Is the Phillips Hue Smart Button a HomeKit Lemon?

[@myHomeKithome]

Phillips Hue Smart Button on Amazon: amzn.to/34vUBXx

[@MrBrewzr]

I like your style, and I’m thinking of using Apple HomeKit as I start my journey into home automation. I’m gonna sub, it seems like you have a lot of knowledge, and do thorough and thoughtful reviews. If I may suggest one thing, and take it for what it is, just one mans opinion. When you’re talking please turn the music down a little. Otherwise love what I’ve seen so far, thanks for the content.

[@myHomeKithome]

I really appreciate the support and the feedback. I sometimes get all jazzed up when I find a tune I dig and want to jam. It’s something I’ve been trying to get better at.

[@Azertyvo]

This looks like an in-depth review, which is great. Too bad it's actually a lot of music with your review somewhere underneath. I watched only for a couple of minutes because I could hardly focus on what you say, the music being too loud.

[@myHomeKithome]

I appreciate your feedback. I'm constantly working to improve my videos and these comments help. THank you for watching!

[@CameronSmithAU]

Wow, disappointing. I was excited for this button due to its small profile, but I guess I will have to look elsewhere unless a firmware update includes additional actions within HomeKit... Great review - thanks!

[@myHomeKithome]

Me too. I’ll be doing a review and comparison of the Aqara Wireless Mini Switch soon which sits at a similar price point.

[@JeffBaynham]

Any other button option for HomeKit? Looking to go HomeKit versus SmartThings. I currently have a button that I can press and have it basically "shut down the house" - lock doors, turn off lights, turn on sound machine, etc. Press Hold is a "wake up", turns on some lights, turns off sound machine, and turns off some motion sensors.

[@myHomeKithome]

There are a few different options. My current favorite is the Aqara z Wireless Mini Switch. It does require the Aqara hub, but it’s a simple flexible button.

[@djjluvv]

Do you know a way to trigger a shortcut with the button?

[@myHomeKithome]

I've had this same question and, as far as I know, it's not possible...yet!

[@djjluvv]

@@myHomeKithome ive sat for hours trying to get it to work but ive given up for now lol

[@myHomeKithome]

I actually broke the tags off the back trying to replace the battery rendering it completely useless. I cannot recommend this button.

[@djjluvv]

@@myHomeKithome yeah I agree just having one button in HomeKit is kinda useless , Ile stick to the hue dimmers for now. 🤣

[@TwoLastNames]

Great intro!

[@myHomeKithome]

Thanks Bradley! I had fun making it! Do you have any smart buttons?

[@justind.6780]

Do you think this is a better version of the hue smart dimmer switch with remote?

[@myHomeKithome]

Not really. In the Hue ecosystem, they really are pretty different beasts. The advantage of the Dimmer switch is that the ON button allows you to toggle between 5 scenes and still have dimming and OFF abilities. For me , the advanntage of the Smart Button essentially s its size. In terms of HomeKit, the Dimmer switch wins hands down. Ultimately, it depends on your use case. Since making this video, the Smart Button is sitting around waiting to be assigned to new tasks :(

[@Aristocrafied]

I hoped it would have rotation functionality too. Looks like nothing really useful, and just a downgrade functionality wise to the regular looking remote..

[@myHomeKithome]

Absolutely. I don’t even use mine anymore. I DO however had a video coming out “soon” (just had a baby, so I’m pressed for time) that will feature a smart rotary dial. It’s pretty sweet and it does work with Hue.

[@Aristocrafied]

@@myHomeKithome Yeah I'm just looking to buy a starterkit but wanted to know which version to go with. The one with two of these buttons or the one with the remote. though that one looks like it has older bulbs..

[@myHomeKithome]

@@Aristocrafied is definitely go for the dimmer switch over the button.

[@havranek1024]

@@myHomeKithome What model of the rotary dial?

[@myHomeKithome]

@@havranek1024 Ahhhh... it's no fun if I just tell you out right. You'll have to stay tuned to find out!

[@literate-aside]

Do not understand wanting to use Homekit I'm afraid. Hue stuff is based on ZigBee, a powerful, open and easily integrated technology you can find anywhere, from home networks to HVAC. The possibilities are endless, and the technology is cheap. When you've got your pick of ways to integrate, I certainly wouldn't choose the most restrictive and exclusive ecosystem. Then again, I wouldn't choose Apple, period. Severed my ties with their products some time ago, and haven't looked back. it's good to have the choice though, and competition. I'm certainly not hating. Variety is the spice of life and all 👍

[@myHomeKithome]

I appreciate the comment. Zigbee is definitely a strong protocol. I wouldn't exactly say that HomeKit is "restrictive" no "exclusive" in a general sense. There are definitely limitations and the platform is constantly being developed, but what it may lack in a variety of product category, it makes up for with privacy, security, and oh that ecosystem. Happy automating!

[@literate-aside]

@@myHomeKithome Good to hear why people use it, thanks. I suppose it's my view of the Apple ecosystem in general as opposed to HomeKit.

[@myHomeKithome]

@@literate-aside I can't say that it reigns supreme, but then again I can't say that about the other major platforms either. It's all about preference and focus.