Absolutely agree! However, for some devices there are still no alternative options until HE pull their finger out and support them directly (eg. Arlo).
If you're depending on cloud-based solutions, similar thing will happen sooner or later.
Wink started charging, IFTTT started charging, Samsung has quitted selling Smartthings hub and devices, their last gen hub is cloud-based (with Aeotec took over their devices business) and more will come.
To get rid of the issues altogether, the better way is to go local solutions.
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Actually, Smartthings was already cloud based. The only exception is it's app that controls lights, which will locally control lights, and the ST button works locally. Also, automations still work on devices that can be controlled locally. So it will turn lights on and off on schedule. But if you loose your internet connection, everything else is off the table. That is one of the reasons I bought the Hubitat.
As for my issue here, we'll see what I can come up with. Part of the problem is I'm having to learn a brand new system.
As far as the switches being wifi controlled, yes, there's a second or so delay which for me is really not a big deal. But I'm still deciding what to do. If I buy the Raspberry Pi, how much extra is it really going to cost to just get new switches instead?
There are plenty of on/off relay based switches that are Z-Wave or Zigbee. Partial list:
https://inovelli.com/red-series-on-off-switch-z-wave/
https://inovelli.com/black-series-on-off-switch-z-wave/
https://www.leviton.com/en/products/dz15s-1bz
Jasco makes several both in Zigbee and Z-Wave under brands like GE and Honeywell:
https://byjasco.com/
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Check out the GE Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus Switch:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RQ8NWXS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It's not a dimmer and you can hear the relay open and close when you switch it.
Arlo is a cloud based device, I will not allow cloud based devices in my house.
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Not all Arlo devices are cloud based. If you have the base station that comes with the Arlo Pro 3(VMB4540) or the one that comes with the Arlo Ultra (VMB5000) you can have it be local for the most part. But for the sake of integrations it requires the cloud.
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Unless something has significantly changed with how their system operates, you cannot view your camera's live feed period without an internet connection (to their cloud) because the only way to view the camera's live feed is via their app. Correct me if something has changed.
Ha ha, OK. Good for you. I'm definitely not interesting enough for any conspiratorial actors to bother with.
You aren't interesting enough until you are, citizen!
Even if state actors aren't involved it could be commercial interests... being denied coverage or benefits due to behaviors (normal life) that violates something obscure in their terms of service.
My feeling is given the unknowns at least in the US it's not worth the risk at this point.
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I agree with you and @waynespringer79 completely - I get enough targeted advertising by email and snail-mail even after minimizing my exposure.
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