In this episode, Wes and Scott talk about the Smart Home — all the different tech available, how it works together, pitfalls to avoid, hardware, software, and more!

Sanity.io - Sponsor

Sanity.io is a real-time headless CMS with a fully customizable Content Studio built in React. Get up and running by typing npm i -g @sanity/cli && sanity init in your command line. Get an awesome supercharged free developer plan on sanity.io/syntax.

Stackbit - Sponsor

Build modern JAMStack websites in minutes. Stackbit lets you combine any theme, site generator and CMS without complicated integrations. Join the beta today by visiting stackbit.com/syntaxfm.

Show Notes

2:25 - The tech

Wifi devices
Zigbee
- Can operator on low power
- Usually Cheaper
- Water Sensor, door sensor, temperature
iOS
- HomeKit sucks
- You need an Apple TV or iPad to access outside of your house

9:13 - Controlling your smart home

Smart Things
Home Assistant
- Host your own
- Lots of add-ons
- You need to babysit it
Android
- Google Assistant
Google Pixel squeeze to assistant is way better than saying "Hey Google".
Google Home
- Google Home is awesome
- Custom sayings with IFTTT
- Custom via Routines
Alexa

23:52 - Software

Stringify
IFTTT
- Basic automations
- Makers accounts
- Web hooks to trigger actions
Homebridge
- Make non-iOS stuff work with HomeKit
- Swipe up control is nice

28:15 - Hardware

Light Switches
- Leviton
- Lutron
Bulbs
- LIFX
- Philips Hue
  - AMAZING
  - Much cheaper now than before
Blinds
Chromecast — turn the TV off
Plugs
- Wemo
- Leviton
- Sonoff
Power strip
- Change each plug or have timers
Thermostat
Cameras
Mesh Wifi
- Google Wifi
- Amplifi
Fire Alarms / CO2
- Nest Protect
- Dumb
- Lithium
Garage Door Opener
Non-connected "smart items"
- Solar powered lights on a timer. No app needed, no WiFi connection needed
- Roomba - meh. We play "find the body" when it comes home.
- Locks - Code based lights
- Motion Sensor LED Lights

67:32 - What we want in the future

Scott
- Motion sensors
- Door sensors
- Locks
- Blinds
- More bulbs
Wes
- Fireplace
- Constantly recording cameras
- Sensors galore
  - Windows open
  - Doors open
  - Garage door
- Zigbee Hub
- Xiaomi Sensors
  - Gear Best

Links

××× SIIIIICK ××× PIIIICKS ×××

Scott: Philips Hue
Wes: All the recommendations from above

Shameless Plugs

Tweet us your tasty treats!

Scott's Instagram
LevelUpTutorials Instagram
Wes' Instagram
Wes' Twitter
Wes' Facebook
Scott's Twitter
Make sure to include @SyntaxFM in your tweets