Hubitat, has unveiled a home automation platform designed to run 100% locally, to improve reliability compared to cloud-dependent hubs currently on the market.
It is the first of its kind in the industry, Hubitat said, adding that the local approach to home automation also delivers faster device response and keeps personal data secure.
Hubitat Elevation is a robust platform that automates smart devices and elevates the home. The 100% local solution eliminates cloud dependence. It means that consistent Internet access is no longer a requirement in order for your device automations to function reliably.
Commands are sent directly from hub to device, so response is fast. All automation processing is done on your local area network (LAN), so your device data is stored on your LAN and kept securely at home. Hubitat Elevation empowers users to automate his or her home such that all the connected devices work reliably, instantly and without putting personal data at risk.
“From the outset we knew that home automation required a local processor, not a cloud-based one. Home automation has to be rock-solid reliable for consumers to enjoy its benefits, and cloud-based solutions just don’t have that level of reliability,” said Bruce Ravenel, Chairman of Hubitat. “Automations, especially lighting automations, require instantaneous response. No one has delivered on the promise of fast, reliable and secure automation — until now.”
Hubitat elevation specifics
Hubitat Elevation has built-in support for more than 90 unique smart devices, and more are being added with each update release. Support of the Z-Wave and Zigbee protocols allow the hub to “talk to” and automate the functions and features of standards-compatible devices. It also fully integrates with Lutron lighting systems, including RadioRA2, RA2 Select and Caséta, including the Pico remote.
Hubitat Elevation supports numerous popular platform integrations including Hue Bridge, Amazon Echo, IFTTT, Sonos and soon Google Home, Nest and others. It comes with more than a dozen built-in applications to create and manage automations, including Rule MachineTM, Hubitat Safety Monitor, Simple Lighting, Mode Manager and the Hubitat Dashboard.
Hubitat also supports the easy migration of existing home automation systems from older cloud-based systems, including SmartThings, to the solid and reliable local processing of Hubitat Elevation.
Issues with cloud-based home automation
Home automation hubs are designed to control and automate your home’s many smart devices such as lighting, audio, security, detection/sensors and climate control. Almost all “smart hubs” currently available for DIY-enthusiasts process automations in the cloud, which introduces issues with reliability, speed, and security.
Cloud dependence impacts availability. Connected devices throughout your home require consistent Internet access in order to function – an Internet outage means automated devices simply can’t work.
Cloud-based processing causes delays. Users must wait as each command is sent to the cloud and back before the device receives the command and functions. That round trip takes time and is further exacerbated if Internet latency issues exist. Eliminating that round trip means automations are very fast.
Cloud transactions expose personal data. Device data is constantly sent to and from the cloud, where it’s vulnerable en route. Security has become the #1 concern as people become more aware of the need to keep personal data private.
Users of popular automation hubs have been craving a solution that overcomes these three drawbacks. Hubitat Elevation claimed to be the first to provide a solution that addresses these challenges by operating locally.
Early user impression
Many users of Hubitat Elevation participate actively in the Hubitat Community to share experiences, learn from each other, and get inspiration, ideas and answers to their questions. Feedback from early adopters appears to be positive, according to Hubitat. Video tutorials also help both beginning and advanced users make the most of their Hubitat Elevation.
Hubitat Elevation began shipping in January and is available to order online. The introductory price of the U.S. version is US$99.95 (regular price is US$149.95) plus shipping. UK/Ireland and EU versions are also available at an introductory price of US$139.95 plus shipping.