Hubitat meets demand for reliable, non cloud-based iot home automation – review

Hubitat, Inc. has just unveiled the home automation platform designed to run 100% locally, greatly improving reliability compared to the cloud-dependent hubs currently on the market. The local approach to home automation also delivers faster device response and keeps personal data secure.

‘Elevate your iot home automation environment’

Hubitat Elevation is a robust platform that automates your smart devices and elevates your home. It’s a different approach to home automation, providing a 100% local solution. Eliminating cloud dependence means that consistent Internet access is no longer a requirement in order for your device automations to function reliably. Below is short review of cloud iot home automation – Hubitat hub.

Commands are sent directly from hub to device, so response is fast. All automation processing is done on your local area network (LAN), so your device data is stored on your LAN and kept securely at home. Hubitat Elevation empowers the DIYer to automate (and elevate) his or her home such that all the connected devices work reliably, instantly and without putting personal data at risk.Hubitat IoT platform screen

“From the outset we knew that home automation required a local processor, not a cloud-based one. Home automation has to be rock-solid reliable for consumers to enjoy its benefits, and cloud-based solutions just don’t have that level of reliability,” said Bruce Ravenel, chairman of Hubitat. “Automations, especially lightingautomations, require instantaneous response. No one has delivered on the promise of fast, reliable and secure automation — until now.”

Issues with cloud-based home automation

IoT home automation hubs are designed to control and automate your home’s many smart devices such as lighting, audio, security, detection/sensors and climate control. Almost all “smart hubs” currently available for DIY-enthusiasts process automations in the cloud, which introduces issues with reliability, speed, and security.

  • Reliability. Cloud dependence impacts availability.

Connected devices throughout your home require consistent Internet access in order to function — an Internet outage means automated devices simply can’t work.

  • Speed. Cloud-based processing causes delays.

Users must wait as each command is sent to the cloud and back before the device receives the command and functions. That round trip takes time and is further exacerbated if Internet latency issues exist. Eliminating that round trip means automations are very fast.

  • Security. Cloud transactions expose personal data.

Device data is constantly sent to and from the cloud, where it’s vulnerable en route. Security has become the #1 concern as people become more aware of the need to keep personal data private. (C|NET, 2017)

Users of popular automation hubs have been craving a solution that overcomes these three drawbacks. Hubitat Elevation is the first solution that addresses these challenges by operating locally. 

Hubitat elevation specifics

Hubitat Elevation has built-in support for more than 90 unique smart devices, and more are being added with each update release. Support of the Z-Wave and Zigbee protocols allow the hub to “talk to” and automate the functions and features of standards-compatible devices. It also fully integrates with Lutron lighting systems, including RadioRA2, RA2 Select and Caséta, including the Pico remote.Hubitat IoT automation process

Hubitat Elevation supports numerous popular platform integrations including Hue Bridge, Amazon Echo, IFTTT, Sonos and soon Google Home, Nest and others. It comes with more than a dozen built-in applications to create and manage automations, including Rule MachineTM, Hubitat Safety Monitor, Simple Lighting, Mode Manager and the Hubitat Dashboard. Hubitat also supports the easy migration of existing home automation systems from older cloud-based systems, including SmartThings, to the solid and reliable local processing of Hubitat Elevation.

Early user impressions

Many users of Hubitat Elevation participate actively in the Hubitat Community here. They share experiences, learn from each other, and get inspiration, ideas and answers to their questions. Video tutorials help both beginning and advanced users make the most of their Hubitat Elevation.

“This is easily one of the best purchases I’ve ever made.”

“Very easy setup, with no hiccups during the process”

“I moved devices over and the family was none the wiser that anything had changed in the house — except, that it works quickly and reliably now with Hubitat’s local processing!”

“So far I’m very impressed! … The speed is pretty darn amazing!”

“For us DIY folks, this is like manna from heaven – doesn’t get any better than this.”

Pricing and availability

Hubitat Elevation began shipping in January and is available to order here. The introductory price of the U.S. version is $99.95 (€82.34) (regular price is $149.95) (€123.54)plus shipping. UK/Ireland and EU versions are also available today at an introductory price of $139.95USD (€115.30) plus shipping.

Hubitat comparsion with other Home Automation Solutions

 


SmartThingsWink
Compatible with standard protocols
Works with Alexa
Works with Google Assistant
Write your own apps & drivers
Automations are local, fast & reliable
Device data stays local & private
Works without internet
All installed apps run local
Backup to local PC
User controls timing of updates
Works with Caseta and RadioRa 2
Access Hubitat Community

Comment on this article below or via Twitter: @IoTNow OR @jcIoTnow

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