The release of the HOOBS Pro Hub has sparked a lot of interest in the smart home community. As someone who’s been following the evolution of HomeBridge and its integration with various protocols, I’m excited to dive into what this new hub offers and how it might fit into my existing setup.
The HOOBS Pro Hub boasts a impressive array of connectivity options, including WiFi (2.4 & 5.0GHz), a built-in Thread Border Router, Matter compatibility, a Zigbee 3.0 hub, and Bluetooth 5.0. This makes it a versatile device capable of handling multiple protocols under one roof. The inclusion of Matter is particularly intriguing, as it opens up the possibility of seamless integration with a wider range of devices, even those that aren’t natively HomeKit or Matter compatible.
One feature that caught my attention is the physical ‘Tactical Button’ on the device. While its exact functionality isn’t clear yet, it adds a tangible element to what is otherwise a purely digital ecosystem. I’m curious to see how users can programmatically interact with this button, perhaps for quick actions or emergency controls.
The pricing, however, is a bit steep at $399.99 for preorders and $499.99 at launch. It’s understandable given the array of features, but it does reinforce the notion that this is a niche product aimed at serious enthusiasts rather than the casual user. That said, the fact that it’s preloaded with HomeBridge and offers Matter support out of the box could save users significant time compared to cobbling together a DIY solution.
I’m also interested in how this compares to other all-in-one hubs like the Homey Pro, which recently announced its own Matter and Thread capabilities. It’ll be fascinating to see how these devices differentiate themselves in the market and what unique value propositions they bring to the table.
For now, I’m keeping an eye on the HOOBS Pro Hub and considering whether its advanced features justify the investment. If it lives up to the hype, it could be a game-changer for those looking to consolidate their smart home ecosystems into a single, powerful hub.
What are your thoughts on the HOOBS Pro Hub? Would you consider adding it to your setup, or are you sticking with your current ecosystem? I’d love to hear your experiences and insights!