SmartThings Hub 0.25.x Firmware Beta Experience

I’ve been following the SmartThings Hub firmware updates closely, especially since I’ve been experiencing some reliability issues with my devices. The announcement of the 0.25.x beta firmware caught my attention, and I decided to participate in the beta testing program. Here’s my experience so far.

Initial Setup and Update

The update process itself was smooth. My hub went offline for about a minute, and upon rebooting, everything seemed to function normally. I didn’t encounter any major issues during the update, which was a relief.

Improved Z-Wave Framework

One of the key features mentioned in the release notes was the implementation of a new Z-Wave framework. I’ve been using several Z-Wave devices, including Fibaro dimmers and motion sensors, and I’m happy to report that their performance has improved significantly. The motion sensor, in particular, now responds more consistently, which is a big plus for my home automation setup.

Local Execution of DTHs

I was excited to see that additional Device Handler Types (DTHs) now support local execution. This means that certain devices, like the Fibaro Dimmer2 ZW5, can handle their automation rules directly on the hub without relying on the cloud. This improvement has made my system feel more responsive and reliable.

Bug Fixes

The firmware update also addressed some bugs that I had encountered previously. For instance, the manual control of GE/Jasco Zigbee in-wall switches and dimmers now works seamlessly. Additionally, the discovery of some Zigbee ZLL devices, like the RGBgenie RGB controller, has become more reliable. These fixes have made my setup more stable overall.

Minor Issues

While the update has brought many improvements, I did notice a minor issue with the discovery of some devices. Specifically, I had to manually re-pair one of my Zigbee devices after the update. However, this was a minor inconvenience and didn’t significantly impact my experience.

Conclusion

Overall, the 0.25.x firmware beta has been a positive experience for me. The improvements to the Z-Wave framework, local execution of DTHs, and bug fixes have made my SmartThings setup more reliable and responsive. I’m looking forward to seeing how this firmware performs in the long run and what new features will be added in future updates.

If you’re considering joining the beta program, I’d recommend it, especially if you’re experiencing similar issues with your devices. Just be prepared for the occasional minor glitch during the testing phase.