Hi Smartthings users and staff,
I have not written code for about 30 years so forgive an old idiot if you must, but I don’t understand why this new app is even more complicated and, TO ME, less user friendly. I use my hub as just an alarm system and generally I am happy with it. 10 motion sensors and 2 smoke alarms and a siren. As of now I think my few problems are the result of an antiquated router. The new one is on the way and i hope that fixes the few problems I have with the system. But still I see some serious flaws in the entire system and I point them out in order to try and help. I also see how with other devices and setups that are not as simple as my setup that what i envision might be naive. Again forgive an old clueless moron if need be. Also, if you have time explain how I am wrong or clueless please do. Maybe I am not too old to learn. 50.
The previous app was better for my use and I have reverted back to 1.76 on my android phones and will do so on the iphone if I can find an old version to download.
So 1ST point… why does Smartthings not provide the old versions for those who are not happy with the New versions? Are they somewhere in the support area that I cannot find? Maybe you could offer them without support option for those who choose to use them.
2nd Point… while this forum is a technological marvel it is not that user friendly either. KISS seems appropriate for the app and this forum.
As for the app. I see this kind of setup.
- Devices - the place where you install and setup devices and of course some of this may need to take place on the web app.
- Scenarios - here is where you set up all your different scenarios. Home, Away, Party, Whatever and you have individual control over every device you choose to add to the scenario and those controls are specific to that scenario only . Some devices are on some are off and those that are on you get to choose how they function in That Particular Scenario ONLY. Of course you are limited by the device.
- Devices Monitor(Things) - Here you see the activity of Devices.
Smart apps should be configurable and specific within device controls WITHIN specific scenarios.
I see no reason (please enlighten me) as to why we need Routines and Modes. For me I see no difference. If I can create a scenario where I choose the devices that are involved and the actions that are the result of some sort of input then all these extra menus are not needed.
I envision this. Add scenario. Make a name for the scenario. Examples, Away, Home, Party Mode, Night, Pets Out, etc. Choose devices that are included in scenario. Choose actions for every device in that scenario. When it time to change a scenario… change the scenario.
None of this “I’m back or goodnight or other stuff”. These are limited to “away” and “home” settings. Just choose your scenario. Make scenarios voice activated if you can.
Right now I cannot see how what I would like to do is simple or actually possible. However, I have everything working but with limited capabilities because I am using Smartalarm and as far as I can tell I am limited by the “interior” / “exterior” function for my sensors and the limitations of “away” and “home” The new capabilities that replace SmartAlarm do not in my view provide the functionality I need.
The point is simple tree programming and flow charting has been lost. Give me a shout if you need more help or advice with vision but for programming or even how to use the app, don’t bother, I am clearly baffled. However I did just update to Windows 10 (spyware eliminated) with not too much problem and I keep 3 ios devices and 2 android devices running fine so maybe I am not a total idiot. ; - P