Good residence platforms are just like the well-known xkcd comedian. Each new one is designed to change into the “one ring,” however it often turns into simply one other commonplace to observe. Homey Professional makes an attempt to bridge that hole by appearing as a hub for all the things. It helps Matter, Zigbee, Z-Wave, and, coming in 2024, Thread.
HomeKit Weekly is a collection centered on sensible residence equipment, automation ideas and tips, and all the things to do with Apple’s sensible residence framework.
{Hardware}
The brand new Homey Professional features a 1.8 GHz Quad Core ARMv8, 2 GB LPDDR4 RAM, and eight GB eMMC Flash. It makes use of a 5V2A and a USB-C energy connection as properly. It has built-in Wi-Fi, however there may be additionally a $29 improve for an ethernet adaptor that I’d extremely suggest. Though Wi-Fi on the gadget is strong, I choose ethernet when it’s accessible. It’s simply one other variable. that I’d like to eradicate. One of many options I respect for the Homey Professional is all the things occurs domestically. This implies it really works even when the web is out otherwise you’re in a state of affairs the place your ISP is interment. This will particularly be true in locations the place you’re on satellite tv for pc web, and many others.
Setup course of
Homey has completed a incredible job with the onboarding course of on Homey Professional. Plug it as much as energy (ethernet when you have it), after which open the Homey app. You’ll have it added to your app inside only a few minutes. You’ll doubtless have a firmware replace to use, however it does it routinely after which reboots it, so that you’re prepared to begin including gadgets.
Homey apps
Consider Homey apps because the Homey app retailer. You may as well handle them on-line by logging into your Homey account. I really like that you just aren’t required to make use of the Homey app for extra complicated configurations. The Homey App Retailer. In some methods, Homey has completed higher at turning into the Apple of sensible residence platforms than Apple. The primary gadget I arrange was the Fibaro wall plug. Should you take a look at the Fibaro web page on Homey’s app retailer, you possibly can see how properly the Homey crew has completed on a easy person interface. One other good instance of Homey’s flexibility is the Sonos integration. General, including gadgets is less complicated than HomeKit in some methods, as Homey walks you thru placing gadgets in pairing mode, and many others.
Superior move
For individuals who need to go to the subsequent stage when it comes to automation, Homey has Superior Movement. It jogs my memory of an IFTTT or Zapier in your native residence automation. So, no matter you need to construct, it’s just about doable. If you wish to take it to the subsequent stage, you need to use its scripting performance known as HomeyScript. HomeyScript is a JavaScript-based language that works with the Homey API and numerous SDK features. Right here are some things you are able to do:
- Management & Monitor your Homey’s gadgets
- Begin a HomeyScript from a Movement, even with Tags
- Make a Movement solely proceed when your HomeyScript says ‘True!’
- Create & Handle Movement Tags from a HomeyScript
- Entry any web site’s API from inside a HomeyScript
- Let Homey say dynamic textual content
Who’s Homey Professional for?
For an Apple person, Homey Professional is right for somebody who needs to make use of Zigbee and Z-Wave alongside Matter gadgets. There are a whole lot of advantages over only a easy HomeKit setup when it comes to performance and automation, however there’s a little bit of a studying curve. The hub isn’t cheap in comparison with shopping for an Apple TV or HomePod mini as a Dwelling hub, however it does supply some advantages. Should you’re only a “primary” sensible residence platform particular person, it’s in all probability not for you. Should you’re in the midst of desirous to do extra together with your sensible residence that Apple or Google permits out of the field, however you don’t want to construct your personal {hardware} and piece collectively open-source software program. It’s a wonderful center floor.
You should purchase a Homey Professional from Amazon or straight from Homey.
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