Disadvantages
- Lack of hard buttons: The most common argument against using a smartphone or tablet for HA is the fact that they do not have enough or sometimes any hard buttons that can be programmed to perform an action. Proprietary devices usually have a number of physical buttons that can be programmed to carry out the most common functions such as power on, volume changes and so on, without the need to navigate through pages of GUIs to find the correct control. However, alternative methods of interaction can combat this by designing a GUI that utilizes gestures, sensors and the multitouch interface to allow for commonly used controls to be implemented without the need to look at the device. For example, volume up and down could be assigned to swipe up and down gestures.
- Lack of mounting options: Another point to be considered when looking at using a smartphone or tablet is the fact that iPads and iPhones do not come with stands and wall mount options as standard. Once again, the problem is easily solved by purchasing one of the many available third-party options to achieve the same result — often available in many different styles and colors, meaning that there is almost always a way to fit the device into the decor of the surroundings.
-
Screen lock and application launching: Screen lock was also an issue on iOS devices, as before iOS 6, slide to unlock could only be disabled on a jail-broken device. With
Guided Access on iOS 6, the screen lock function can be disabled, so it launches straight into the app that was open when the screen turned off.
- Too mobile?: The mobile nature of these very devices is one thing that goes against them; they could be more easily lost or stolen. It actually comes down to common sense. Don't use an iPad to control an area where it is likely accessed by those who are likely to steal/break it.
- Software/hardware updates: Some device manufacturers such as Apple will frequently release software and hardware updates. This would lead some to think that therefore more service calls would be required to address software updates and change over to new hardware. Feedback from integrators has indicated that this is not always the case, as a lot of end users are happy to continue using older hardware for control systems, especially if it is wall-mounted as they do not see it as an entertainment device. Software updates are more of a problem, but generally software updates are not compulsory and are usually designed so that all previously installed applications will continue to function as usual.
- Wi-Fi downfalls: When talking about iPads and iPhones, Wi-Fi is really the only option for network connectivity. While there is no substitute for a wired connection, making Wi-Fi rock solid has become increasingly easier and inexpensive. There is also a selection of Android devices available that include a wired Ethernet connection.
- Low margins: With Apple tightly controlling the distribution and selling of its products, it is next to impossible to make decent margins on their equipment if you are planning on reselling it. Consumers generally know how much these devices are worth, and that makes it hard to add any markup at all. If an integration company relies on touch panel hardware sales to make money, then this is probably a deal breaker. However, with the right thinking and planning, integrators can make the money up in other aspects of the job, and your programming and installations will actually make more money due to being much more efficient, and in the end you may win more jobs due to reduced costs