As a long-time user of Homey, I’ve been excited to transition to the new Homey Pro (early 2023) model, which brings enhanced capabilities and a fresh design. However, the transition hasn’t been entirely smooth, especially when it comes to compatibility with older apps and devices. In this post, I’ll share my experiences, insights, and some tips for fellow users navigating this new territory.
The Excitement and the Hurdles
Upgrading to Homey Pro was a no-brainer for me—it’s faster, more powerful, and offers a sleeker interface. But as I started migrating my apps and devices, I quickly realized that not everything would work out of the box. The switch to SDKv3 has been both a blessing and a curse. While it opens doors to new possibilities, it also means many of my trusted apps from the SDKv2 era are now incompatible.
For instance, my beloved Airzone Aidoo and Atag One apps, which were integral to my smart home setup, are now on the unsupported list. This was a bit disheartening, but I saw it as an opportunity to explore new alternatives. The community has been invaluable in this journey, with many users sharing their findings and workarounds.
A Community Effort
One of the most heartening aspects of this transition has been the support from the Homey community. The Wiki-post mentioned earlier is a goldmine of information, and I’ve found it incredibly helpful to see which apps are being updated or replaced. It’s inspiring to see users collaborating to keep this list accurate and up-to-date. If you’re facing compatibility issues, I highly recommend checking this resource—it’s a lifeline!
My Solutions and Workarounds
While waiting for updates or replacements for some of my apps, I’ve had to get creative. For example, I’ve found that the Network UPS Tools (NUT) app works seamlessly as a replacement for my APC UPS. It’s been a smooth transition, and I’ve even discovered some new features I hadn’t considered before.
Another area where I’ve had to adapt is with my lighting setup. The lack of support for the LED Ring and NFC features has meant I’ve had to rethink my automation flows. I’ve now switched to using virtual devices and more straightforward triggers, which has actually made my setup more reliable in some ways.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, I remain optimistic about the future of Homey Pro. The updates and new app releases are coming in steadily, and it’s clear that the developers are listening to user feedback. I’m particularly excited about the planned support for apps like FireAngel and OpenUV, which will add new layers of functionality to my smart home.
For anyone considering the upgrade, my advice is to take it step by step. Prioritize the apps and devices that are most critical to your setup, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the community for support. It’s a bit of a learning curve, but the potential rewards are well worth the effort.
Final Thoughts
Homey Pro (early 2023) is undeniably a significant leap forward, and while it’s not perfect yet, the journey has been enriching. It’s a testament to the resilience and creativity of the smart home community. Here’s to many more innovations and successful integrations ahead!
Stay curious, keep experimenting, and let’s continue building smarter homes together.