Getting started in home automation...suggestions needed

A lot of the big boys, LIFX and Philips Hue play nicely with Amazon, Google and sometimes Apple's HomeKit too.
I started out with Amazon but hated it and moved to google for speakers and home automation. Thankfully, I had gone with LIFX lights so I could "port over" my lights to the new system without much fuss. Usually the big boys play nice with everyone, it's generally why they're the most popular.

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ignore everything cad has to say

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I've been here long enough to know that's true on every board and I'm also aware of your aversion to Amazon but you did give me good advice about a bike purchase a few years ago so for humors sake, what would you recommend?

Sounds like I'll be sticking with the "idiot proof" amazon option

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last option contact tigerwise and let C4 come in for 10 grand and do it for you.

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nah

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Nothing wrong with starting with Amazon echo. If you use switches/plugs that use the Tuya app and work with Alexa you can always migrate them over to HomeAssistant if you decide to go deeper into the pool.

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Very true. I started with Wink a few years ago. Last year when I installed some z wave switches that had options unavailable through Wink, I finally decided to try something else. After a few months with Home Assistant, I started hacking into smart devices to get them working the way I wanted.

Now, I am basically addicted to tinkering and have become a tech-snob who scoffs at anything that is not hacked, customized, or built from scratch.

Not sure of your home alarm system, but I’d highly recommend looking into Konnected. They sell a DIY kit that taps into your existing home alarm wired sensors and makes them “smart”. You can view all the sensors on the Samsung SmartThings app. I think it’s compatible with other platforms, but I use SmartThings.

You can link your Amazon Alexa devices to your SmartThings account and setup automation (I.e. Echo device announce when door or window is opened).

If you plan to use any smart plugs I've been pleased with Kasa from TP-Link - both indoor and outdoor.

I'd recommend starting off small and building your way up. And also stick to name brands that have been around for more than a couple of years. As you expand, you will want to strongly consider a hub if you want to start including sensors into your ecosystem. The good news is just having a smart speaker, plug and hue lights puts you in an excellent starting point.

Configure your hue lights to have automated on/off routines. Some simple ideas:
- Have them turn on automatically in the mornings and evenings in the rooms where you are occupying the most.
- Plug them in outside and have your lights run on a schedule. Our outdoor lighting comes on at sunset everyday and turns off between 10:30 pm - 1 am depending on what day of the week it is.
- Connect your account to IFTTT and use your lights for notifications such as tracking your dominos pizza delivery, getting score alerts, or knowing what type of weather/temp is in the area.
- Take advantage of the various lighting themes in the Hue app (and create your own) to apply for any occasion. We've got several that vary depending on events such as holidays or activities like watching a movie.

Some things we use smart plugs for:
- Controlling outdoor lighting such as Christmas lights also the Christmas tree
- Controlling lamps and lightstrips that do not use smart bulbs
- Controlling the crock-pot if I need to cook something for a set time
- Turning on grow lights on a schedule when we start vegetables or herbs indoors

You might take a look at adding a smart thermostat, door lock, or garage opener to your arsenal. Those are some of my favorites that we have added. We haven't used a physical key to get into our house in nearly 2 years thanks to the door locks.

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want to get the house set up for some simple home automation

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Am I locked into the Amazon ecosystem

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they hardware they use is Qolsys

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Qolsys will do simple home automation and works with Alexa. Not sure about Phillips Hue but I would think they would all play nice in the cloud together. The Qolsys has a zwave radio and is what I consider a new school alarm panel. It runs android and comes with different frequency radios for different brand contacts. It’s the new hotness in the industry.

Might not be what you want but it’s an option for simple home automation. Now if you want to control every light load in your home along with entertainment devices than it’s not answer, although it does integrate with some of the more advanced control systems.