Exploring Integration of Multiple Smart Home Platforms

Hi everyone, I’ve been diving into the world of smart home automation and wanted to share my experiences and ask for advice. I’ve been using a mix of platforms, including openHAB, Google Home, and some Philips Hue devices, and I’m curious to know how others manage to integrate multiple systems seamlessly.

I recently set up my openHAB environment and successfully connected it with Google Home, but I’m struggling with some specific use cases. For instance, I’d love to be able to say, “Hey Google, start the Superman movie on Kodi” or “Hey Google, play Leonard Cohen’s music on Kodi.” I’ve heard that some people use IFTTT for this, but I’m hoping there’s a way to achieve this directly within openHAB without relying on third-party services.

Another challenge I’m facing is with my physical switches. I have a dumb switch for my kitchen lights, and I’d like to move it to a different location without rewiring everything. I’ve considered using a hidden receiver, like a Sonoff Basic or Fibaro Dimmer 2, paired with a momentary switch on the other side of the wall. Would this setup work, or should I look into using a smart switch like Hue instead? I’d really appreciate any insights or recommendations!

On a lighter note, I’ve been experimenting with creating custom scripts to automate some daily tasks, like adjusting my lights based on the time of day or triggering scenes when I arrive home. It’s been a fun project, and I’m excited to see how much further I can push these integrations.

If anyone has tips, tricks, or success stories about combining different smart home platforms, I’d love to hear about them! Let’s keep the conversation going and help each other make our homes smarter and more connected. Thanks in advance for your input!