Android app for ISY

[ArunGupta2014]

Is there even a half decent Android app for ISY Insteon and Z-wave? Mobilinc is a piece is of junk. It is still stuck on a dead X10 technology. Cannot read anything Z-wave correctly.

 

There are bunch of smart hubs offering nice Android apps but ISY is severely lagging behind in this area. Coupled with an indefinite wait for multi-channel support, I am seriously beginning to question my decision to go with ISY,

 

Thanks,

Arun

 

[Teken]

You're correct there are not very many Android smartphone applications for the ISY Series Controller. I am not sure if its a simple matter that its hard to create Android applications but there doesn't seem to be many developers interested in creating apps for the ISY. 

 

Here is a fellow trying to create one from scratch: http://forum.universal-devices.com/topic/17576-yet-another-android-app-attempt/

[MWareman]

Problem is, most Android users don't want to pay many $$'s for an app, and the user base is not in the millions (needed for low $ apps to provide a reasonable ROI).

 

I gave up altogether, and have written a ton of Tasker tasks, several Tasker scenes and many Tasker profiles to tie things together. It all works specifically to my needs, but works well enough for me.

[ArunGupta2014]

There is an app called ISY Controller by Random_Wire_Technologies. I tried talking to the app developer to enhance the app but he has kind of given up on that. He said that he developed the app for his own use. If a single developer can do it, then it should not be very hard to develop the app. Even $50 Wink hub has an app, so it is not like it costs hundred thousand dollars for the developmental effort. At this time, I am extremely disappointed in Universal Devices. Their slow pace of keeping up with new features is making me concerned.

 

I will follow the link mentioned by Teken in the hopes that someone can develop a good app.

 

Thanks,

Arun

[Pacificwing]

Their slow pace of keeping up with new features is making me concerned.

 

I will follow the link mentioned by Teken in the hopes that someone can develop a good app.

 

I agree. I'm an android user, and I've built what I need out of tasker. The developers for Mobilinc clearly don't have an interest in android, is over charging, and there is no other serious contender. I wouldn't give them your money. Thankfully, android has Tasker (the android users secret weapon). You can make whatever interface you want from it and have it do whatever you want. You did choose to buy an ISY, so I'm guessing you like to tinker and are more technically inclined than most home automation users.

 

I also agree that UDI (and Smartlinc with insteon development) are too slow. The development cycle for version 5 has now taken more than a year for a feature list that should not be taking a year to implement. I worry about the ISY's ability to stay competitive at this rate, even if they are marketing towards a smaller subset of users. I'm not sure how large the development team is, but from a marketing standpoint, this release rate is unacceptable. Even if you are willing to wait, you can't deny that other HA products are flooding the market at an enormously fast rate. Most of them might be less flexible and cloud-based, but the average home-user doesn't care. Savvy folks might know why cloud based solutions are not desirable, but "cloud" is a buzzword and successfully being marketed as a good thing. Furthermore, 95% of home automation users don't want to learn how to program just to be able to turn stuff on and off with their smartphone.

 

For us more advanced users (the ISY's target audience), we are the minority. Even still, there are other home automation products that cater to the advanced user crowd. The ISY is not without competition, even at their low price point. This puts UDI at a disadvantage. It is becoming apparent that many of us (the advanced user crowd) want/need more than UDI has the capacity to offer in a timely fashion.

 

Also, the main attraction with version 5 is variables. Variables!? WTF? A basic foundation concept of any programming language going back to punch cards, and the ISY is only getting around to adding full support for them now? How has the ISY been able to be marketed as a programmable controller and it hasn't even officially implemented something as basic as variables?

 

It is clear that the strongest selling feature of the ISY is the community. Hands down. The amount of brainpower on this forum alone surpasses the community for any other HA product I've seen. Not to mention friendly and helpful. This is a rare combination.

 

If I was UDI, I would capitalize on this by making it a top priority to implement some sort of user-developed module interface. This would allow the community to contribute to the development of the core features on a modular basis. Imagine how quickly the ISY development would progress with an army of amateur developers creating a massive library of custom modules. I'm pretty sure that if the community had access to "plug in" custom modules to the core firmware, something like variable support would have been implemented overnight.

 

But, alas, we've been told this won't happen, so development will continue at its snails pace, and most likely stall entirely because other products have surpassed it making continued development economically unfeasible.

 

 

Edit: Sorry for the rant. I just realized I digressed way off topic. Haha.

[kohai]

Why I chose ISY:

 

- There's an actual presence of UDI employees on the forums.  That never happens at medium to big companies.

 

- Real tinkerers seem to move FROM other systems TO ISY to get the flexibility they want.

 

- If realistic and generally desirable, there's a good chance of getting a feature request actually implemented.

 

- The forum user base is awesome.  

