The Wink home automation thread

[Kaido]

They re-launched their website:

http://www.wink.com/

 

[Tech_Greek]

lol, it broke around the same time I added another lightbulb too.

Me too! Then my Comcast Business connection dropped at my house...really made me hate not having local access, but I'll live.

I did share this thread with their twitter account so they are looking I'm sure. They have a huge chance if they don't blow it and drop the ball - listening to your customers would be a HUGE first step but this is modern day america so I don't have too much hope.

I was happy with the new app except for the lights seem backwards. Why do I go to individual view first? Why can I not select group view first? Why is it click and hold to adjust the light output and a single tap to turn them off - I'd rather it the opposite as I adjust lights more frequently rather than turn them off and on.

 

[Kaido]

They have a huge chance if they don't blow it and drop the ball - listening to your customers would be a HUGE first step but this is modern day america so I don't have too much hope.

If they can add offline functionality, I will be more stuff, hands-down. The software itself has gotten loads better (not perfect, but good enough for the price), so really my only hangup is being able to use it without the cloud or an Internet connection. I'd really like to buy more gear for my Wink setup, but I don't trust the service due to the downtime issues...they've had 5 months to fix it and they're still having issues; imo, it's time to add offline support.

From a larger perspective, I'd also like to see an app overhaul (like have it boot up straight to a shortcuts screen for quick access to the stuff you use most often), Windows phone support, and a web GUI. I'm not hung up on that, but it'd be really nice for like a v2.0 software rollout.

Edit: OK, it looks like they did roll out an app update with the new hardware. I'll play with it more tonight and see how it goes:

http://www.engadget.com/2014/11/11/quirky-ge-smart-home/

Along with all of this news, Wink's mobile app is getting a big refresh. You can now create shortcuts to the functions you use most in the app; create "robots" to control the overall behavior of your connected devices, like turning everything off when you get to bed; and view a stream of activity of all the devices connected to Wink. You can download the new Wink app now.

Edit 2: The new products like the door open/close sensor are showing that you either need a Hub or a Relay. I'm curious if they're going to use the Relay for offline use, with a focus on Wink products.

 

[Kaido]

So here's a quick overview of all of the new Quirky+GE products:

1. Tripper: Open/close sensor
2. Overflow: Water leak sensor
3. Outlink: Power outlet.
4. Tapt: 2-button wallswitch.
5. Ascend: Generic garage door opener
6. Norm: Thermostat
7. Spotter UNIQ: Customizable, multi-function sensor/button

In more detail: (note that many of the links below have a video introduction that you can watch to learn more about them)

1. Tripper: ($40 for a 2-pack) Open/close sensor for doors/windows/cabinets. I have been waiting for this one. You can get alerts, which is also useful for security system purposes, and you can also setup robots to trigger other Wink-enabled products (i.e. opening the door turns on the entry light).

http://www.wink.com/products/quirkyge-tripper-windowithdoor-sensor/

Don’t bother with a costly home security system. Tripper is a set of two sensors that sends you real-time alerts when the status of any door, window, or cabinet in your home changes.

2. Overflow: ($35) Moisture/water sensor. Has a 6' cord. Sends alerts if water is detected. Great price. Leakfrogs (standalone battery-powered water alarms) are $25, so getting a connected model for $10 more is a no-brainer.

http://www.wink.com/products/quirkyge-overflow-water-sensor/

Standard water sensors only make easy-to-miss audible alerts. Overflow notifies your mobile device the moment it detects excess water to help you avoid costly repairs caused by water damage.

3. Outlink: ($50) The bottom outlet acts like a traditional one; the top outlet is smart. You can turn the top one one or off with the app. You can also set a budget and get notified when it’s reached or exceeded. Pricing is in line with out smart outlets (as is functionality - only one outlet is controllable), but with the added benefit of power monitoring.

http://www.wink.com/products/quirkyge-outlink-wall-outlet-and-energy-monitor/

Keep an eye on power-hungry appliances from anywhere with Outlink. Its got a smart outlet, which tracks energy usage and can be turned on/off remotely.

4. Tapt: ($60) 2-button wallswitch. Replaces existing single-pole wallswitches. Can control other smart devices (not just lights), included smart bulbs that were manually turned off. This will be great for doing scenes integration & controlling stuff like both a light AND a ceiling fan. Pricing is in line with other smart wallswitches.

http://www.wink.com/products/quirkyge-tapt-light-switch/

Tapt replaces your basic single-pole wall switch with two smart switches that give you one-touch control over all sorts of things, including smart bulbs that have been manually turned off.

