Interesting that they are addressing that remote configuration is a need and many don't want to setup VPN's into home networks to do this. I does cost money to setup "relay" services in the cloud so I understand the idea of subscription but I hope it's not expensive.
from outside one’s LAN, unless one has setup their own VPN or something similar.
If they’re doing the work for the user, and there’s an ongoing cost associated with providing the service, which isn’t required for the hub’s core functionality (just manage the hub while you’re at home on the same LAN if you don’t want to pay), then why not charge for it?
I actually asked for something like this months ago when the Hub Protect service was first talked about. This is not a ground breaking idea, HomeSeer has had this as part of their paid service for years.
I am fine with them charging for remote access etc - servers cost $$$ and if they can bundle it with the restore service even better. Like you I run a VPN and don't really use remote access all that much anyway.
I can totally understand the irritation if something originally free now costs money though but even in that case** I would prefer HE, Inc stick around for a while and keep making great stuff.
** Note: this is NOT what HE is doing.. see posts below.
Ok but through the phone app you can also adjust things and work on your hub just like you can do from your browser at home. As long as they dont start to demand money for this that is currently free of charge I’m okay with it...
In that case I, as others in this thead, give my thumbs up for this since it’ll give you guys more funds to use for further development and improvement.
If you’re at home, you can access your hub’s admin interface by browsing to its local IP address. You can also open a local, or cloud dashboard link.
The admin interface (where you edit automations, pair new devices, etc.) and the dashboards are not the same thing, and that’s an important distinction you may not be aware of.
If you’re not at home, you can browse to a cloud dashboard link on your phone’s browser. You cannot access the admin interface or a local dashboard link. Unless you have rolled your own remote access solution like a VPN, so that your phone can browse to the hub’s local LAN IP address.
In other words, like @bcopeland said, they are offering a service for people that don’t currently remotely access all of their hub’s functions. They are not taking anything away if you want to continue using cloud dashboards while away from home.
At the moment you can't change settings, go into device pages or apps settings, you can only access dash boards remotely, use geofencing and a few other things. This new service will most likely add those functionalities.
I highly doubt we are talking about the same thing, this has never been possible unless you are beta testing the service (if a beta test is in the works) without knowing you are?