As a software developer who occasionally embraces new technology, I find myself skeptical about the current state of smart home tech. Years ago, the idea of a connected home filled me with excitement. Now, after minimal attempts with gadgets like Apple Homepod Mini and smart outlets aimed at simple tasks like turning on lights at sunset, I’m less enthusiastic. Issues like power or internet outages disrupting everything, and privacy concerns over cameras and IoT devices, have dampened my spirits. Despite this, I’m considering building a new home with smart technology. Yet, I question whether it’s a wise choice or just setting myself up for endless troubleshooting without pay. I wonder, is there a practical way to incorporate smart technology into home design that avoids major corporate ecosystems, respects privacy, and functions reliably even during outages?
You might want to look into Home Assistant. It’s incredibly versatile and can operate independently of the internet if set up correctly. Though it won’t be much help during a power outage, it does offer significant independence from big tech ecosystems.
@Alex
Absolutely, Home Assistant offers great flexibility and private voice assistants. It’s quite affordable compared to major brands and allows for extensive customization and automation between various devices.
@Alex
Are there any good resources for setting up Home Assistant for offline use? I’ve been using Alexa and considering a switch as I’m moving to a new home. I’m familiar with YAML from other projects but would prefer less manual coding if possible.
@Fred
Nowadays, you can configure most of Home Assistant through its web interface, with only minimal YAML coding needed for some custom components. There are plenty of updated guides online, particularly on YouTube.
@Alex
Thanks for the info, that’s reassuring to hear!
Fred said:
@Alex
Thanks for the info, that’s reassuring to hear!
Adding to that, I managed to set up a robust system with little YAML knowledge, mostly using the web app and some community support for the trickier parts.
@Fred
What specific offline functionalities are you looking for? I control most of my devices offline and stream music locally via Music Assistant and Plex.
Autumn said:
@Fred
What specific offline functionalities are you looking for? I control most of my devices offline and stream music locally via Music Assistant and Plex.
Honestly, Plex covers most of my needs during downtime. I’m just exploring general FOMO with Home Assistant.
@Fred
If you’re mainly concerned about internet outages, Home Assistant can run on minimal hardware like a Raspberry Pi, supporting extensive content creation without internet.
Autumn said:
@Fred
If you’re mainly concerned about internet outages, Home Assistant can run on minimal hardware like a Raspberry Pi, supporting extensive content creation without internet.
Maybe I’ll run it on my Mac Studio since it’s always on and has more power for any complex setups. I only have WiFi devices, so no need for a Zigbee or Z-Wave dongle.
@Fred
That sounds like a good plan. You could even use a Docker container for more seamless operation.
Autumn said:
@Fred
That sounds like a good plan. You could even use a Docker container for more seamless operation.
Local operation is a must for me.
Autumn said:
@Fred
That sounds like a good plan. You could even use a Docker container for more seamless operation.
Local operation is a must for me.
Looking forward to seeing how you integrate everything locally.
@Fred
I’ve set up my system entirely through Home Assistant’s web configuration without touching a single line of YAML. It’s pretty straightforward these days.
Consider Hubitat for a more localized and customizable approach. It supports Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Matter, and runs entirely on your local network. You can even prepare your setup with all necessary wiring beforehand for better integration.
@Timmy
Hubitat has been a solid choice for me. It’s highly customizable, especially if you’re familiar with Groovy. You can create your own apps for detailed automations, making it a developer-friendly platform.
While I don’t have a definitive answer for a fully pragmatic smart home setup, I recommend adhering to principles like avoiding mission-critical smart devices and ensuring all devices can operate locally. Consider standard protocols like Zigbee and Z-Wave and try using wired connections where possible for enhanced security and reliability.
@Jameson
You can indeed use smart controls for critical systems if you implement solid backup controls. I’ve successfully managed my heating with Hubitat, even in extreme weather, thanks to reliable backup systems and custom automations.
@Abraham
Smart implementations like yours show that with the right setup, even mission-critical applications can be smartly managed. However, what’s your take on smart locks?