 

- v5 is adding the node functionality so people can extend the ISY

 

- I did realize z-wave was a new implementation on an existing framework and I'm being patient.  I'd rather have decent releases in a fairly functional state than DOA with each successive releases also wonky.

 

- No cloud!  This can't be mentioned enough.  (as I look at my honeywell wifi thermostat and growl at it)

[MWareman]

 

 

Also, the main attraction with version 5 is variables. Variables!? WTF? A basic foundation concept of any programming language going back to punch cards, and the ISY is only getting around to adding full support for them now? How has the ISY been able to be marketed as a programmable controller and it hasn't even officially implemented something as basic as variables?

I believe you are misinformed. Variables have been in ISY since I got it - in the 2.x days and likely much earlier. Years ago.

 

What's new is the ability to assign device state to a variable, and the ability to assign a variable value to the device state.

 

Also, I believe that in the realm of consumer focused HA controllers, only one other (that I know of) supports variables as a concept at all.

[MWareman]

 

 

Why I chose ISY:

 

- There's an actual presence of UDI employees on the forums. That never happens at medium to big companies.

 

- Real tinkerers seem to move FROM other systems TO ISY to get the flexibility they want.

 

- If realistic and generally desirable, there's a good chance of getting a feature request actually implemented.

 

- The forum user base is awesome.

 

- v5 is adding the node functionality so people can extend the ISY

 

- I did realize z-wave was a new implementation on an existing framework and I'm being patient. I'd rather have decent releases in a fairly functional state than DOA with each successive releases also wonky.

 

- No cloud! This can't be mentioned enough. (as I look at my honeywell wifi thermostat and growl at it)

This. x100.

 

Never a week goes by that I don't hear about a user ditching the Hub or Vera for ISY. Most people I work with in our companies systems department now also use ISYs.. after experimenting with other systems first.

 

I know several people in my neighborhood that have cloud based systems now looking to what I'm doing, because when their internet goes down they lose the ability to control anything. So much for the 'power' of the cloud. I love UDIs local-first and cloud where it works approach.

[Teken]

There is an app called ISY Controller by Random_Wire_Technologies. I tried talking to the app developer to enhance the app but he has kind of given up on that. He said that he developed the app for his own use. If a single developer can do it, then it should not be very hard to develop the app. Even $50 Wink hub has an app, so it is not like it costs hundred thousand dollars for the developmental effort. At this time, I am extremely disappointed in Universal Devices. Their slow pace of keeping up with new features is making me concerned.

 

I will follow the link mentioned by Teken in the hopes that someone can develop a good app.

 

Thanks,

Arun

 

 

I agree. I'm an android user, and I've built what I need out of tasker. The developers for Mobilinc clearly don't have an interest in android, is over charging, and there is no other serious contender. I wouldn't give them your money. Thankfully, android has Tasker (the android users secret weapon). You can make whatever interface you want from it and have it do whatever you want. You did choose to buy an ISY, so I'm guessing you like to tinker and are more technically inclined than most home automation users.

 

I also agree that UDI (and Smartlinc with insteon development) are too slow. The development cycle for version 5 has now taken more than a year for a feature list that should not be taking a year to implement. I worry about the ISY's ability to stay competitive at this rate, even if they are marketing towards a smaller subset of users. I'm not sure how large the development team is, but from a marketing standpoint, this release rate is unacceptable. Even if you are willing to wait, you can't deny that other HA products are flooding the market at an enormously fast rate. Most of them might be less flexible and cloud-based, but the average home-user doesn't care. Savvy folks might know why cloud based solutions are not desirable, but "cloud" is a buzzword and successfully being marketed as a good thing. Furthermore, 95% of home automation users don't want to learn how to program just to be able to turn stuff on and off with their smartphone.

 

For us more advanced users (the ISY's target audience), we are the minority. Even still, there are other home automation products that cater to the advanced user crowd. The ISY is not without competition, even at their low price point. This puts UDI at a disadvantage. It is becoming apparent that many of us (the advanced user crowd) want/need more than UDI has the capacity to offer in a timely fashion.

 

Also, the main attraction with version 5 is variables. Variables!? WTF? A basic foundation concept of any programming language going back to punch cards, and the ISY is only getting around to adding full support for them now? How has the ISY been able to be marketed as a programmable controller and it hasn't even officially implemented something as basic as variables?

 

It is clear that the strongest selling feature of the ISY is the community. Hands down. The amount of brainpower on this forum alone surpasses the community for any other HA product I've seen. Not to mention friendly and helpful. This is a rare combination.

 

If I was UDI, I would capitalize on this by making it a top priority to implement some sort of user-developed module interface. This would allow the community to contribute to the development of the core features on a modular basis. Imagine how quickly the ISY development would progress with an army of amateur developers creating a massive library of custom modules. I'm pretty sure that if the community had access to "plug in" custom modules to the core firmware, something like variable support would have been implemented overnight.

