Smart Home/IoT/Connected/Security/Automation Subforum

[d3sl91]

Hi All,

 

I see this was asked a few months ago, but wanted to bring up again. With CES2017 come and gone, the popularity and number of Smart Home/Connected devices are growing more and more every year.

Alexa/Echo, Google Home, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Phillips Hue Bulbs, Cameras and Security systems. Even the new Shield TV will be able to turn into a Smart Home Hub through partnership with Samsung's SmartThings. Smart home (and related) Technologies are growing at a fast rate, are no longer cost-prohibitive for nearly as many, and are more and more common as a standard feature in newer homes. It's also no longer a "geek only" item, with things like the Echo and Phillips Hue being HUGE sellers this holiday season as stocking stuffers and gifts.

 

I feel it is close to time to include a section for these Smart/Connected devices. I would envision something encompassing:

Smart Devices (Bulbs, Switches, Outlets, Locks, Water Meters, thermostats, Appliances),

Smart Hubs (SmartThings, Wink, Vera, Homebrew),

Smart Home Security (Cameras, Sensors, etc),

Home Automation

Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit

IoT Devices

 

Whether it is actually time for this or not, is up to the Mods - but here's my vote to have it added sooner than later. 

[Misinthe]

I second this, with the $40 Echo introduction, many people are getting them just to try them out, even I got one that I don't know what to do with, I just use her for the grocery list and an occasional joke (all the time). It would be nice to have a Subforum where you could talk about it and get more info on them, maybe learn what you can do and stuff.

[LogicalDrm]

So far content has been less than VR and imo isn't cluttering general.

[WigglesTheHoly]

I second the vote. I feel it isn't an issue of whether or not it's cluttering general, but having a place to easily click and find the information and like minded people for the iot devices. Honestly, if there was a section for iot I believe the content would grow. Personally, I haven't posted on iot because there isn't a section for it and I don't want to just get lost in general. 

[Poohy14]

Personally, I would love a section for Home automation since that is what I am currently getting into since I just installed the NEST thermostat just a few minutes ago and I kinda want to see more things that deal with it. Need to expand the horizons so draw more people in.