The BEST Smart Home Hubs... (After Matter)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 ต.ค. 2024
- Some smart home hubs will die after Matter is released, and some will become the best smart home hubs in the business. I'm going to show you 7 of the best smart home hubs that will be amazing after Matter. We'll do a big of a smart home hub comparison in this video, but for the most part I'm going to tell you how these hubs will get major improvements in 2022 and absolutely rock in 2023.
Whether it's because their compatibility will skyrocket, or whether they're going to gain amazing features, these Smart Home Hubs will become Matter Controllers and will be at the top of their game.
You can buy some of my recommended hubs here:
1. Amazon Echo 4th Gen - geni.us/Echo4t... (Amazon affiliate link)
2. Aeotec SmartThings Hub - geni.us/Aeotec... (Amazon affiliate link)
3. Aqara G3 Camera Hub - geni.us/AqaraG3 (Amazon affiliate link)
4. Apple TV 4K - geni.us/AppleT... (Amazon affiliate link)
Otherwise, you'll have to wait for some of these to be released! I've identified some upcoming hubs in this video because they're set to make huge waves!
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Thanks for watching, and Don't Hate, Automate.
Brian
If the Matter step does expand the range of HomeKit controllable devices I think Apple will continue to increase its market share significantly
Yep! And rightly so!
I still have the SmartThings V2. At this point I think I might wait to see what happens. Not sure if I'll change to another hub like Habitat or buy a new generation SmartThings. The big thing is I want compatibility with HomeKit. If I still need to get Homebrigde or Hoobs then so be it.
Had same question. Still on v2 for 95% of everything (but started dabbling in Hubitat). Did you end up upgrading your ST or move on you another hub?
Another very helpful video, Brian. You're such a great source to answer my questions, even before I ask!
Hey Big Bear! So happy this is helping!
I don't understand one thing of matter. If you have aqara devices. Do you still need an aqara hub? Or will these aqara devices work just fine with Google assistant or Samsung smartthings when they get matter. What is the point of getting the hub?
Yeah so most of Aqara's devices are ZigBee, which means they require a ZigBee hub to communicate with.
For Aqara you need the hub because of that, although they are soon coming out with some thread devices which could then go direct to Google or Smartthings
So Amazon didn't announce a new generation of the Echo, only the Echo dot. Thoughts? Is a new Echo still to be announced?
Nope. This is it this year as far as I can tell.
Looking forward to hear what you think of the new Homey Pro that was announced today.
I run all three amazon google and smartthings. I find I can get anything I want to operate no matter what the device. The only problem is debugging when updates mess something up down the line, I can't remember how the hell I got things to work. If either platform could just see everything and then choose the assistant you want then diy smarthomes would be sweet.
That's actually Matter's biggest selling feature. But we gotta see how that gets implemented.
Hi Brian. I currently use the old SmartThings v2 hub with integration with Google Home and Alexa for some things. Everything works fine for the most part with my V2, but would it be worthwhile to upgrade to the newest Aeotec ST hub?
My second unrelated question- do you have a video or guidance on what you use for reliable Geo location presence sensors for departure/arrival automations?
I was just thinking about your second question. So no...I don't. I think I should be making something though.
I think in general, you don't need to upgrade from the V2. It has everything you need right now. You might see a reason in the next year or so though, but I'd wait until you're feeling left out.
@@AutomateYourLife Thanks Brian. Always appreciate your honest feedback and knowledge. That’s kind of the thoughts I had about the hub upgrade. If it works and satisfies my _current_ needs, no need to upgrade. But I am also always checking if there may be new capabilities I may not even be aware of yet- hence my question. How is the saying goes? “You don’t know what you don’t know.”
What about Athom Homey Pro (Early 2023)? Isn't this hub a good solution to combine very much devices, and easier to handle as HA?
The new version is still not out fully, but when it is we'll re-evaluate!
Hi. I have a few bluetooth smart lamps from Philips Hue but because of connection issues I added a Hue bridge. Setup is with Google Home. Is that Hue bridge a possible smart home hub or not? And if it is not a good choice, is it possible to replace it by another hub and still connect the bluetooth smart lamps? Thanks.
So you have to stick with Hue for your Hue Lamps, and I use that bridge in my own home. This list was more about main hubs, and what you have is called a secondary hub. There's absolutely nothing wrong with it and I love Hue products personally because they just work.
This video is long, but it explains what I mean by secondary hub: th-cam.com/video/sYhRfApfvwk/w-d-xo.html. It'll really help you narrow down on a primary too.
Which new hub works best to replace a Wink system, with Z-wave smart devices.