5. Ascend: ($100) Generic garage door opener adapter. Lets you open & close the door, as well as receive alerts when the door is used. Works on most garage doors. $30 cheaper than the Chamberlain model.

http://www.wink.com/products/quirkyge-ascend-garage-door-controller/

Ascend makes your existing garage door opener smart. It lets you monitor your door’s status from afar, receive instant alerts when people come and go, and control your garage from anywhere.

6. Norm: ($80) "Norm allows you to monitor and adjust the temperature from your smartphone. Set heating and cooling schedules that fit your lifestyle… and your budget. Pair it with smart sensors to operate based on rooms you actually use." So basically a (much) cheaper Nest or Honeywell Wifi thermostat, minus the physical interface of having a screen. I like the idea of pairing it with other rooms, but meh...the Honeywell is my favorite so far, since you don't need the smartphone app to control it because it has a color touchscreen with all of the controls on it. And although this is a needed product to move forward with different detections (motion, humidity, temperature, etc. with all of the other sensors), unless people have something like a Mr. Slim mini-split ductless system in every room where temperature can be super zoned, you're stuck with a traditional whole-house system or a very basic zoned system. Right now the Mr. Slim & similar units are lacking in any kind of residential interface like this, so I'd LOVE to see integration with that down the road. Anyway, with all of the sensors throughout your house, this will make it the most advanced residential HVAC sensor system available.

http://www.wink.com/products/quirkyge-norm-thermostat/

Use Norm to tailor your home’s temperature exactly to your liking and control your climate from anywhere. It offers intelligence, convenience, and efficiency, so don’t just call it a thermostat - Norm is your home’s sixth sense.

7. Spotter UNIQ: ($30-$120) Version 2 of the Spotter sensor (which was garbage). It's customizable at order time to include the sensors you want. Includes wallmount pad, screws, and a magnetic base to mount anywhere. Available in white, black, and green colors. Battery options are (2) AA's, wallplug adapter with backup batteries included, or rechargable batteries (comes with their own charger).

http://www.wink.com/products/quirkyge-spotter-multipurpose-sensor/

CNET has more info:

http://www.cnet.com/products/quirky-spotter-uniq/

Sensor options include what we saw in last year's Spotter (sound, motion, light, temperature, and humidity), along with several new additions, including air quality, carbon monoxide, barometric pressure, and moisture detectors. You'll also be able to add buttons, an LED screen, a lithium ion battery, a microphone, speakers, a gyroscope, or an accelerometer.

If this works as intended, it will be AMAZING. This will be what you buy to use as a motion detector. Or a wireless light switch. Or any combination of things - it's basically a wireless button (plus sensors). The customization page is here:

https://www.quirky.com/shop/982-spotter-uniq-customizable-multipurpose-sensor

Functionality options: (pricing is $30 + whatever the insert costs; choose up to 4)

1. Temperature ($10 - know when the temp goes above or below a preset threshold)
2. Temp & Humidity ($20 - know when the temp and/or humidity goes above or below a preset threshold)
3. Sound ($10 - get alerted when Spotter UNIQ senses a sound, like a baby crying. Recommended to pair with AC adapter option)
4. Light ($10 - know when the status of a light or dark changes)
5. Accelerometer ($10 - accelerometer sense the start or stop of physical movement)
6. Passive infrared ($20 - get alerted when its passive infrared sensor detects movement in front of it)
7. Smart button #1 ($10 - allows you to trigger smart products and scenes)
8. Smart button #2 ($10 - allows you to trigger smart products and scenes)
9. Smart button #3 ($10 - allows you to trigger smart products and scenes)

Power options:

1. (2) AA batteries (included free)
2. Wallplug ($20 - includes backup batteries)
3. Rechargable lithium-ion battery (pricing coming soon - includes its own charger)

Color options:

1. White
2. Black
3. Green

Color location options:

1. Base
2. Top left
3. Top right
4. Bottom left
5. Bottom right

Mount options: (all included)

1. Wall mount pad
2. Screws
3. Magnetic base

Note: I played around with their online ordering system. They offered me the Relay for $250 and the Hub for free with the purchase of other items, so FYI there are discounts to be had! They are also offering 20% off your first order via a popup:

https://www.quirky.com/shop/982-spotter-uniq-customizable-multipurpose-sensor

What I would like to see:

