I’ve been on a journey to migrate from Nest cameras to HomeKit cameras, and it’s been quite an adventure! Currently, I have 2 Nest outdoor cameras and 5 indoor cameras, all managed through Starling to integrate into Apple Home. However, with an iCloud subscription that includes HomeKit Secure Video (HKSV), I decided it was time to bid farewell to Google Nest and explore alternatives compatible with Apple’s ecosystem.
After extensive research, Aqara cameras and doorbells emerged as strong candidates. They are fully compatible with Apple Home and HKSV, which is a huge plus for me. While Apple Home does limit video resolution to 1080p, I’m perfectly fine with that as long as the cameras remain connected and reliable. However, I’m curious to know if anyone has experience with Aqara or Tapo cameras that could match the performance and reliability of my Nest cameras. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
On a different note, I’ve also been exploring the integration of Philips Hue lights and switches with Hubitat. The goal is to create a more localized smart home setup, and I’m excited about the potential of Aqara sensors working alongside Philips Hue devices. It’s all about ensuring my wife remains happy with the automation efforts, so compatibility and reliability are key!
Another interesting challenge I encountered was with my GE Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus Smart Outlet Receptacles. Despite functioning well in sending and receiving commands, the bottom outlet controlled by Z-Wave stubbornly refuses to turn on via the Alarm.com app. The LED light remains off, and manually switching it on results in it staying on permanently. It’s a peculiar issue, and I’m curious if anyone else has faced similar problems or found a workaround.
Lastly, I’ve been experimenting with ESPHome on a Shelly Plus 2PM device. While the relays and WiFi connectivity work seamlessly, I’ve stumbled upon some quirks. The temperature sensor reads an absurd 166 degrees at cold boot, and the current and voltage sensors provide no readings at all. Additionally, the button on the device seems to be stuck in an ‘on’ state, toggling briefly every 30 seconds. It’s a puzzling issue, and I’d love to hear from others who might have encountered and resolved similar problems.
In summary, this journey into the world of HomeKit and smart home integrations has been both rewarding and challenging. Each step brings new insights and opportunities for refinement, and I’m eager to continue learning and improving my setup!