SmartThings, Hubitat, Home Assistant, in that order for ease of replacement.
Hi! I have a question: when matter will come out, could i be able to use my smartthings hub (Aeotec V3) to connect all my sensor in the apple home app? Or i have to use a homepod / apple tv?
That will be an interesting question and something Apple hasn't told us just yet. I think they'll require their own physical Matter Controller to do so, but it is technically possible to use your phone as the Matter Controller. I think for processing power, you'll still end up with an Apple speaker/TV required.
@@AutomateYourLife thank you for reply! Hope that it could be used with apple home, that would be so great!
Unfortunately not. 😥
Samsung has said their hub will NOT be a “Matter bridge.” That means they will only have a one way integration with Matter.
You will be able to bring Matter-compatible devices into the Smartthings app, but you will NOT be able to add the SmartThings/Aeotec hub or its attached devices to other Matter-compatible apps like Apple Home or the Ikea Dirigera app.
@@jdroberts9825 thank you! That’s not great… also with matter they are keeping some compatibility walls 😮💨
Thinking of making a smart room set up. Don’t know if I should use HomeKit or smart things
Both are great, and that's the true battle going on in the smart home. You'll find a few less options for devices with HomeKit but with Matter we should see that change over the next 2-3 years. However, Siri is ahead of Bixby (Samsung) for voice, and each one will give you more options with their own phones. So phones play a key part in the decision.
@@AutomateYourLife thank you going for home kit comparability !!
Ikea Dee-ree-geh-rah (soft g). Means to direct, like an orchestra conductor.
Oh thank you!
I lately have fallen in love with Home Assistant. The first time I tried to set up on my Pi, using the native Nabu Casa cloud connectivity, I had nothing but trouble. But I started from scratch with DuckDNS and has worked much, much better (and free!). More up front setup for my own dynamic DNS, but also avoids the bugs. In terms of device support, HA pulls in all my Switchbot and TPlink Kasa stuff locally! This includes the Switchbot temp/humidity sensors out of the box. And it's a huge benefit to have TPlink control over LAN rather than via the cloud, which I've had to reset and re-log into around once a month for Smartthings and Google Home integrations. The system is improving very rapidly. When Samsung pulls support for its Hub v2 I will probably transition to a zigbee/zwave dongle rather than get the Hub v3.
Good stuff! As long as you're happy, I'm happy!
If apples hub gets all the devices, I will take the plunge to become a fully integrated smart home that I can control through HomeKit, I have mostly apple ecosystem with a windows work machine and a Roku tv (that I barely use) google home is good but the seamless integration with my apple devices can’t be beat for me personally
So if I have home assistant running when matter is up and running does that mean I can use apple home kit appliances? Sorry new to home automation
Hey Craig, not exactly. You'll be able to do that sometimes, but it's more if they are Matter devices. Current HomeKit devices could get an upgrade depending on the device and when that happens, you'll gain control there. Otherwise, no. It doesn't automatically happen.
Many people with HomeKit homes switching to something else get a Homebridge.
@@AutomateYourLife so only if homekit appliance supports new matter 1.0?
Right.
Brian, do you ever foresee a true migration path from the samsung v2 to v3 hub? So I can get some of that sweet and yummy thread radio goodness. How much longer do you think v2 hub will be viable to work in the expanding matters ecosystem? Thanks!
Ohhh I think you've got about 2 years, and by then there will be an easier way to migrate to a few hubs
Thread isn't guaranteed either!
If you pick up a Thread border router enabled device, which could be one of many things coming out (TV, etc...), then why would the V2 even be obsolete?
I use Simplisafe for my security system, and yes, I pay the monthly sub fee, but I enjoy seeing all the other options...since I primarily use Alexa as my platform for the rest of my Smart home devices, guess I would be a Ring schill otherwise 😏
Ahahahaha, a Ring shill!🤣
Very happy to hear about the Smartthings upcoming integrations.
I am really waiting for matter to come to see what Google does with the routines. I have echo's and google speaksers in my house... I love google and I quit Amazon a year ago... but I am always on the edge of replacing all the Google with Alexa in my smart home. 🙃🤣
You and millions of others I think Bryan! It'll be interesting to see for sure, but I think Google's got one last shot at it!
The only thing I miss is whisper. I whisper to Google and it could give a shit & replies loudly to me.
Sure I can lower it's voice during certain times but I go to bed at different times
@@JWard2You know you can automate a routine where you tell Google that you’re heading to bed (whichever time), and it can adjust it’s volume. And in morning, set up wake up routine where volume of re-adjusted back to normal.