1. Offline functionality for the Hub (especially for stuff like vacation homes that don't have an Internet connection!)
2. Smart doorbell product (outdoor button with LED)
3. Windows phone app for the Hub
4. Web GUI for the Hub

They've also added more products from other vendors:

http://www.wink.com/products/

Of note:

1. Lutron Serena shades
2. Philips Friends of Hue Iris lighting, Bloom lighting, and LED lightstrip
3. Leviton plug-in dimmable lamp module & appliance module
4. Nest Protect smoke alarm (the Nest thermostat was also added recently)
5. Quirky+GE Pivot Power Genius flexible power strip - I'm not sure if this was previously available, but this is a flexible power strip that has (2) smart outlets (on/off via app) for $60 - only $10 more than the in-wall power outlet (no power monitoring function, however)

Summary:

1. The new products are amazing & are surprisingly well-priced. The UNIQ is going to be HUGE if it works as advertised.
2. The new products have me really excited, but I'm also hesitant due to the glitches & cloud downtime I've experienced since getting the system. Sure, you could call it out as #firstworldproblems, but this is a consumer product that should work 100% of the time - an exchange of money for a product that only works "most" of the time. It seems like they're ramping up for better days ahead with all of the new gear, so I will wait with bated breath. One concern I have is about non-Wink functionality. My Caseta lights work by themselves or with the Pico remote, or optionally with the Lutron Hub if I want to go with an alternative control system. The same with the Honeywell Wifi Thermostat, Nest Thermostat, and Chamberlain garage door opener adapter - they all have their own dedicated control system, with extra functionality for Wink control via API or what have you, so you have a failover system in case you don't want to be stuck in the Wink ecosystem in the future. I am curious to learn how all of the new gear (especially the thermostat & wallswitches) works without the Wink Hub.
3. Their HVAC system is going to be really really cool thanks to all of the additional sensors. If they can tie it in with things like mini-split ductless systems, that is going to be the bomb for both energy savings & per-room control. I haven't upgraded my somewhat crappy home heating & cooling system because I really want to go with a Mr. Slim H2i setup, but the controls stink (no integration whatsoever).
4. Very interested to see how the Relay plays out, both for offline usage & for the intercom functionality. I think Wink will have Samsung's Smart Things nailed because of this second wave of products - provided they can iron out the glitches & offline functionality.
5. This would be super-amazing if they can do Amazon Echo integration (again, provided the microphones work as advertised - there's not really any off-the-shelf whole-room microphone products available out of super high-end or super-customized installations).

 

[IndyColtsFan]

If they can add offline functionality, I will be more stuff, hands-down. The software itself has gotten loads better (not perfect, but good enough for the price), so really my only hangup is being able to use it without the cloud or an Internet connection. I'd really like to buy more gear for my Wink setup, but I don't trust the service due to the downtime issues...they've had 5 months to fix it and they're still having issues; imo, it's time to add offline support.

From a larger perspective, I'd also like to see an app overhaul (like have it boot up straight to a shortcuts screen for quick access to the stuff you use most often), Windows phone support, and a web GUI. I'm not hung up on that, but it'd be really nice for like a v2.0 software rollout.

Edit: OK, it looks like they did roll out an app update with the new hardware. I'll play with it more tonight and see how it goes:

http://www.engadget.com/2014/11/11/quirky-ge-smart-home/



Edit 2: The new products like the door open/close sensor are showing that you either need a Hub or a Relay. I'm curious if they're going to use the Relay for offline use, with a focus on Wink products.

I'm wondering the same thing about Relay and offline use. They really need to add that feature to the Hub. I continue seeing the hub going offline at random times -- it could be my ISP (though my Ooma never indicates an issue with the actual connection) but I suspect it is on their end.

I think I've had my hub up and running about a week and I have a scheduled activity to turn the lights in my office on at 6:30 every week day. That activity was not able to run at least 2 times so far due to the hub losing connection.

EDIT: The Ascend looks nice, but there is no way I am going to spend $100 for one, let alone $300 for all three of my garage doors given the current state of Wink and the generally poor reviews of accessories.

 

[Kaido]

I'm wondering the same thing about Relay and offline use. They really need to add that feature to the Hub. I continue seeing the hub going offline at random times -- it could be my ISP (though my Ooma never indicates an issue with the actual connection) but I suspect it is on their end.

