The Wink home automation thread

[ef141]

Derp, didn't even think to test Wink in ARC, thanks! Confirmed working on my Mac:


There are a variety of ways to download the APK; here is a simple web downloader: (beware of popups at this particular site!)

http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/

+1 for having a native(ish) way to control Wink on a computer!

Astro file manager will let you generate an APK without root

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Use tasker for timers and complete control

I'm probably not a typical end user. I want to avoid using a lot of disconnected, third-party components. My ideal state would be for something like trunzoc's web app to eventually control everything and I could access that page from any device rather than use apps tied to specific platforms. That's why I have avoided Tasker to this point -- if I am going to be forced to integrate separate apps, scripts, etc. to do things with Wink, I'd rather do that on a back end and have a single clean interface like trunzoc built. I have big server iron at home and my goal and desire all along was to have a home automation platform on a VM that would present a web interface to the user and then perform the backend actions.

 

[wagohn]

Thanks! Wink app works great on my PC using this system.

Derp, didn't even think to test Wink in ARC, thanks! Confirmed working on my Mac:

http://i.imgur.com/KBMtnGy.png

Here is a link to the Chrome plugin:

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/arc-welder/emfinbmielocnlhgmfkkmkngdoccbadn

There are a variety of ways to download the APK; here is a simple web downloader: (beware of popups at this particular site!)

http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/

+1 for having a native(ish) way to control Wink on a computer!

 

[Kaido]

Astro file manager will let you generate an APK without root

That requires an actual Android device tho, right? (I'm setup on a Mac with an iPhone)

 

[trunzoc]

I'm probably not a typical end user. I want to avoid using a lot of disconnected, third-party components. My ideal state would be for something like trunzoc's web app to eventually control everything and I could access that page from any device rather than use apps tied to specific platforms. That's why I have avoided Tasker to this point -- if I am going to be forced to integrate separate apps, scripts, etc. to do things with Wink, I'd rather do that on a back end and have a single clean interface like trunzoc built. I have big server iron at home and my goal and desire all along was to have a home automation platform on a VM that would present a web interface to the user and then perform the backend actions.

I'm working to help ya out.

Right now it's basically just on/off/up/down devices, but thermostats are almost done and will go out to a few folks who volunteered to test them.

Thanks to a few generous donations, I was just able to order myself a few sensors. I went with a pair of Trippers and that new GoControl kit (the one with 2 window/door and a motion).

Once they show up, I plan on getting sensors displayed in my app ASAP.

After that, I'm going to see if I can flush out the Shortcut and Group sections to allow editing. Add/Delete them. Add/delete items to them. etc...

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I'm working to help ya out.

Right now it's basically just on/off/up/down devices, but thermostats are almost done and will go out to a few folks who volunteered to test them.

Thanks to a few generous donations, I was just able to order myself a few sensors. I went with a pair of Trippers and that new GoControl kit (the one with 2 window/door and a motion).

Once they show up, I plan on getting sensors displayed in my app ASAP.

After that, I'm going to see if I can flush out the Shortcut and Group sections to allow editing. Add/Delete them. Add/delete items to them. etc...

I appreciate your work. I can help test if you want -- when I said I have big server iron at home, I meant it. I have server VMs ranging from Windows 2003 - 2012 R2. May not have a vanilla 2008 VM as opposed to a 2008 R2 VM, but I can always spin one up pretty quickly.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Meanwhile:

 

[bigverm24]

Meanwhile:

Wink is better than I would be in these situations...my response would have been "go ahead and switch if you cant be patient"

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Wink is better than I would be in these situations...my response would have been "go ahead and switch if you cant be patient"

I think there is a lot of frustration with Wink, hence the tone of the guy's message. I don't blame him for asking that question and I'm shocked they're working on it to be honest. However, I don't expect we'll see official support soon -- IIRC, I believe Wink also claimed several months ago that local caching was on its way and we have yet to see it. I really thought they'd try to push it out before SmartThings v2.0 came out and maybe they still will because my understanding is that ST v2.0 is delayed until July.

 

[brinkbart]

I don't blame him for asking that question and I'm shocked they're working on it to be honest. However, I don't expect we'll see official support soon -- IIRC, I believe Wink also claimed several months ago that local caching was on its way and we have yet to see it. I really thought they'd try to push it out before SmartThings v2.0 came out and maybe they still will because my understanding is that ST v2.0 is delayed until July.

1. At least they really are working on the platform. By golly we've come a long way.

2. I think SmartThings V2.0 is the best thing that could have happened to Wink.

 

[brinkbart]

...the combination of search terms isn't yielding much for me on google or youtube.

Yes, tell me about it.

Is there a way to search this thread for whole phrases? When I searched for "Link Hub" I got Link, Hub. I didn't see it in Advanced Search either.

 

[bigverm24]

1. At least they really are working on the platform. By golly we've come a long way.

2. I think SmartThings V2.0 is the best thing that could have happened to Wink.

I agree come a long way. Sunrise sunset was a good update along with adding groups to bots and shortcuts. Adding groups to schedules, timers and some basic IFTTT will take Wink to a competitive level. Echo will just be a plus.

