Homey: Privacy for US Smart Homes

Homey: A Privacy-Focused Smart Home Hub

The capacity to integrate with a vast array of smart home devices, coupled with intelligent automation rules and robust security features, defines the core offering of Homey. Unlike many systems, Homey prioritizes data security, aiming to shield user information from collection by smart home providers and subsequent use for advertising purposes.

European Roots and U.S. Expansion

Operating in the European market since 2014, Homey recently announced its entry into the United States at CES. A central problem it addresses is the fragmented nature of many smart home ecosystems, which often leads to extensive data collection and potential misuse. Traditionally, consumers have accepted this as an unavoidable consequence of smart home technology, but Homey proposes an alternative approach.

The company asserts that it does not engage in data listening, selling, or the creation of user profiles for targeted advertising.

Advanced Automation with "Flows"

Beyond data privacy, the Homey Pro hub introduces enhanced automation capabilities. Those familiar with If This Then That (IFTTT) will recognize the potential for creating customized automations, such as activating lights upon a doorbell ring or adjusting speaker volume at a specific time.

Homey integrates this functionality directly into its app architecture, referring to these automations as “flows.” Examples include automatically dimming bedroom lights when drapes are closed, or simultaneously lowering the thermostat, turning off lights, and activating the alarm upon locking the front door.

Voice Control and Energy Management

These flows can be initiated through voice assistants like Google, Alexa, and Siri Shortcuts. Furthermore, the company provides widgets for both mobile devices and the Apple Watch.

In addition to standard controls and automation, the apps provide tools for real-time energy usage analysis and offer suggestions for electricity conservation. For instance, it can compare the energy consumption of a washing machine’s “hot” versus “cold” cycles, or identify the most and least energy-efficient rooms in the home.

Broad Device Compatibility and Connectivity

Homey boasts compatibility with over 50,000 smart home devices from more than 1,000 brands. Users can manage and configure their systems through iOS, Android, and web applications.

The hub itself supports a wide range of connectivity protocols, including Zigbee, Z-Wave Plus, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 433MHz radios, and infrared transmission for controlling devices throughout the house.

App Options and Pricing

The Homey app allows control of smart home devices either through the $69 Homey Bridge or as a standalone application without dedicated Homey hardware.

A free version of the app supports up to five devices, while a premium subscription unlocks unlimited device connectivity for an entire household, costing $2.99 monthly.

A Vision for an Open and Private Smart Home

“Every home is unique; a universal solution doesn’t exist. Many current smart home systems are centered around a single brand, technology, or application. For example, Philips Hue excels in lighting, but its functionality is limited to that area,” explains Emile Nijssen, co-founder and creative director of Athom, the company behind Homey.

“Consequently, smart homes can quickly become complex and fragmented, requiring numerous different apps. Our objective with Homey is to disrupt the current paradigm and establish an open, affordable, and user-friendly system that unifies all smart devices while simultaneously safeguarding consumer privacy.”