 

But, alas, we've been told this won't happen, so development will continue at its snails pace, and most likely stall entirely because other products have surpassed it making continued development economically unfeasible.

 

 

Edit: Sorry for the rant. I just realized I digressed way off topic. Haha.

 

UDI is a very small team of enthusiasts who have a vision where the ISY is the central HUB that allows the end user to take control of their environment. As noted above they are not Apple, Google, Samsung, etc and do not have the finances and resources to push out what ever they want.

 

As their primary goal is to offer a solid and stable platform for all to use. Regardless of skill set or advanced programming knowledge until the user wishes to dive into conditional logic driven programs.

 

The company is slow, but is stead fast in ensuring each release is operational and won't brick the device. You will not find another company in any size from A-Z that offers so many solid updates with enhanced features for free.

 

As others have mentioned there isn't one major home automation company never mind a large enterprise company where you will see the CEO come on and assist the customers, ever . . .

 

I mean ever . . .

 

Truth be told, lots of people know I've grown increasingly upset and tired of all the waiting on several fronts. Which are seeing that all Insteon devices have every option listed and supported per the EDOC's. Along with seeing more work and development on the Energy Module which relates to the Brultech Green Eye Module.

 

Michel and I have discussed these concerns and others many times over the years and he has stated his reasons etc. Regardless of how I feel about his position I have to respect the fact he has taken the time to explain them to me personally and in the open forums.

 

This speaks volumes about his attitude and commitment for his company and the future he sees UDI in the HA space. Meaning his core focus is about providing a solid product with features that general public want to see and are willing to pay for.

 

This was seen with the addition of the Z-Wave module, ADR Energy Module, and now the UDI Portal which allows more connectivity with 3rd party devices and cloud hosted services.

 

Business's are created to make money while offering a product / service.

 

I may not like the snail pace or the lack of development in the items I listed above. But its safe to say I respect him for taking the time to let me know personally.

 

I will close my remarks and say that like many here there are very few things I would ever consider an investment. Much less a piece of hardware sitting on a shelf, but its a fact the 994 Series Controller has, and continues to be, one of the best single investments I've made in the HA space bar none.

 

UDI is people driven, and in doing so this translates to a better customer experience that you simply won't find elsewhere.

[Michel Kohanim]

I want to thank you all for your support and feedback which, apart from technology, is pretty much the only other thing we strive for. Without your continued support, feedback, suggestions and even disheartening (and heartbreaking) comments, we would not be where we are now even if at a slow pace.

 

Thanks again so very very much!

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[Pacificwing]

I want to thank you all for your support and feedback which, apart from technology, is pretty much the only other thing we strive for. Without your continued support, feedback, suggestions and even disheartening (and heartbreaking) comments, we would not be where we are now even if at a slow pace.

 

Thanks again so very very much!

 

With kind regards,

Michel

 

 

I was a little harsh, I suppose. The truth is, after looking at the specs, I didn't even consider any other controller when I made this purchase. Despite the few issues I've had with it, I still feel I made the right choice. I actually jumped through many hoops to get it shipped up here in Canada (customs is a nightmare sometimes), because as you know, the ZW model isn't marketed here quite yet. Not sure if I'm breaking any regulations by running this in my home office, but I don't think the swat teams are going to be breaking down my door any time soon.

 

I work in commercial grade automation, so I suppose I have higher than average expectations. I work with PLC and DDC systems that are designed to be pulled apart and put back together as I see fit (they also cost thousands of dollars, so there is that). Some very powerful stuff.  If I encounter a problem, I'm used to having the ability to solve it on my own. In many cases, the ISY has let me do that. In other cases, not so much, and it can get frustrating. This is why I am so heavily in support of a modular system that can be more community driven. I didn't mean to imply it isn't already a great product.

 

That being said, I look forward to where things are going. I am a little disappointed in Mobilincs blatant disregard for Android, as well as some of the choices Insteon/Smartlabs have made. While these aren't directly UDIs fault, I fear that unfortunately they are going to impact the popularity and viability of the ISY as a product. The decision to incorporate Z-wave will help mitigate this somewhat (not all of the eggs in insteons basket) and the Tasker app with the Rest interface is simply saving the day for android users.

 

Don't give up the hard work. It's appreciated.

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi Pacificwing,

 

Thank you for the feedback. We are definitely moving to a modular version with Polyglot. The only concern we have is the ability to vet developer modules and, since we are a small company, this task become difficult. That's the reason why we are making sure Polyglot core framework is rock solid and not open source.

 

Thank you for your patience. I can tell you that Z-Wave multi channel is working and being alpha tested right now. So, we are very close albeit slowly.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[grahamk]

Newbie going to dive in here.....

 

After finally having to give up on X10 despite the great efforts of JVDE and years of investment in modules and lots of custom programs that will need to be ported, etc.  I dropped the hint to my wife that I'd like an ISY for Xmas.

