Kind of lightweight on the technology but Ars Technica writer gets it. The ZigBee and Z-Wave protocols still keep kicking:
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Thanks, an actually well written (non click-bait) article for a change. I mean none of that is news to me but its a good article for the HA scene.
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Indeed, a very good article!
A number of years ago (2-3) in this very forum, I prognosticated on the inevitable demise of Zwave in favour of Zigbee. When I read those comments today, I realize how foolish I was back then.
Nonetheless, there is one area which (in my humble opinion) needs much improvement - the "enrollment" or "onboarding" phase.
Surely you all know what I'm talking about!
It's the frustration of 3 taps and hold (or was it 4 taps and release?) for that zwave switch that you barely remember installing. Or, how about that Zigbee switch at your Aunt's place that required a hold of 10 seconds (at least) while balancing yourself on a scaffold!
Now, I do recognize that QR code scanning is far superior (and even works in most cases), but really - what was those first 5 digits of the DSK (whatever that stands for...)
It seems like Z-Wave is holding on, but only because of security companies. The 'alliance' has turned over its board. The new head is a turn around specialist. Most of the rest of the BOD are security company representatives. It seems it took the 800 series product to really address some of the technical issues. Zooz in particular are putting out nice products. At the same time, there are no LR mainstream hubs. And the whole 'ghost' management issue still exists. They still have some waves to surf.
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