One of the most helpful tools during my migration was the "Other Hub" community app. This app allows you to add your devices to Hubitat, then replicates a matching virtual device back to ST. These two devices are kept in sync, so you can control them via Hubitat or ST.
Once you have this set up, I'd recommend the following steps:
- Reset the device, either using Hubitat or something like a Minimote or Z-Stick. This leaves the device listed in ST, but allows it to be joined to Hubitat.
- Join the device to Hubitat
- Add the device to the Other Hub app
- After the virtual device is created on ST, go back into ST and replace the old physical device with the new virtual device in your automations.
Doing it this way, you can move a few devices at a time, and just focus on device moves and not have to worry about doing automations at the same time. You can come back later and start transferring your automations as you start getting the hang of Rule Machine or some of the other built in apps.
Here's my take on your questions above:
- [RELEASE] Other Hub SmartThings Integration 2.0
- Pushover. There's a one-time purchase of like $5 or $6 or something, but it integrates natively with Hubitat. Some people don't like the 3rd party app, but I personally love Pushover. I can set up different notification groups and priorities to direct certain notifications to certain people, and either silent, normal, or "alarm" priority.
- I use Life360 for my wife and I. Again, another 3rd party app, but it has worked really well on my Pixel as well as her Motorola phone. Much better than the built in ST geofencing ever was.
- Hubitat has native support for Chromecast/Google Home devices. It's technically still in Beta release status, but it works well for simple TTS. I can't speak to media interrupts, I use GH for TTS and Chromecast for media so they don't ever collide.
- [RELEASE] TP-Link Plug, Switch, and Bulb integration
Other devices I know something about:
-honeywell wifi thermostat - no native support. I used Hubitat -> IFTTT -> Honeywell. Eventually gave up and replaced with a zigbee thermostat so it would stay local. Honeywell's cloud sucks.
-a way to see if lutron pico remotes can control zwave devices - If you have the Lutron Smart Bridge Pro, there's native support for this. Pico will show up as a button controller in Hubitat and you can use it for anything.