I think I've had my hub up and running about a week and I have a scheduled activity to turn the lights in my office on at 6:30 every week day. That activity was not able to run at least 2 times so far due to the hub losing connection.

EDIT: The Ascend looks nice, but there is no way I am going to spend $100 for one, let alone $300 for all three of my garage doors given the current state of Wink and the generally poor reviews of accessories.

Yes, scheduled runs have been my biggest headache, and I too have seen the offline Hub thing before.

Chamberlain is pretty big name for garage door adapters; their MyQ model is only $30 more ($129 shipped) & has their own Wifi interface in addition to Wink integration: (so you're not tied into Wink permanently)

http://www.amazon.com/Chamberlain-MY...dp/B00EAD65UW/

 

[Kaido]

I continue seeing the hub going offline at random times -- it could be my ISP (though my Ooma never indicates an issue with the actual connection) but I suspect it is on their end.

I see this from both perspectives. On one hand, I love the grand vision that they're developing...the Spotter UNIQ alone is going to be an enormous product for customized, versatile functionality within your home. There's so many neat areas that this can address - convenience through automation, security (door & motion sensors, webcams, locks, etc.), and even elderly monitoring (especially if they can add a wristpad or necklace like some of the other Zwave-based systems offer for keeping an eye on say homebound grandparents). On the other hand, I have to deal with the WAF (wife acceptance factor):

"Why didn't the lights come on when we programmed it?"

"Why doesn't anything work right now? Is the online service down again?"

"I bought another smart light and tried pairing it a bunch of times with no luck, what do I do?"

"You want to spend MORE money on this, when it already doesn't work very well?"

So while I think Wink has good intentions, and I understand they had to get to the market first to gain control (because they're really the only ones with a product this good for consumer DIY purchase & setup, even factoring in Smart Things), it has to pass the grade for non-technical users. Technically it's an early adoption at my end, but at the same time, if it's available at a big-box store like Home Depot, then it should "just work" - no futzing, no glitches. As a result, my wife is not sold on the idea of buying more hardware because she has 5 months of experience of it not playing nice 100% of the time...the cheapout manual lightswitches work 100% of the time, you know? And since she's at home being a mom & has to deal with it all day, her input is very important to me growing my hardware base, haha.

So I would really like to see them succeed, but I need more confidence that the system is not going to let me down. Not that it's 100% glitchy or even 90% glitchy, but it happens enough that my wife has gotten frustrated with it and is not excited by the prospect of spending $300 on a touchscreen Relay smart switch at all, despite all of the functionality it offers. So I hope they get their act together on that side of things, which is why I'm really hoping they add offline support - then I'm not stuck when the service goes out. Plus getting rid of the glitches, like with scheduling - things need to always work, 100% of the time, especially since this system gets into the hundreds of dollars range very quickly...it's kind of funny that you pay (a whole lot) more and it works less than your cheap $1 outlets & lightswitches did before, you know?

 

[lsd]

MEh they reverted back to the old app interface style where you had to swipe across to get the device overview and now the last device you used is the first screen you see.
I hate it

 

[Kaido]

MEh they reverted back to the old app interface style where you had to swipe across to get the device overview and now the last device you used is the first screen you see.
I hate it

Yeah, mine went back to my lights, bummer. I think they should add a favorites or "pinned" section & make that the homescreen - open app, it jumps to the links YOU want (robots, commands, etc.) so that you're not futzing with it.

 

[Tech_Greek]

I'm excited about the UNIQ but after having the original spotter (the entire reason I got into Wink/Quirky in the first place almost a year ago) I can't say I have big ambitions for this. I verified the spotter had a 4 degree difference between it's temperature reading, my NEST, and a third party digital thermometer from Lowes.

I didn't realize the other features required a constant AC power source either so that blew that out.

The entire reason I bought it was because I was going to test in in a server cabinet as a fail safe feature to keep from having to invest money in any of the other less than stellar solutions right now.

The annoying limit of customization on the spotter too was a big draw back. Why can't I limit the amount of alerts per hour or create a snooze so to speak? I essentially made it into a door detector but it's slightly annoying if I have an employee working late that keeps going in and out.

Anything and everything I buy for the WINK system will be third party compatible at this point as I refuse to buy into a propitiatory system.

