Smartthings vs. Iris for home security

[JDRoberts]

@sdaniel105

With the ST unit it actually has to be connected to the internet to work not just your home network?

I realize I would not be able to receive alerts when I am away, but if in my own how and connected to the network can I control items?

SD

With the current (generation 1) ST hub, you must be connected to the Internet at all times, most of the processing takes place in the cloud.

The second generation has been announced, but no delivery date yet. It will have some “local processing,” but as yet we don’t know any details.

Most mass market home automation hubs in this price range are cloud based, including Iris and Wink. The current exception is Staples Connect, which does have local processing. However, it only works with a very limited set of devices, for example no zigbee except a few light bulbs.

So it just depends on your priorities, and whether you need something right away.

All of that said, since this is a security topic: I personally use a completely separate security system as I have minimum requirements for a system dealing with life and death emergencies that none of the inexpensive home automation hubs meet, with or without local processing:

Are you interested in a security service integrated with ST?

My 3 minimum requirements for any security system intended to address notifications for life and death emergencies: it works when the power’s off it uses cellular communication (not talking regular phones here, probably 400 MHz, which is typical for the security industry. But not wifi or Internet.) it has 24/7 professional monitoring authorized in my state to call emergency services but which checks for false alarms first) I also need a one touch panic button since I can’t use a phone. (BTW, I have all this now, there are many options available in the marketplace that meet these requirements. ST is a separate system for me. I’m very happy with it, but I use it for convenience, not monitoring life threatening emergencies.) But that’s just me, security is one of those areas wh…