The Homey Pro Hub: A Revolution in Home Automation
Are you tired of the same old clunky home automation hubs? Meet the Homie Pro, a sleek and feature-packed hub that might just be the answer to your smart home dreams. In this review, we’ll dive into its impressive capabilities, the user-friendly mobile app, and the revolutionary “flows” that set it apart from the competition.
Features that Wow
The Homie Pro Hub boasts an extensive range of features, making it a comprehensive solution for your smart home needs. With Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth support, it covers all the bases. What’s more, it’s set to include a Thread radio in a future firmware update, enhancing its connectivity even further. The addition of a 360° infrared blaster for home entertainment control is a thoughtful touch, although it requires the hub to be in the same room.
One standout feature is the LED ring at the bottom, not just for aesthetics but also for practical automation. It can be customized to display weather updates or indicate whether the bathroom is occupied, adding a touch of personalization to your smart home.
And let’s not forget – all processing is local, so no need to worry about internet or cloud outages.
The Homie Pro App: A User-Friendly Delight
The Homie Pro’s mobile app is a breath of fresh air in the world of home automation. Designed with a clean interface and ease of navigation in mind, it offers almost all the functionality of the desktop app. Whether you’re on your mobile device or using the browser-based version on your computer, the experience is seamless.
The app allows you to set favorites, toggle between light and dark modes, and effortlessly control your devices. The Devices page provides quick access to device controls, while a long press reveals detailed information, including battery status, automation history, and the innovative “insights” feature, providing graphical data from the device.
Flows: The Game-Changer in Automation
Homie Pro introduces a unique term – “flows” – for its automation rules, and they are a game-changer. Forget the traditional linear rule-building engines; flows use a drag-and-drop system that is both intuitive and powerful. Creating automations with triggers, conditions, and actions is a breeze. Despite the initial adjustment for users accustomed to other systems, flows prove to be a superior method for building complex rules.
Flows are not just user-friendly; they are incredibly powerful. Pete successfully replicated his most complicated automations from other hubs, showcasing the versatility and potential of the Homie Pro.
Compatibility Concerns
While the Homie Pro Hub stands out as a top-tier home automation hub, Pete notes a significant hurdle: compatibility. The US market, where the Homie Pro is just entering, faces challenges with compatibility for niche brands. Major players like Philips Hue, GE, Aara, Lutron, and integration with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit are covered. Still, users with devices from more specialized brands may need to wait for compatibility updates.
Matter integration is promising, currently in beta, and is expected to expand in the near future. The built-in thread border router enhances Matter’s potential, making it an exciting addition to the Hub.
Adding Devices and a Glitch
Adding officially compatible devices is a smooth process, thanks to the app guiding users through step-by-step instructions. However, Pete encountered a glitch when adding a Z-Wave device that required a security code. While a simple workaround was available (typing in zeros), it highlights a small hiccup in the user experience.
Conclusion: Is It Worth the Investment?
The Homie Pro Hub stands out as a powerful, user-friendly home automation solution. Packed with features, an intuitive mobile app, and groundbreaking flows for automation, it sets a new standard for hubs. Pete’s enthusiasm for its capabilities is palpable, making a strong case for its worth.
For European users, the Homie Pro is a no-brainer – an investment in a smarter, automated life. However, for the US market, compatibility concerns may be a temporary roadblock. If you’re starting fresh with a new smart home, the Homie Pro is a compelling choice. For existing smart home users, especially with niche devices, it might be wise to wait for expanded compatibility.
The Homie Pro Hub is undeniably a revolution in home automation – a Formula 1 car in your driveway, waiting to make your smart home dreams a reality. While the price may give you pause, the promise of a seamless, user-friendly experience and powerful automation capabilities might just make it a worthy investment.
Note: Prices and features mentioned in this review are based on information available at the time of writing.