I'm still unclear if matter is hardware based or software based. Is a certain chipset required or can any device (more or less) do matter with a software update?
The confusing thing is it’s all of the above.
@@Bigglare so it's sort of like the Guardian of Forever in star trek TOS?
Good reference!
Think of it like this: The top layer of Software/Firmware is where Matter lives. Many hubs and devices can be upgraded with existing components, however the hardware can be overextended in many devices. In that case, hardware comes into play.
How would you rate the Hubitat C8 hub?
So far really good! Hubitat has made some moves that would probably put it on this list, so I feel like I better remake it
HUH OH! Where does my trusty old Hubitat hub lie in all this? Could it be that "Hubitat doesn't Matter?"
Oh no! Hubitat just hasn't come out and said much about their plans and they tend to be slower to respond. They still are powerful the way they've always been!
I still haven't dipped my feet in smart home world and the reason is full local control. Not gonna indulge unless these companies pull their finger out of their a$$ and actually get thos done. Frankly can't be bothered with home assistant of I need to flash each device as well.
Is matter/thread going to make it local
Mostly
@@AutomateYourLife Would love a video when this happens solely dedicated to local tuya or smartthings or hubitat with setup process etc when Matter is here. Enjoy your videos especially the sensor/ devices that are good value etc. Thanks
You’ve always been the Master of my Universe Bri 😏
Teehee! I'm blushing!
Don't want to be tied to the cloud. I use Hubitat and it works even when the internet is down. Mine is almost never down since I have 2 wans with failover. But still like to be local . Network is Unifi and 2 hubitats. All local. I do use Madam A. So I'm not immune to the evil cloud.
And that's good stuff! Though local will become much easier to do with all these and Matter
Where is Philips Hue in all this ??? I just got the Hue 2.1 hub. Starting from 0 here.
I didn't include Philips Hue in this list more because it's a specialized Hub then anything else. Philips Hue is a great basis to start with and I think if you follow some of our other smart home 101 videos you'll find great worth in how to proceed
@@AutomateYourLife I am trying but it is soooo complicated. I am trying to chose a hue Switch for my first set of bulbs and lights that will be in different places in the living room area, and I juste can't decide.
@@theattorney6072 take your time! Don't rush decisions like that! It's okay to go slow
I got tired of waiting. Hubitat is the brain, it’s got everything but cameras running on it, and everything is sent into HoneBridge, and with Home Widgets I have a scrollable control center from my phone, and it’s also sent to Alexa for voice commands. I’m using scrypted for my Ring and Wyze cameras, I kick those to HomeKit and use HomeKit Secure Video on them, and they also go to Alexa to be seen from Echo screens. Only thing I really have left to do is convert my Wyze cams to wired internet with POE. There is a solution for it, now I’m working on a new housing to integrate the ethernet adapter into the housing, and I will have them 3d printed.
Good stuff!
Thanks Brian. I feel a lot more informed today. 😉
That's how I want you to roll Ron! Thank you sir!
Not a single word about Hubitat hub? One of best local hubs around.
Oh I like Hubitat a lot and talk about it often! However Hubitat weren't even a part of the CSA nor the team working on Matter until last month.
That puts them far behind the 8 ball and it's not that they can't catch up, but when I compare them to Home Assistant now...they don't have Matter, Thread, aren't a bridge, and don't provide half the features HA does.
If they come out and do some of those things, they'll make every list because of how powerful the rules engine is.
Brian, any advantage of updating my Smart Things V2 to a V3 in 2022? Or just wait for something new?
Oh hey Bruce! I'd say not yet. There's no extra reason until we see what they do with Matter. Then, maaayyybe but I doubt it
Have you tried any 'Fibaro' devices? 🤔
Lots! Why?
@@AutomateYourLife I’m just curious how they work because I’m thinking about starting using an app ‘sim-on’ and it’s compatible with Fibaro devices. Although it would be best to test sim-on first haha 😂 I can’t find any test of it on TH-cam, unfortunately... 😒
I added smart life/tuya produts to samsung smartThings by adding devices by brand and linking cloud accounts. Now I can't find the way to unlink the accounts, any help is really appreciated.
Menu, gear icon top right, linked services
@AutomateYourLife Thank you very much, Brian 😊
This is kind-of frustrating. It's late August and I still haven't heard that the basic Smartthings hub (i.e. Aeotec's) is going to be compatible - i.e. have an activated Thread radio - when Matter finally rolls out (in a few weeks? months?) What gives?
