There are lots of ways to plan your smart home, not just in terms of equipment, but how you go about getting all that home automation up and running, and once its up and running, how to access it.
In this article we’re going to sketch out just one of the options you have (occasionally, though mentioning the alternatives), which is to work with what is typically a large service provider. I’m talking about those who’s business model is built around monthly revenues or, more typically annual fees/contracts. The services provided in this case, can include security monitoring – as that’s where many of these companies come from – security, and remote access and control – so you can use your phone or other device when you are outside your home to monitor, but they are adding home automation features.
Of course, if you are a DIY type, you can accomplish pretty much all the same access without going the subscriber route. But if you go with some sort of subscription, it could cost you $5.99 a month, or $11.99 or more than $50 a month – probably the sky’s the limit, depending on what services you want. You should at least be aware of all your options. Let’s just call the options we’re discussing here, “subscription models. Many of these plans are built first, and foremost around security monitoring, since many of these companies come from that “space.”
Some might be month to month, others may be a one or two year contract. We’ll try to explore in this piece, what some of those options look like. Of course in the smartphone world 2 year contracts have ruled for a decade now, but all of a sudden, they are vanishing. We’ll see whether two year lock ins can survive in this market. Of course the security portion of home automation is something we shouldn’t be taking lightly. We probably shouldn’t change from one company’s monitoring to anothers every few months to save a few dollars. Life’s too short.
First, just so you have some idea of who’s doing what to whom – that is, who the players are, some of the companies that are into the subscription.
Understand, it is not necessary to have some monolithic company overseeing your home automation adventure. You can do just about anything you want, with today’s Wifi and Z-Wave (and Zigbee) solutions. Still the companies who have been selling home security for years, see this as an opportunity to dramatically expand – their reach, and their revenues per home.
Let’s start with having a company monitoring your home. After all, as stated above, many of the players in the “subscription” place, come to home automation from the home security field. It therefore shouldn’t be in the least surprising that ADT – the home security company, was talking up their whole home automation program way back in January at CES 2015. Just two weeks ago, however, I attended CTIA – the big wireless tradeshow (in Las Vegas). While only a small portion focused on the home, I got to chat with AT&T there, and they too, look to get into your smart home in a big way – built around a subscription model.
A Home Automation Focused Subscription Service
The first home Z-Wave controller we reviewed, the Nexia Bridge, also offers a subscription, but their program is smaller, and less comprehensive than AT&T or ADT. You buy their controller, so your subscription isn’t covering included hardware, like the way AT&T’s program works. Nexia’s is also especially home automation oriented, rather than security. Nexia, BTW is owned by Ingersoll-Rand, who we are more likely to think of for huge industrial pumps, and construction gear, than say, a thermostat, or alarm. (Nexia, it should be noted, partners for products other than their Bridge. In other words, they don’t seem to want to be a manufacturer of light bulbs, or wall outlets). Everyone’s getting into the act though. Lowes is offering up their own IRIS home automation and security gear (Lowe’s, btw, originally worked with Nexia). Home Depot has Wink, and so it goes. The subscription model will no doubt remain popular.
Our first in-depth look at one of these companies offering a security oriented subscription model, will be AT&T. I expect that that “review” will be live before Oct. 1, as I’ve been writing both of them at the same time.
I want to use Nexia as one example of a subscription, as we’ve already reviewed their controller and covered their services. [ Click to check out that review.] Suffice to say here, that Nexia’s is a basic subscription model, currently $9.99 a month. For that you get a website, that has everything their Apps have, and more, and you’ve given their “secure” site access to your home router so it can access the home automation controller.
Now by comparison a free service is available from IFTTT I’ve always thought of IFTTT as mostly for techies, and DIY types, although it really isn’t that challenging. Using IF as it’s now named, is described as setting up Triggers and Actions, to create Recipes. The term “script” comes immediately to mind. It’s a simple form of programming on the Internet, but it can give you control.
Nexia by comparison, for $9.99 a month goes far beyond in some areas, it’s your web based control center. The photo above (if you click on it to enlarge), will give you a very good idea of what to expect.
With the MyNexia site, there are even more capabilities than the apps offer. With MyNexia, I can at least to some degree, control most of my smart lights features, control all my Z-wave wall switches and outlets, check my door locks, and more, from inside my home or out. (Their current apps won’t let you adjust the color, only turn the lights on/off/dim.) But enough about Nexia, back to topic.
This article is first in a series that’s really about introducing you to the options available. We’re writing all types of end users, from DIY types to those who want top of the line, money no object, going with “old school” systems, and all the rest of us, in between.
If all you care about is the security side of things there’s plenty of info and even comparisons online, and one of the subscription based services is likely for you.
But if you are like me, and are really into all the things home automation can do – then we’re in a fast expanding, rapidly changing industry. I know there aren’t a whole lot of places to find answers your questions online yet, but we’ll try to be one of the better sources for you.
Art's been reviewing high tech products and editing their reviews for 15 years. He launched his first website presenting solutions.com (sold in 2003) in early 1995 when there were only a few thousand .coms. He launched ProjectorReviews.com in 2000, and started planning Smarterhomeautomation.com back in 2011.
Art's goal is to provide in-depth reviews on the latest and hottest products that fit into the Smart Home, aka Home Automation, as well as insightful articles to educate people into what's available, what makes the most sense, and where the market is going, so people can better plan, and implement their goals for energy efficient, convenient, and downright "cool" capabilities.
Ancient history: Born in Allentown PA, Graduated 1972. Sold and managed stereo stores (and did a little surfing) in the early, mid-70's before getting into computers and more AV. Managed the first computers store in Pa, starting in 1979 (not the first manager). Moved to selling computers to major accounts. Then moved west to SF area, for a four year stint with Epson starting in 1982, then left for one of the early large venture backed start-ups in the Silicon Valley - Presentation Technologies. Left there to start up Presenting Solutions, which became the first projector focused reseller on the internet (Jan 1995). Married Lori in 1990, and have been enjoying our daughter Lisa, since 1992! Presently living, and working in San Clemente, CA.
