Lack of bluetooth isnt a show stopper for me but it looks like more and more devices are starting to show up on the market that are bluetooth. I was recently discussing automating my pool filler and my neighbor showed me a valve he used that was bluetooth. I have other options of course and am likely rigging up a zen 16 to control a standard sprinkler valve to get the control i want but it seems to me that part of the value proposition of HE are the rules and unlimited ways you can set up control of a device. Not certain but i would think adding more access to available devices on the market would help HE gain more customers....no?
Perhaps an add on to the existing hub? Those that want the option can pay more to secure that bit of hardware. Gives Hubitat another piece of hardware to sell.
Anyway. Food for thought... but the lack of bluetooth wont stop me from being a supporter.
And admittedly. Im not a programmer so im sure im making this easier than it sounds.
Cheers.
Mac
I can see the desirability of BT - although as best as I can tell, outside of the transport, there's no standardized protocol to interact with BT devices (like bulbs and valve controllers).
I've never understood all the Bluetooth locks and other devices which advertise they are HomeKit compatible when Bluetooth has no mesh or repeater technology available so all too often those devices are out of reliable range of the Apple TV or whatever device is being used for the Home hub. I would imagine that is why Hubitat and SmartThings have been reluctant to make Bluetooth an option.
I can see the appeal of Bluetooth locks for those without a hub since they are much easier to setup on your phone to give some smart capabilities however with limitations of being within 20 feet or so in order to interact with the device unless the device also has a seperate hub like the Auagust Connect to provide WiFi capabilities as well..
They might be looking at demographics where I would suspect the majority of people have smaller homes or even apartments where the range wouldn’t be an issue ( guessing at this )
I have z wave switches and outlets outside in my gazebo which has to be at least 75 feet from my hub but only 20 feet from the nearest switch so I’m certainly testament to the power of a mesh.
My point really is that being device agnostic and including as many protocols as possible would seem to be a good way to gain more customers. But again. Not a show stopper for me. Just musing when I had seen that cool BT sprinkler valve.
Cheers.
Mac
God I hope not. I loathe BT at the best of times. Life is too short for crappy, unreliable technology so if the industry does move that way, I'll call it a day, throw in the towel and move off grid into the country far away from civilization.
