assume this would require a new hub? or at least having the Caséta bridge in addition to the SmartThings hub.
433Mhz (Kidde): PIC16F883 Microcontroller w/TI CC1101 RF Transceiver
433Mhz (Lutron): STM32L100R8 (ARM Cortex M3 @ 32Mhz w/64Kb Flash) w/same TI CC1101 RF Transceiver
Z-Wave: Sigma Designs SD3502A
Zigbee: Ember EM357 (Cortex M3 based SoC w/192Kb Flash and 12Kb RAM)
WiFi/BT: Unknown; Chip with markings "5408E3 E423B1"
Host CPU: Freescale i.MX28 @ 454Mhz
Ethernet: Part of PCB layout but not populated
The Wink HUB requires power and internet to connect you and your smart products. If your power or internet goes out you will still be able to manually control your products but you will not be able to control them via the Wink App.
That last bit is what caught my interest...they have an ETH trace on the PCB: (middle-right side in this picture)
The "modular" type of hub you describe would be difficult, not because the hardware is not available but I would think more of royalties. Clearconnect and whatever else of wireless HA tech out there that big companies use is proprietary, as such they want money for people to pay for such tech. The hub is like $150 for a lutron made hub. Parts cost, and shipping... I would guess $50. so a 200% markup for something made by the company, but manufactured in china, you can only imagine the royalties they would want from someone else who is using their "tech".
Hi all, new here. Joined because of this thread.
I grabbed the hub, propane scale, and a Lutron switch w/remoteba few weeks back. Sync'd the scale but haven't put it in action yet. Installed the switch in a heavily used location and after ditching the CCFL that was in there and going back to a regular bulb is has worked great. Love the remote control, sits on wife's nightstand so she can turn on/off hallway light.
Picked up the GE bulbs yesterday, installed one and am having mixed thoughts on it. Compared to the Lutron it is slow to respond and send back status, not extremely bad though. My biggest concern is while playing with it I lost control of it more than once. Had to flip switch off/on to get it back. Since I was abusing it I am not sure how that will reflect daily use so we will see. Haven't installed 2nd GE bulb yet, will this week. Anyone know what range on ZigBee is? I was thinking I might be near limit?
FYI the deal is still on at Home Depot. Today (3rd) is last day.
On a side note, visited 3 HD that listed GE bulbs in stock, none had any idea what or where they were, very frustrating. At one they had the propane thing at $10 less, so I asked for price match, they wouldn't/couldn't do it because of the way the $0.99 hub is actually discounted. It took $49 off as a percentage of each item. I will be contacting customer service over both issues. 4th one I went to had an aisle listed for them and is right by work, they had 6 in stock, along with a bunch of leviton stuff that the others didn't.
Matt
Hi all, new here. Joined because of this thread.
I grabbed the hub, propane scale, and a Lutron switch w/remoteba few weeks back. Sync'd the scale but haven't put it in action yet. Installed the switch in a heavily used location and after ditching the CCFL that was in there and going back to a regular bulb is has worked great. Love the remote control, sits on wife's nightstand so she can turn on/off hallway light.
Picked up the GE bulbs yesterday, installed one and am having mixed thoughts on it. Compared to the Lutron it is slow to respond and send back status, not extremely bad though. My biggest concern is while playing with it I lost control of it more than once. Had to flip switch off/on to get it back. Since I was abusing it I am not sure how that will reflect daily use so we will see. Haven't installed 2nd GE bulb yet, will this week. Anyone know what range on ZigBee is? I was thinking I might be near limit?
FYI the deal is still on at Home Depot. Today (3rd) is last day.
On a side note, visited 3 HD that listed GE bulbs in stock, none had any idea what or where they were, very frustrating. At one they had the propane thing at $10 less, so I asked for price match, they wouldn't/couldn't do it because of the way the $0.99 hub is actually discounted. It took $49 off as a percentage of each item. I will be contacting customer service over both issues. 4th one I went to had an aisle listed for them and is right by work, they had 6 in stock, along with a bunch of leviton stuff that the others didn't.
Matt
Greetings as well! :biggrin:
Hm I might grab another hub then just to play with that Ethernet port....
As for the bulbs, I never really liked the idea of them because it means whatever they are plugged into will always have power. For mainstream, I don't think that's a good idea (think about changing out a switch with the power on)
That's the main reason I bought 4 Lutron dimmer switches, also they work and Lutron is the gold standard for remote lighting (unless you go control 4 or HAI)
On another note, It would be nice if they had a on/off switch. I have seen it in their caseta lineup, but nothing in stores or online yet.