Smart home enthusiasts may want to rethink their reliance on popular platforms like Google and Amazon. These big players have some significant drawbacks, including dependence on the cloud, limited local control, and hidden costs.
Google’s and Amazon’s smart homes are heavily reliant on the internet, with many devices requiring an internet connection to function. This can be a problem when the internet goes down, causing devices to become unresponsive. Additionally, these platforms have closed ecosystems, limiting the types of devices that can be integrated.
However, there is a reliable alternative worth considering: Home Assistant. A free and open-source smart home platform, Home Assistant runs on a server inside your local network, providing offline support. This makes it an ideal choice for those who want to avoid cloud-based services and hidden costs.
Home Assistant offers a range of benefits, including:
* Offline support, eliminating the need for internet connectivity
* A plug-and-play hub option, called Home Assistant Green, which comes with everything needed to set up the platform
* The ability to repurpose an old computer as a server to test compatibility
* Integration with third-party add-ons, such as Scrypted and Frigate, for offline camera storage
For those who prefer a more user-friendly experience, Apple’s smart home platform may be worth considering. With its focus on offline functionality and integration with iCloud subscriptions, it offers a turnkey solution that can run independently of the internet.
Ultimately, Home Assistant is an excellent alternative to Google and Amazon smart homes, offering reliability, flexibility, and affordability. Before committing to any platform, try out Home Assistant or Apple’s smart home solution to see which one suits your needs best.
Source: https://www.howtogeek.com/please-stop-using-amazon-and-google-to-run-your-smart-home