I use the Smartthings app on my phone to control most of my WiFi devices (I use Hubitat for the Zigbee ones) and integrate them together via Sharptools.
I've been holding off getting the Aeotec hub until I get that confirmation. (I won't be paying a mega-premium to get a Samsung appliance with a Matter controller built in.)
Once that's confirmed, I'll start shopping around for new and replacement devices that will work or work better with Matter.
I presume you'll be doing YT videos on different kinds of devices that work best with Matter.
Brian did say a minute or two in that the smart things V3 hub and the Aerotek did have the thread radio but that it needed to be turned on.
@@tonytango6676 Yeah, I know. That's what I found strange. Why on earth are they (Aeotec) holding off on confirming they'll be activating the Thread radio on their existing and/or newly sold hubs through an online software update?
It's an odd choice at this point, but Samsung's never been really out there with what they're doing with that platform. I feel like some things are changing as I'm starting to get some more info rolling out.
Homey pro should be one you should try
Been waiting on that new version :)
I am predicting echo4th, ikea dirigible and hue bridge. In that order.
I'm interested to see if Hue Bridge is needed in a year! For Zigbee stuff, yep...but why Zigbee anymore?
@@AutomateYourLife zigbee is thread’s older half brother. Which the jealous younger sibling is trying too hard to live up to the standard made by the older. Why go out and buy all new 802.15.4 devices with “thread” when zigbee operates just fine. If thread replaces zigbee it’s gonna take a lot longer than 12 months. The industry would have to abandon zigbee entirely. $10 zigbee plug or $45 thread plug? I have thread bulbs from Nanoleaf and I see no performance improvement over any of my zigbee bulbs.
@@AutomateYourLife as for the hue bridge, if any one zigbee bridge will work for any matter system, we would only need one. I guess it comes down to which one covers the most devices.
New SUB, thanks!
Welcome!
Ironically when I tell Bixby "goodnight" there's no routine I can get it to run. I find that so odd
That IS odd...I didn't know that!
I use "Good Night" as an quick command. Just open Bixby, tap on the settings symbol, tap on the 3 dots top right and click on the + there. For "What you say to Bixby" you use "Good Night". Now add a command like "Start Scenario Good Night" and in SmartThings you set-up a Scene called "Good Night".
@@LxonWWW you're a legend mate. I'm there now. I wish I could add turning off my Android tv in this routine
@@JWard2 Looks like my latest comment was deleted - thanks TH-cam.
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I'm glad I could help you!
I previously used a Raspberry Pi with a Python script that was connected via HDMI to my TV to control it with CEC (Consumer Electronics Control). The commands for the script were fetched from SASM (Samsung Automation Studio - built on NodeRED) with a simple flow (That how a Script is called in SASM). Now I use my Xbox Series S to start the TV and instantly launch apps like Netflix, Disney+ or Amazon Prime. The Xbox is controlled with a Python script, that I wrote, that runs on a Raspberry Pi. The script fetches data from SASM too (like if it should start the Xbox with TV or an app if a virtual switch was pressed in SmartThings).
I don't know how much technical understanding you have when it comes to raspberry pi, programming and NodeRED and how you feel about tinkering, but I could give you some more informations if you want. Another way could be using SmartThings with IFTTT and a Logitech Harmony remote, but that's just some theory.
@@LxonWWW that's sharp mate! Love that idea but I don't have either of those items. I'm really looking forward to matter, hoping it will have greater customization for routines. I should also try the home assistant open source app to tie in my smartThings & Alexa so that if I say "Alexa goodnight" it will turn my Samsung screen brightness on my phone all the way down, etc..." Assuming it's even possible through that app.
Home Assistance could make a hub with Raspberry Pi already built in. It will eliminate a major hurdle in set it up. I’m a Simply Automator using Google, Alexa, Wyze cameras, Philips Hue, and other smart bulbs, smart sockets, motion sensors SmartThings v3, and Hubitat (which won’t let me create a Dashboard on my iPads.
Anyway, I’ve read reviews on Home Assistant and the only reason I stop short in buying it; is that I don’t want to mess with the installation of a Pi and ‘flashing this and that’. Maybe in their new and improved version.
That's really what Home Assistant Yellow and Blue have been Vin. They're getting closer :)
Raspberry does a collab with homey in the new homey pro is a raspberri pi processor in it
That joke ....lmao ! Had me pause for a second lolol . Here's something else, I dunno if you echo my sentiment on this one but I sense you do. I don't care about home assistant. It just doesn't seem scaleable for buisness purposes one , and it's another hobby rabbit hole ... I obsess .... I've done the trainset thing. Down to painting n-scale people. And home assistant , I know it's DEEP! I've seen facial recognition Automations out there but I'm getting too old and broke for all this shit lo, as bill bruu says. I gotta pick a street !