 

[quagga]

Hardware support makes or breaks the platform. Wink is persistently behind ST in getting things to work and that's frustrating to people who want to use their products.

As to local processing, when I use Philips Hue app on my phone it runs through the Hue hub to the bulbs. The result is nearly instant and doesn't randomly fail. It really shows off the lag Wink adds, even on a good day.

From what I can tell, the Wink app (at least on iOS) does what I want better than SmartThings' app does (I've played with that app but don't have that hub). If they could get it together with a Winkv2, I might stay with them.

I think whatever they do, they need to drop the curtain. Tell us what is really coming and in relative time-frames. You can have great surprises sure, but let us know what vendors you're working with to add support. Especially when the other team already has support for the product.

 

[Bob Loblaws]

Hey folks,

First time poster here just looking for some feedback regarding people's Wink experience.

A little background, we recently moved into a new house. I've ordered Lutron Serena motorized shades for most of the windows and would like to integrate them with the rest of the house. I have a myQ garage door opener so I'm leaning towards the Wink but numerous reviews say that it can be slow to respond or flaky. Does this agree with users experience or have things improved in this regard?

I don't really want to buy the Caseta Pro since it's fairly limited in third party integration. With the market not very mature yet and knowing the next latest and greatest may be right around the corner I'm hesitant to spend a lot of money just yet.

I can buy the Caseta Pro for a good price for now (which would still be more than the Wink) and wait for the technology to mature a little bit, or I can buy the Wink and hope it isn't eclipsed by something much better in the near future. What do you guys think?

I'd like to integrate Lutron dimmers, probably a Nest thermostat, 1 or 2 water sensors, ideally an alarm system and possibly a smoke or co2 detector and 1 or 2 camera's. We roughed-in wires for an alarm system and I'm regretting it now because I didn't realize at the time there were so many wireless systems on the market and I don't really want to pay monthly monitoring fees.

Any opinion's, anecdotes, thoughts or whatever are appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[enyce9]

In case anyone is looking to pick up a wink relay, they are $199 at homedepot.

 

[Kaido]

Hey folks,

First time poster here just looking for some feedback regarding people's Wink experience.

A little background, we recently moved into a new house. I've ordered Lutron Serena motorized shades for most of the windows and would like to integrate them with the rest of the house. I have a myQ garage door opener so I'm leaning towards the Wink but numerous reviews say that it can be slow to respond or flaky. Does this agree with users experience or have things improved in this regard?

I don't really want to buy the Caseta Pro since it's fairly limited in third party integration. With the market not very mature yet and knowing the next latest and greatest may be right around the corner I'm hesitant to spend a lot of money just yet.

I can buy the Caseta Pro for a good price for now (which would still be more than the Wink) and wait for the technology to mature a little bit, or I can buy the Wink and hope it isn't eclipsed by something much better in the near future. What do you guys think?

I'd like to integrate Lutron dimmers, probably a Nest thermostat, 1 or 2 water sensors, ideally an alarm system and possibly a smoke or co2 detector and 1 or 2 camera's. We roughed-in wires for an alarm system and I'm regretting it now because I didn't realize at the time there were so many wireless systems on the market and I don't really want to pay monthly monitoring fees.

Any opinion's, anecdotes, thoughts or whatever are appreciated.

Thanks.

Amazon has the Wink Hub for $40 right now, so it's pretty affordable. You can usually get it for a buck (or free) with a combo deal on Wink.com or Home Depot (right now, buy $100 worth of stuff on Wink.com & get a free Hub). For a consumer product, it's decent, but because they rely on the cloud to relay commands, it can be slow at times. I wouldn't say buggy so much as glitchy...the hardware is solid, it's just their cloud-based system that can be glitchy from time to time. They have made significant improvements since they came out last year, but I always warn people about these things before buying.

Most of us are waiting for the SmartThings v2 Hub from Samsung, due out later this year, since it's like Wink but supports local commands. There are a couple local web-based systems available for download for Wink too, if you like to tinker, but if you want a turnkey system, you can either get Wink now or wait for the STv2. The nice thing is that there's a lot of crossover in terms of hardware support, so a lot of what works on Wink will work on SmartThings (you can check on compatibility on the v1.0 ST hub for now), so if you're going to invest in at least $100 of products, you can get the Wink Hub for now & the SmartThings Hub later if you want. In terms of the hardware you're looking for:

1. MyQ: Wink compatible

2. Caseta switches: The Caseta line uses ClearConnect, which is Wink compatible. They also have a Caseta Hub, which may be needed for SmartThings in case they don't have a ClearConnect radio.

3. Nest: Supported

4. Water sensors: Wink has their own out ($40). Not sure if they'll be compatible with STv2.

5. Alarm system: iirc Samsung said they'll be integrating an alarm service with it. You can also DIY, of course, with window/door sensors, motion sensors, and so on. Wink has a multi-sensor called the Spotter v2 that does a bunch of stuff stuff. That way you can get squared away without a service fee every month.

