The Bluetooth Special Interest Group has released new standards that improve location tracking, so we talk about Kevin’s hopes for that and save the bigger details for our guest segment. We’ve got two new smart lighting products. The first is from Casper —yes the mattress company — and the second is from a startup called Orro. From there we focus on a creepy new lamp, tech giants getting into the utility business and a new energy harvesting method. Plus, Japan is hacking its citizens’ devices, Amazon offers hosting, and here’s a tip sheet on what to look for in smart apartments from an infosec writer whose apartment is about to be made smart. We also answer a question about which Z-wave hub he should buy.
This week’s guest is Ken Kolderup, VP of marketing for the Bluetooth SIG. Kolderup explains what the SIG’s new location services technology is all about and when we can expect it in industrial, enterprise and consumer applications. Unsurprisingly, Bluetooth is prepping for a role in industrial and enterprise settings with this move. He also explains why Beacons are not the failure I think they are. Enjoy the show.
I can not believe you actually suggested an Echo Plus as a first hub! While it might be fine for someone that only wants to remote control a few things it is a complete waste of money for anyone ever thinking to do automation. A SmartThings or Wink plus an Echo2 for example cost about the same as and Echo Plus and does and works with way more.
Also while there are lots of WiFi devices out there now most do not work with most automation hubs so again they are a waste if you ever want to move to automating. Plus most don’t do local control either increasing the number of points for failure.
Rule one when buying devices should always be to look for devices that will work with multiple automation hubs whenever possible. Rule two get devices with local control when possible.
When buying an automation hub (an automation hub can do complex logic, many things are called hubs) especially your first, you want to look for at community size, a match to your skill set and needs. Keven’s suggestions seemed on track for that.
As the owner of both a Wink, a SmartThings, and an OpenHab hub, I get what you are saying. However, I am not 100% sure everyone wants to go down the programming route. Amazon tries to make that super easy, which is why I suggested it. We try to give people a range of options and explain the drawbacks so they can make as informed a decision as possible.