So...I'm interested in Home Assistant more because I'm a content creator and I want to keep up.
For a business like yours, you could be great at it and then do some remarkable things for people...but imagine troubleshooting that system 3 years from now? Heck no.
It's gotta be simple.
@@AutomateYourLife facts. I need simpl
I see 2 possible outcomes google is holding back everything and will drop a huge WOW game changer when matter is released or...as I suspect Google knows most of thier client base either already uses another hub if they are automating or they are not interested in automation and just use the speakers out the box for what they do and on that basis google are not investing in playing catch up with routines when people already have a solution, else why wouldn't they release a stand alone hub or other things like switches /oulets/bulbs and curtains/rollers .it feels like they started a race they never intended to finish running but might just cross the line walking before the race is closed ready for the next one
Interesting take! I wonder if Google thinks AI is first and us making our own automations isn't going to be important. ;)
great review!!!!!
Thank you! Cheers!
SmartThings will NOT be a “matter bridge.” That means it’s only a one way integration: you will be able to bring Matter-compatible devices into the SmartThings app, but you will NOT be able to add the SmartThings hub or any if its attached devices like sensors to other Matter-compatible apps like Apple Home or Aqara. 😥 I am personally very disappointed about this. Especially because unlike Apple Home or the Ikea Dirigera app, the SmartThings app still requires a cloud connection. So even then your Matter devices can run locally, you won’t have any local app control on the SmartThings platform.
You can find detailed discussion and official statements about this in the SmartThings community forum.
You're right about how SmartThings is dealing with the bridge function, which I'm frustrated by.
However, I'm not sure Apple will be sharing attached devices through Matter, nor Aqara. I haven't been told that explicitly by anyone! Have you seen the term "Matter Bridge" with any of those? As far as I knew, there was no one who'd said they'd be a bridge for Zigbee or Z-Wave devices yet.
I don’t know official about Apple.
NXP has been using Aqara as its example of how a legacy hub that is already a HomeKit bridge could be updated to be a Matter bridge in industry presentations since the beginning of 2022. Doesn’t mean it will be, but it does look like it’s a pretty easy path for those that are already HomeKit bridges since the architecture is very similar. Of course as so often happens, we’ll just have to wait and see what actually gets delivered!
There have been some rumors that the Apple TV 4K 2nd Gen will be a Matter bridge (or maybe a 3rd Gen) once Matter has full streaming device support. That could make a lot of sense for Apple. But again, we’ll have to wait and see.
Yeahhhh, this is what I've heard too. No official "Bridge" yet that I've heard of.
I feel like there are some hardware limitations or degradations that we'd see with being a bridge, plus a Matter controller, plus, plus, plus.
So I think we'll see market options, but it'll be on less busy hubs.
@@AutomateYourLife The Philips Hue Bridge will be a Matter bridge, bringing its nonMatter Zigbee smart bulbs into Matter-which probably not coincidentally parallels what it does for HomeKit. I don’t know of anyone else who has officially announced yet.
Still holding on to hope Google.
Google killed my automation dream. I can't even use it for music because when I tell it shuffle my playlist it starts repeating music after 4-5 songs.
It's been reduced to turning lights on and off via Voice command and schedule.
Holding on by a "Thread" to see if it "Matter"s.
A man can dream Mark.
I just want the fucking thing to whisper. I miss that from my Alexa
If anyone jacks with my 13 Google nest devices ranging from minis to 10" hubs I will declare war upon them.
I won't be that person! ;)
Google killed my automation dream. I can't even use it for music because when I tell it shuffle my playlist it starts repeating music after 4-5 songs.
It's been reduced to turning lights on and off via Voice command and schedule.
Holding on by a "Thread" to see if it "Matter"s.
lol good puns!
Jeesh… I just want basic automations and functionality. Talk about confusing. Buy today and it may be obsolete tomorrow. Buy later and miss out.
🤔
I thought after matter you dont need hubs Lol
You sure do. They just call them Controllers now
smartthings fanboy
You don't like it?
@@AutomateYourLife
It may be incorrect but I get a feeling from your reviews, that are are sponsored by them.
Otherwise why not mentioning Hubitat?
And besides that, home assistant is way stronger, versatile and is less of a hustle with the new releases
I've never been sponsored by any of those 3 hubs and have never even been sent a product. I mention the other 2 all the time, but Hubitat hasn't given any indication of changes for Matter.