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I used to have a huge aversion to any kind of smart control, but the new generation of home automation (2010-now or whatever) is fundamentally different from th

I used to have a huge aversion to any kind of smart control, but the new generation of home automation (2010-now or whatever) is fundamentally different from the kind of 80's and 90's domotics that we all have vague memories of. Older systems (like the school system, probably) relied on an expensive central panel and wiring and accessories that were potentially tailored to that particular system, and if something went wrong you were totally out of luck, and only the installer could make changes or apply fixes. But now, all you need is mains power and a smartphone, Hue lights default to working like a regular light if something goes wrong with the Zigbee bridge, Shelly switches can be added onto regular switches so that it's just something on top of exactly the same tactile interface you already had, and so on and so on. And if all of it does mysteriously fail and you need to replace it, a new set of 10-20 light bulbs and some smart relays would set you back no more than a couple hundred dollars / euros. Almost makes you wonder whether the school would be better off with a consumer grade system.

Dalewyn 4y ago
>But now, all you need is mains power and a smartphone, And a server owned by Jesus McJesusFace in WhereTheHellistan propped up by shitnickles funds. Just no. A simple physical switch works every single damn time without external dependencies. Perfection is simplicity, not complexity.
- Semaphor 4y ago
  I mean, if that’s what you want, sure. Or, as parent said, you could go with local control. The choice is there, if you really think McJesusFace’s server is great, go for it. Personally, I prefer not relying on any outside server and having everything locally and still get all those smart features. Oh, and as an extra: That simple switch still works.
- sidpatil 4y ago
  > And a server owned by Jesus McJesusFace in WhereTheHellistan propped up by shitnickles funds. No you don't. Just use Home Assistant or openHAB — fully local control by default. I've been using the former for a while now, and it's been working great.
- Tijdreiziger 4y ago
  Philips Hue works fully locally. You can optionally cloud-connect it for out-of-home control, but it’s not necessary.

Dalewyn 4y ago

>But now, all you need is mains power and a smartphone, And a server owned by Jesus McJesusFace in WhereTheHellistan propped up by shitnickles funds. Just no. A simple physical switch works every single damn time without external dependencies. Perfection is simplicity, not complexity.

Semaphor 4y ago
I mean, if that’s what you want, sure. Or, as parent said, you could go with local control. The choice is there, if you really think McJesusFace’s server is great, go for it. Personally, I prefer not relying on any outside server and having everything locally and still get all those smart features. Oh, and as an extra: That simple switch still works.
sidpatil 4y ago
> And a server owned by Jesus McJesusFace in WhereTheHellistan propped up by shitnickles funds. No you don't. Just use Home Assistant or openHAB — fully local control by default. I've been using the former for a while now, and it's been working great.
Tijdreiziger 4y ago
Philips Hue works fully locally. You can optionally cloud-connect it for out-of-home control, but it’s not necessary.