The biggest annoyances for me at this moment with my light bulbs are the switch itself - if I turn it off by hand, I have to go over there and turn it on and then break out the app but I understand that's an issue with current not being supplied all the time but at the same time if I switch to a GE Smart Switch and I lose internet connectivity does that mean I won't be able to operate the lights at all?

The App should open to a favorites screen, there's no excuse for the lack of oversight on that one. I don't program all these stupid shortcuts in to have to swipe my phone like I'm in the Globe Trotters to operate my lights. The less steps I have to perform to get to my task the better, that's UI design 101.

 

[jkg1991]

I'm looking for a home automation system. One thing I'm looking for is a wireless outdoor window/gate/door sensor. The only sensor that I have found is Honeywell 5816OD. http://www.security.honeywell.com/h...stems/wireless/door-window-sensor/314990.html

I'm not able to tell if that sensor would be able to work with the Wink system or not. Does anyone have any thoughts on if it would work or not?

Thank you

 

[Kaido]

I'm looking for a home automation system. One thing I'm looking for is a wireless outdoor window/gate/door sensor. The only sensor that I have found is Honeywell 5816OD. http://www.security.honeywell.com/h...stems/wireless/door-window-sensor/314990.html

I'm not able to tell if that sensor would be able to work with the Wink system or not. Does anyone have any thoughts on if it would work or not?

Thank you

Wink has 2 operational modes:

1. Wink Certified
2. Standards compatible, but not certified (ex. uses Zwave or Zigbee)

Wink only guarantees that Wink Certified hardware will work. Beyond that, it's the wild west - maybe it will work, maybe it won't. Maybe it will only work partially. Personally, I am currently only buying hardware that meets 2 requirements:

1. Is Wink Certified (that way if it doesn't work, I'm not out the money because I bought uncertified hardware)
2. Has a non-Wink-proprietary control system (ex. Wifi API or separate control hub) so that I'm not stuck in the Wink ecosystem if I choose to go another route in the future.

I don't see a Wink Certified logo on that product, so you're on your own for support if you choose to buy it.

 

[ieee_raider]

I'm looking for a home automation system. One thing I'm looking for is a wireless outdoor window/gate/door sensor. The only sensor that I have found is Honeywell 5816OD. http://www.security.honeywell.com/h...stems/wireless/door-window-sensor/314990.html

I'm not able to tell if that sensor would be able to work with the Wink system or not. Does anyone have any thoughts on if it would work or not?

Thank you

That is part of Honeywell Total Connect which does not appear to be Z-Wave.
WINK would have to have some kind of API into Honeywell Total Connect.

 

[Tech_Greek]

Got the Leviton DZS15 today, didn't realize it was a single pole.

They didn't sell multi-location switches at home depot for Wink. Dumb

I don't even think Wink has a certified multi-location switch.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I really wish Wink had a Windows 8.1 app. I'd like to buy some of those cheap HP tablets and use them as controllers.

 

[Kaido]

I really wish Wink had a Windows 8.1 app. I'd like to buy some of those cheap HP tablets and use them as controllers.

Ditto. I wanted to get my mom setup with a Wink system, but she has a Windows phone. It's super easy for her to use, so I'd rather work with what she has than have her change. I'd imagine with all the new products, support should be available within the next 6 months or so to appeal to a broader user base.

 

[daudet419]

Got the Leviton DZS15 today, didn't realize it was a single pole.

They didn't sell multi-location switches at home depot for Wink. Dumb

I don't even think Wink has a certified multi-location switch.

Hi Tech_Geek

I have my old GE ZW-3003 with was part of my old 3-way Dimmer Switch Kit which come with the Aux switch. I originally installed this kit in my stair way but it was not compatible with LED and CFL. When the switch is off the LED still on at very dim and CFL is just blinking like a christmas tree light.

Then i bought a GE45609 On/Off Light Switch and swapped it with the old Zw-3003 and kept the GE 45610WB Add On Auxiliary Switch.
Now the LED bulb is OFF or ON

the main switch GE45609 has an Blue LED as pilot light.
This switch is compatible to CFL,LED,Xenon,Halogen, Fluorescent and Incandescent light.

These Module can be added to WinkHub and work as it should without glitch



For 1-way
I use 2 type of Linear the WD500Z with is a Z-Wave Wall Dimmer Switch and the WS15Z with is just a Wall Switch no dimmer.
Both compatible with low power LED. They are working fine on WinkHub too.

