This functionality is easily implemented with existing drivers and apps. Push notifications (if setup correctly) can override silent mode on phones and play at desired volume level. Furthermore, the built-in app for IFTTT integration can call your phone based on an HSM event (IFTTT still allows for 3 free automations). See this thread: Critical Notifications- Call my phone? - #5 by ogiewon
Using existing HE device drivers and apps would definitely not be considered a "hack". It might take a few extra minutes to setup, but it is a one time exercise that introduces multiple levels of redundancy into your critical notifications.
When I have a HE alert, that I consider critical (Arm-Away is Alerting, Smoke detector alerting, Basement flooding), I do not want to be reliant on a single cloud based solution for receiving alerts. I prefer that there is redundancy for these notifications. If any of the above events happen, there are three notifications that get sent to my phone:
- HE App Notification
- Pushover Emergency Notification (audible alarm that overides my phone's current sound setting)
- Phone Call from IFTTT telling me which of the three critical events is taking place.
If HE was to natively implement the above three features within their app, I would not use it, but rather I would still use the above three different cloud implementations. So that if any one (or two) of the cloud services went down, I would still get a notification.
Many users don't use HSM for their home's alarm system. The use a dedicated system that is professionally installed and monitored. There are many threads about the pro's and con's of relying on HSM for your home's alarm system. I would suggest that if you do decide to use HSM for your home's alarm system that you build in some of the redundancy I mention above.
