Debate about Hubitat's Approach to Ring

This has to be the most poetic thing I've read on community.hubitat.com .....

5 Likes

Hmmm....

Comparing support for products and services that are widely adopted (purchased) with growing user bases, with active and expanding developer support from the platform creators as well as a multitude of third party developers.....

To

A mobile platform that was publicly dropped by its creator who now actively supports Android, and Cortana, which was originally a game creation, then Microsoft scrambled develop it in an attempt to offer a function on that defunct mobile platform that was similar to its competitors.

I don’t understand sarcasm. Could you explain it??? I’ve only used it for 40+ years. I’m still learning.

1 Like

My personal experience with technology mobs predates this platform and all of the factors you listed. I was not implying that the fine folks here actually add support for my preferred phone. I get it, it's a discontinued platform.

As for sarcasm, it can be hard to convey when typing in a forum, anD wE MAy nEver FinD a wAY to DO sO.

My last line was sarcastic.
You’re right. We may never find a way to convey that brilliance in this format..... but we can sure as he// try.

I don't see anywhere in this thread as to where the above sentence is anywhere Implied? Most are merely stating the obvious as Hubitat has very limited resources available. And there are literally Hundreds of "widely accepted popular" devices. Will it ever happen.....maybe? Is it a top priority for their limited resources....No. Especially for devices that can already be virtually adopted through integrations they already support like IFTTT.

I feel ya. I miss my Windows phone terribly. Samsung dropping support for Windows phone (among other things) was a major reason I made the switch to Hubitat.

1 Like

I understand limited resources.
I also understand business and marketing.
If Hubitat’s objective is to not only survive, but to also flourish and become a leader in their space, they need a good product that is open, accessible, and compatible as possible.
For the widest adoption of a platform (Such as Hubitat), best to focus resources on compatibility with platforms that are already the widest adopted.
It’s simple math. Which is opens the door to more purchases of Hubitat products?
A) Compatibility/Interoperability with a device Or platform used by hundreds or thousands.
B) Compatibility/Interoperability with a device or platform used by millions.

It’s pretty clear, working with a system already owned by millions, who have already shown a willingness to purchase smart home products, opens the door to more people with more money that can buy Hubitat products.

Is that selling their souls to the devil?
Nope. I have confidence that the Hubitat crew can create a system that is both compatible and protects the users.

It is also important to realize that not all companies (e.g. Logitech, Nest, etc...) are very open to having tons of companies as partners. Logitech has stopped accepting requests for integration. And Google/Nest stopped accepting new "Works with Nest" integrations over a year ago as well.

I believe Hubitat would gladly add additional integrations, if those vendors were open and willing to accept new partnerships from small companies. However, I get the feeling that vendors like Logitech have decided to focus on huge companies like Amazon, Google, Samsung, etc... at this time, due to the amount of support required for a plethora of small integrations.

Just my 2 cents...:thinking:

7 Likes

I always find it unbelievable that there are people who don't have a successful rapidly expanding platform, who offer unsolicited advice to a successful rapidly expanding platform, on what is required for their success, as well as assuming their view is what everyone views as correct......hubris

1 Like

Not hubris.
Logic
“rapidly expanding platform...”
That’s GREAT!
Keys to remaining “rapidly expanding” include

  • Adding features that users are asking for
  • Responding to questions that are repeatedly asked by users in its User Community that’s is promoted and leaned on (for support and communication).
  • Unless the objective is to remain a relatively small “rapidly expanding platform” (which is a subjective measurement), incorporate the most widely adopted sub-platforms that make up the products and services in the space chosen.

None of that is self aggrandizement, over confidence, or self importance; just logic and Business 101.
But maybe you prefer to call logic “hubris”.

1 Like

Again, what are your credentials to offer this "unsolicited" advise? Which successful platform have you created and are currently running? You do realize this "rapidly expanding platform" occurred prior to your advise......one would think they would have hired you to get were they are now?

1 Like

Ok.

  • LightPort: Ran project office and product management.
    We built first large scale distributed investment reporting platform providing client account access online before the “Cloud”. Our system was used by Goldman Sachs, Baron Funds, and many more. Company was purchased and is now called InvestCloud.
    Have been brought in on product development on multiple platforms in financial services. Widespread adoption of these platforms occurred as we implemented integrations with the most widely used, and liked complimentary systems in the field. Platforms include:
  • Advisor360
  • Redtail Technology
  • InterGen Data: Winner of multiple best new technology awards. Continuing work on product management and new market analysis and selection.
  • Consulted on design of Back Office and branch systems for 1st Global Capital Corp/1st Global Advisors
  • Consulted on new platform and product development for multiple initiatives at Cambridge Investment Research.

And I never said that they weren’t already successful and I never implied that they needed me or could not succeed without me. Your assumptions or statements about me seem to be emotionally defensive responses to ideas that you may not agree with.
What else would you like to know?

1 Like

All of these are 100% local, no cloud involved...

5 Likes

I will add that the quickest way to go from

[quote="DadzBoyz, post:19, topic:20656"]
“rapidly expanding platform...”
[/quote] to the next Lowes Iris is to lose focus. Spreading yourself too thin, trying to support too much, has killed more projects that should have been successful.
@hubitat keep up the slow steady focused work.

5 Likes

Here's my 2 cents. Reject them both if you like. This entire thread, while mildly entertaining, is moot.

Hubitat does not discuss their road map. They've repeatedly stated that. For all any of us know, they could be working with Amazon on this right now. None of us that are not employed by the company are going to know one way or another about any upcoming feature or integration unless they decide to give a spoiler, or until it goes to the beta testing group.

3 Likes

I would like to put in my opinion on this matter (even though Hubitat management will ultimately decide based on other criteria).
Disclaimer: I do not have any Ring products at this present time.
Further disclaimer: I have not investigated how easy/difficult it would be to interface with Ring.

One thing that @DadzBoyz mentioned that is worth repeating is the tremendous market success Ring has had. Estimates vary, but Ring was bought for $1B in 2017, and at that time had over 140,000 installations! That's a HUGE market presence in the Home Automation field. Regardless of how difficult it is to develop an integration with Ring, it just makes sense from a marketing point of view.

I'm sure that we all want Hubitat to succeed and prosper - a key is to ensure that the product works with as many "big players" in the Home Automation arena, as possible. There is no doubt that Ring is a "big player" - and it's market clout got increased with it's acquisition by Amazon!

Certainly the timing and nature of the integration with Ring is a priorities decision, but in my humble opinion, Hubitat management should not ignore this "elephant in the room".

1 Like

hahahaha..Microsoft doesn't even support Windows Phone (and I'm a reluctant ex- windows phone user. still miss it)

I too would like Ring integration. I currently have to use an Alexa routine to detect motion, trigger a virtual switch which then kicks off a RM to turn on my front lights and dim over 15 min, ending in turning off the virtual switch. Would be good if it were more elegant, but beggars can’t be choosers I suppose. It works pretty quickly for now.

Community integration above for now.

1 Like

This can't be understated. Specially when devices like Ring, SimpliSafe, etc, are gateways into people starting their SmartHome journeys.
While I hate the actually company itself "Ring", they have some of the best hard-ware out there for integrated spot-lights/cameras.