6. Cameras: Dropcam is currently supported ($100 - $200 a pop, cloud storage optional).

7. Smoke/CO2 detector: Wink has a Kidde radio (special chip), which go for maybe $50 a pop. Nest has one as well for twice the price. Not sure of STv2 will have Kidde support or not.

I have some Lutron Caseta switches, a Schlage doorlock, a Kidde thermostat, and a GE Link bulb right now. I'm trying to be careful where I invest so that it will be compatible with Samsung's hub down the road. So, if you're planning on getting some gear, you can get the Wink Hub for free if you order off Wink.com & spend $100+...I would just be careful to make sure that it will be compatible with other systems in the future. I think Wink said that their brand of stuff will be cross-compatible down the road too.

 

[ef141]

That requires an actual Android device tho, right? (I'm setup on a Mac with an iPhone)

Yes, DM me if you need the apk

 

[Kaido]

Yes, DM me if you need the apk

Oh np, I just used the APK website to download straight to my computer, thanks!

 

[Bob Loblaws]

Thanks Kaido for the detailed reply. The only problem with SmartThings is it does not support Lutron. All my shades and dimmers are going to be Lutron so I would like whatever I go with to be compatible.

The Staples Connect seems to work with just about everything I'd like except myQ and that's not that big a deal to control separately. Decisions, decisions.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

So, it has been awhile since I asked, but I'll ask again -- anyone using the Remotec ZXT-120 Z-wave to IR air conditioning controller with Wink?

http://www.amazon.com/Remotec-Z-Wav...p/B00CJBBYS0/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8

I REALLY want to buy one for the portable AC unit in my office, but won't without ensuring it works with Wink first.

 

[bigverm24]

Thanks Kaido for the detailed reply. The only problem with SmartThings is it does not support Lutron. All my shades and dimmers are going to be Lutron so I would like whatever I go with to be compatible.

The Staples Connect seems to work with just about everything I'd like except myQ and that's not that big a deal to control separately. Decisions, decisions.

Wink will be your platform. Def not staples connect.

 

[Kaido]

Thanks Kaido for the detailed reply. The only problem with SmartThings is it does not support Lutron. All my shades and dimmers are going to be Lutron so I would like whatever I go with to be compatible.

The Staples Connect seems to work with just about everything I'd like except myQ and that's not that big a deal to control separately. Decisions, decisions.

The nice thing is that all of these hubs retail for under $100, so it's not like you have to drop a grand into a system to get started like you would with Control4 or another higher-end setup - that's also nice if you want to try out a different hub. Also FWIW, Lutron has their own hub:

http://www.amazon.com/Lutron-L-BDG-WH-Caseta-Wireless-Bridge/dp/B00L5NUT16/

So if worst comes to worst, you can just pick up their hub in addition to whatever you get, although both Wink & Staples have support for Lutron gear natively. I'd imagine that SmartThings v2 would, at the very least, talk to the Caseta wireless bridge. That's how Philips rolls with their Hue lights - they have a central controller that acts as the middleman. So, you have options. Right now, since you want to buy some more stuff, I would just order a few things off Wink.com & get a free Hub, that way you get the gear you were planning on getting & also get a freebie, so if you do choose to go with a Staples hub, you're not out any money for the Wink hub.

There are no guarantees for the future, but SmartThings is looking awfully good. Samsung is huge - they make a TON of stuff - and they intend to make everything smarthome-friendly, and also open, which means that everything will talk to everything, which means good stuff is in the pipeline for us in coming years. Definitely excited about their v2 Hub!

 

[Kaido]

Happy to report that the Wink app for Android (via the ARC Welder plugin for Chrome) works just fine on my Acer C720P Chromebook :thumbsup:

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I guess hub update 0.82 is being gradually rolled out to users. Not sure what the big changes are at this stage. I've noticed that twice in the last 2-3 days, my lights have been unresponsive and I've had to reboot the hub to fix them. Not sure what the issue is.

 

[MjnMixael]

There are no guarantees for the future, but SmartThings is looking awfully good. Samsung is huge - they make a TON of stuff - and they intend to make everything smarthome-friendly, and also open, which means that everything will talk to everything, which means good stuff is in the pipeline for us in coming years. Definitely excited about their v2 Hub!

Wink's partnership with GE is similar. On the beta side, we've done surveys regarding all major kitchen appliances. They are definitely working on other products. Quirky's also just recently shown off a coffee maker, baby bottle warmer, and pet feeder. My point is that they have the resources with GE to almost match Samsung in the product department.

Wink also has the Home Depot partnership as an advantage. Home Depot has talked about ensuring they are selling connected products. I'm sure GE would get priority over Samsung as long as this partnership is intact.

Of course, while those partnerships exist, there's a lot of If's and Hopefully's. Wink just needs to take advantage of what they've put in play.