 

Why? (in no particular order):

 

No cloud. I used an insteon hub for about a week before tossing it in the trash. No amazon, no google, what I do in my home stays in my @#^%$ home.

Not locked in to one technology (Insteon vs. zwave vs. X10, though I have yet to purchase an insteon device other than the PLM).

Support. And by that I mean this forum.  Has there ever been a flame war on this forum? I can't find one.

Affordability. Sure - it's not exactly cheap - but you get a lot of bang for the buck and the possibilities with this unit seem somewhat endless.

API. You can do pretty much anything you want with the API. I looked into it before asking my wife for the xmas present and it seemed robust. When put to the test the API is incredibly easy and effective to use. I have multiple perl scripts written that leverage X10. All I have to do is replace send_plc calls with curl calls. Brilliant.

 

Bringing this around full circle - I do use Android and the app has been an issue. I'd rate mobilelinc as "fair" as long as you don't use https. But - I have HAD running on a linux webserver on my network and the tweaking has begun. This time 2 months from now it will be perfect for my needs.

 

Lack of Z-wave multichannel support took me by surprise I must say. I am looking forward to that and trust that it is coming. 

 

So far - very satisfied - and thanks for all the help and newbie patience on the forum - it is very much appreciated.

 

Graham

 

[MWareman]

We were told in another thread that zwave multi-channel is 'working in alpha' and coming to beta 'soon'.... Going thru regression tests....

 

(Note to Michel: I'd love to alpha-test it! My secondary 5.0.2 ISY with zwave and a standby Fibrio LED controller are desperately seeking a relationship!)

 

[Pacificwing]

Lack of Z-wave multichannel support took me by surprise I must say. I am looking forward to that and trust that it is coming. 

 

I'm fairly new to Z-wave. What advantages does multi-channel offer?

[Teken]

I'm fairly new to Z-wave. What advantages does multi-channel offer?

 

Basically anything that has multiple functions does not work in the current ISY firmware. This Z-Wave support is almost ready for release and is in Alpha trials and will be in Beta soon.

 

So this will be a none issue moving forward for many of those using multi-channel devices like the Aeotec Multi-Sensor

[James Peterson]

Is there even a half decent Android app for ISY Insteon and Z-wave? Mobilinc is a piece is of junk. It is still stuck on a dead X10 technology. Cannot read anything Z-wave correctly.

 

There are bunch of smart hubs offering nice Android apps but ISY is severely lagging behind in this area. Coupled with an indefinite wait for multi-channel support, I am seriously beginning to question my decision to go with ISY,

 

Thanks,

Arun

 

For a lot of you this is old news, but I have released a new android app called Agave.  I should have matched+ features by the end of the year.  As long as I can get enough interest I should be able to maintain active development.  You can download it on the market or checkout the website at: http://www.agaveha.com

[thewisteron]

@James Peterson - just saw your app.  Excited to try it when I get home.

[gilkesonj]

Started using your app yesterday.  Thank you for your efforts!  this is a wonderful app!  works well with my GE ZWave switches and my linear GD00Z garage openers.

one thing i noticed on the garage openers is that when I open them using the home page "favorite", they open fine.  if I push the button icon again to close, they do not do anything.  I have to go to the specific screen for the opener and press "Off" to close them.  THis is not a big deal, and I thought you might appreciate the feedback.

 

Thanks,

Jim

[James Peterson]

Started using your app yesterday.  Thank you for your efforts!  this is a wonderful app!  works well with my GE ZWave switches and my linear GD00Z garage openers.

one thing i noticed on the garage openers is that when I open them using the home page "favorite", they open fine.  if I push the button icon again to close, they do not do anything.  I have to go to the specific screen for the opener and press "Off" to close them.  THis is not a big deal, and I thought you might appreciate the feedback.

 

Thanks,

Jim

Interesting.  I'll look into it.  thx for the support and info.

[gilkesonj]

James,

one other piece of feedback...would it be possible to show the status of the barrier device as "Open" or "Closed".  right now I see "On" and "Off".  I'm not sure if this is the device sending the status or not.  In my ISY console it shows open/closed.

 

 

Thanks again...really enjoying the app!

 

Jim

[James Peterson]

James,

one other piece of feedback...would it be possible to show the status of the barrier device as "Open" or "Closed".  right now I see "On" and "Off".  I'm not sure if this is the device sending the status or not.  In my ISY console it shows open/closed.

 

 

Thanks again...really enjoying the app!

 

Jim

 

If I am not mistaken, you should be able to go into the details activity and change the status to whatever you want.  Just click on "Options"

[gilkesonj]

Thanks James!  that worked!

[ArunGupta2014]

Having a problem. Aeotec LED bulbs show 39% on the app even when fully ON.