Linear sell the WT00Z-1 a 3-way, multi-way add on switch.
it need only Power no travelling wire to main switch. You need to get the Minimote tool to add the WT to specific WD or WS modules. You can add multiple WT to the same WD main switch so it act as a 3, 4 or 5 way
I have no try it yet bu will do soon.


I just dont buy Leviton product they are too expensive for what they do.

Similar product from Linear or GE cost less and they do the job.


Daniel

 

[mrbadss]

Guys... Just looking at the Wink system. I have been using IObridge stuff for a while and need to get to a single central app, plus I like the concept around the new stuff (wireless door sensors, etc) and additional devices (that I dont need to wire and do myself like I do IO bridge)...

So questions:
1. Im about to get a hub (they have a great deal on them)... I assume they don't have a wired version of the hub, correct?
2. What is the difference between the Tapt switch and the Leviton DCZ switch. I assume the leviton is Z-wave, but is there any functionality difference between the 2?
3. Why no 3 way switches? Will the Leviton DCS15 switch work with wink?
http://www.leviton.com/OA_HTML/SectionDisplay.jsp?section=66154&minisite=10251
4. Wink's site says WPA-SPK.. is WPA2 Supported (I found some internet links that said yes, but confirming)

I'm pretty technical (as I bet most here are) and the one thing that I am disappointed in with wink is the lack of technical details. I cant find this stuff anywhere (except here)...

Thanks,

Reed

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Guys... Just looking at the Wink system. I have been using IObridge stuff for a while and need to get to a single central app, plus I like the concept around the new stuff (wireless door sensors, etc) and additional devices (that I dont need to wire and do myself like I do IO bridge)...

So questions:
1. Im about to get a hub (they have a great deal on them)... I assume they don't have a wired version of the hub, correct?
2. What is the difference between the Tapt switch and the Leviton DCZ switch. I assume the leviton is Z-wave, but is there any functionality difference between the 2?
3. Why no 3 way switches? Will the Leviton DCS15 switch work with wink?
http://www.leviton.com/OA_HTML/SectionDisplay.jsp?section=66154&minisite=10251
4. Wink's site says WPA-SPK.. is WPA2 Supported (I found some internet links that said yes, but confirming)

I'm pretty technical (as I bet most here are) and the one thing that I am disappointed in with wink is the lack of technical details. I cant find this stuff anywhere (except here)...

Thanks,

Reed

I can answer a couple of your questions:

1. There is no wired version of the hub currently.
4. WPA2 does work.

 

[MjnMixael]

Tapt is either ZWave or Zigbee, I'm not sure which. From what I understand it's switches can be paired to *any* of your smart devices, not just the light you replaced the switch of. That's impression I'm getting from the Wink team, at least. The Leviton switch would only work for that light you replaced the switch of.

I use Caseta dimmers for my lights. It can easily work in a 3 way switch application. You remove both wall switches and cap the power lines together in one of them. (The Caseta instructions make it clear which ones to tie together, if you're unsure.) You then replace the other switch with the actual Caseta dimmer. The Casetas come with a PICO remote. Also purchase a $6 wall mount bracket for the PICO remote and you'll screw that over the box where the second switch was (where you tied the power together). The PICO remotes work with/without the HUB, so you don't ever have to worry about them not working if the hub is off. The PICO remote batteries also supposedly last for like 10 years.

This is why I love the Caseta lights. In my bedroom, I replaced the single pole switch with a Caseta dimmer. I also used a Caseta plug-in dimmer for our lamp that we use more often than the overhead lights. I paired the lamp with a PICO remote and then screwed it to the wall next to the overhead light dimmer. Then I bought a 2-gang switch cover and placed it over the overhead light dimmer and the PICO remote, effectively making a 2 gang style switch. No wiring required. Also did something similar to add a switch for the stairway light to the bottom of the stairs in the basement. No wiring required at all.

 

[arod]

Ditto. I wanted to get my mom setup with a Wink system, but she has a Windows phone. It's super easy for her to use, so I'd rather work with what she has than have her change. I'd imagine with all the new products, support should be available within the next 6 months or so to appeal to a broader user base.

Same here... I use windows devices for the most part and not having apps on there kills the usefulness for me (same with tablet apps as I don't see any tablet version on ios/android). Also don't like that the internet must be working to use the hub, all kinds of scenarios where you would want internal access. guess I'll be waiting for the next version that hopefully does address some of these things and adds a web interface which would be very welcome when trying to program more complex things.

