Question

In your opinion, do I need SmartThings, IFTTT app, and Harmony Hub all at once? I have Alexa and IOS Siri. Also, what is the best motion sensor for a home? Why?  

Answer 1

I have all 3 of these also + Alexa / iOS, I got a harmony because I wanted to automate things like an AC unit which only is controllable via IR remote sensors, IFTTT is like a technical “glue” which will allow automations from different systems that weren’t initially intended to talk to each other - use as a last resort like the others have said. Once u set everything up in smartthings then u can use Alexa to control it - that’s how I use it anyway. Ohh and I use homebridge to import everything from smartthings into Home app to have Siri control also.  

Comments

@temperance SmartThings can or can not be controlled via Siri? I thought it could (without homebridge/IFTTT) What else do you use your Harmony for besides your AC unit?  

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@sideboard as far as I know smarthings cannot be controlled via Siri - maybe the Apple shortcuts feature allows this not sure. My LG TV also there are some things which I can only access via the remote interface so I use harmony.  

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@temperance if you're using a harmony primarily to control an AC unit, you're doing it all wrong. Get a Sensibo.  

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@hague didn’t know something like this existed. Thanks

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@temperance absolutely - I have 3 of them and they are awesome. They just announced a new wireless version too that doesn't need to be plugged in and works on batteries.  

Answer 2

Your post is very vague. What do you want?.  

Comments

@lenka I own all of the three I mentioned, do I need them all I’m order to make scenes in my home? I feel like they all do the same because all my devices connect to them, esp my lights.  

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@sideboard well no. What do you want tho? You want a light to turn on when you enter a room?  

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@lenka yes, exactly. I want to place a sensor (need to buy) facing a door. When the door opens, the lights come on automatically in that room. Also, a sensor facing my bedroom door, when I open it, another set of lights light up in my kitchen. Or when I walk into my home for my ceiling fan to turn on. Also want to set a scene when I say “movie time” might lights dim, spot lights go on, color lights change diff color, and my sound bar turns on.  

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@sideboard you don't want motion sensors, you want contract sensors. Door open/close. At least from what you're describing. But yes. Smartthings is way more capable than Amazon. Amazon has voice control though.  

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@mariandi56178 a door sensor (when opened) can trigger a light to turn on? Any suggestions on any good but inexpensive sensors you may suggest but still do everything a higher-end sensor might do? Or should I just go with the name brand higher-end sensors overall?  

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@lenka ok thank you. I appreciate your time.  

Answer 3

You can do a lot of this with Alexa or Smartthings.  

Comments

@painting but do I need SmartThings, Harmony, and IFTTT app? Can I downsize and do all and any of the things I want or can will possibly do? I feel like those three things do all the same exact thing and control the same devices.  

Answer 4

Avoid ifttt unless you absolutely have no other options. It sucks.  

Comments

@hague Youre def right. I somehow (idk how) connected my lights to turn on when my home lock unlocks, but I see it has a delay of a few seconds when the lights turn on. I’ve tried looking up “simple” steps to automate things in sequence but I can’t seem to find any. I guess once you understand what has to be done it’s when it becomes “simple” as many would say lol

Answer 5

Some of those things you listed have hardware capabilities that others do not. Not sure why IFTTT is even in there - is it performing a function for you that another platform you already use could do? We don't know without more details. If you have a SmartThings hub, get a SmartThings-compatible motion sensor (zigbee or zwave). Doesn't really matter which. the zigbee SmartThings-branded sensors work fine.  

Comments

@unclothe1851 thank you. I appreciate your time.