With the quirky products it does look like they will have the best overall product line even if they are still a bit expensive but closer to something you can realistically expect to pay. Tapt is still way too expensive.... they need to get a $20 wall switch out there. Still the quirky products are progress.

 

[SchillerM]

Same here... I use windows devices for the most part and not having apps on there kills the usefulness for me (same with tablet apps as I don't see any tablet version on ios/android). Also don't like that the internet must be working to use the hub, all kinds of scenarios where you would want internal access. guess I'll be waiting for the next version that hopefully does address some of these things and adds a web interface which would be very welcome when trying to program more complex things.

With the quirky products it does look like they will have the best overall product line even if they are still a bit expensive but closer to something you can realistically expect to pay. Tapt is still way too expensive.... they need to get a $20 wall switch out there. Still the quirky products are progress.

It is same app, but it works on my 3 android tablets (10", 8", 7") just fine. Not specifically formated for them though.
Matt

 

[Kaido]

With the quirky products it does look like they will have the best overall product line even if they are still a bit expensive but closer to something you can realistically expect to pay. Tapt is still way too expensive.... they need to get a $20 wall switch out there. Still the quirky products are progress.

I am curious about the Tapt switch:

1. Does it have any LED's to see it in the dark?
2. What radio standard does it use?
3. If the Hub goes down, what constitutes default functionality? (i.e. lightswitch?)
4. Can it work with non-Wink systems like say VeraLite?

I am a bit frustrated with my Caseta lights. No functionality-wise, because they work great, but because the human interface, the physical GUI, is bothersome for me. Specifically in 3 areas:

1. I don't like buttons, I like flip-switches, because that's my first instinct. I've had mine for awhile now & still haven't adjusted to pressing first instead of flipping, since the rest of my home's switches are flip switches. I guess that would go away if I invested in Caseta switches for the entire house, but we're talking like a thousand dollar's worth of switches...

2. I've never been able to get the switch to sit flush with the faceplate. Design issue. Played with it until it was "good enough" & gave up. Annoys me. Needs a better lock-in system to look nice.

3. I don't like how the buttons are on kind of a central ball switch, so the edges depress differently. One of the buttons kind of got stuck today. And on the topic of the buttons, I actually don't like having the dimmer buttons on them because sometimes I hit those by mistake & the room only gets a little bit bright.

I would still much rather have a center-sprung traditional flip switch with a relay & radio inside of it. Maybe I'll have to start a Quirky project :hmm: Anyway, functionally, Caseta has been great, zero issues outside of Wink's own issues. The Pico remote is awesome & is great for wall-mounting in places where you don't have switches.

 

[Kaido]

It is same app, but it works on my 3 android tablets (10", 8", 7") just fine. Not specifically formated for them though.
Matt

Yeah, I think they still have some growing to do. For the Hub v1:

1. Add Windows phone app
2. Add tablet-sized apps for Android & iOS
3. Add Web GUI
4. Add offline functionality
5. Add an online community forum
6. Add a developer API, including a publicly-accessible one for end-users who want to write plug-ins for their own hardware (like Arduino gadgets)
7. Fix the app to open to your Favorites/Shortcuts screen for quick access to common commands

For Hub v2:

1. Add Ethernet
2. Add better packaging & printed instructions

For products:

1. Wink doorbell
2. Center-sprung flip lightswitch

After seeing the Nucleus Intercom, I think Wink has an opportunity to enhance their intercom with a v2 Relay in the same style (larger touchpad with a camera, basically an on-wall tablet with the Spotter UNIQ built-in), particularly if they could integrate something like an amplifier for easily adding in-wall or in-ceiling speakers, along with the full radio suite that the Wink Hub has. So imagine a product like this - the "Relay v2":

1. 10" color touchscreen
2. Camera with slide-over privacy cover
3. Full suite of Spotter UNIQ sensors (temperature, humidity, sound, light, PIR for motion)
4. Full suite of Wink Hub radios (Kidde, Lutron, Zwave, Zigbee, etc.)
5. Amplifier & pre-outs (with DLNA, Airplay, etc.)

That would let them compete with Sonos, Apple, Amazon's Echo, and a variety of other things. Slap one of those in every room with some ceiling speakers & voila...the most complete DIY smarthome system on the planet. Patent, please :biggrin:

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Over the past week or so, I've noticed a HUGE increase in stability of the Wink hub. I've only seen a brief disconnect last night and one slight delay on lights. I hope this keeps up!