Is HOOBS worth it? Does it make Homebridge easy?

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3 жыл бұрын

Having everything in your smart home under the control of Apple HomeKit can be very slick. But for one reason or another you might have smart home accessories that don’t officially support HomeKit. That’s where Homebridge comes in. But Homebridge is often very difficult to setup. HOOBS promises to be an easier solution to Homebridge as it comes already configured. Let’s talk about if it’s a good option for your Apple HomeKit setup.
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Пікірлер: 103

@amjustice 3 жыл бұрын

Great Hoobs overview Eric! I have one sitting on my desk that I look forward to diving into soon

@EricWelander 3 жыл бұрын

Nice! I'm excited to hear how it goes.

@myHomeKithome 3 жыл бұрын

Nice overview! I’m convinced I need to jump into Homebridge.

@EricWelander 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yeah jump in...the water is great in the Homebridge smart pool.

@ShaneCreates 3 жыл бұрын

Great video Eric. I’ve really enjoyed using hoobs for my roomba vacuum mostly (new video just posted today on that setup, haha). I also really love the dummy switch plugin....it’s so helpful with certain automations. I agree in that I always search for products with native HomeKit support also, but hoobs is great when that just isn’t an option, such as a robot vacuum or my Twinkly Christmas lights. It’s also great for people with lots of other smart home accessories that decide to make the move over to HomeKit without having to buy all new stuff right away.

@EricWelander 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Shane! That's good to hear your roomba integration is working well. I agree for people who've bought into other systems already it can save them a lot of money.

@mrxkyle22x 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Shane can you give an example of what you use the dummy switch for? I’ve seen it but can’t really think of a use for it, I’m curious. Thanks

@ShaneCreates 3 жыл бұрын

@@mrxkyle22x A great use is to fully automate "secure" devices, such as garage doors or locks, with geolocation. For example, normally if you set up a geolocation automation with a garage door, it will as you to authenticate on your phone before opening. So you can instead say, when I arrive home, turn on my dummy switch. Then a separate automation say, when the dummy switch turns on, open the garage. No requirement to authenticate this way (less secure perhaps so proceed at your own risk). Another common use is for timers. You can set up dummy switch timers to use in automations. For example when something happens, start a dummy switch timer, and then trigger another automation after a set amount of time...

@mrxkyle22x 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the reply Shane sounds interesting. What app do you use to set up time delayed automations like that? I’ve really been struggling to find something that can create the automations I want with a time delay.

@navarro152 3 жыл бұрын

mrxkyle22x the apps that Shane mostly recommend is the eve app or the home+ app. One you have to pay for the other one is free. I use the Home+ app with the dummy switch that Shane recommend (from a video from him). You can take a look to his channel also, he has some interesting stuffs. Between him and Eric I have learn a lot.

@TheDrakesilver 3 жыл бұрын

Nice Vid Eric thank you!. The reason btw that Hoobs responds more quickly is because ipv6 is disabled. IPV6 causes a slight delay is responding times.

@hometechreviews8444 3 жыл бұрын

Great video Eric! I’m quite shocked you mentioned you had to reboot hoobs to add or remove accessories. I also have hoobs and the tplink plugin and my devices show up almost instantaneously. I have never had to reboot my system. Hoobs recommends waiting a bit for them to sync up! Also their web interface I don’t think I’ve ever had any issues with searching for plugins failing. Maybe has something to do with your browser or internet connection. I don’t think the actual device would cause that issue. Cheers on your second channel best of luck.

@fretzy9999 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Eric... I largely use it to have access to a wider ecosystem of devices... Not all solutions That work well or look good when installed are available/certified for HomeKit so it’s an easy convenient middleware That means I don’t have to rip and replace. I can extend the investment already made in smart devices.

@justviewatching 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent video - looking at this to bring all the devices we have to homekit. The one device we have that I can't seem to get an answer for is a large ceiling fan that is from Modern Forms. Do you know of any way to add this device to homekit? TIA ! keep the videos coming!

@toyman91 11 ай бұрын

Are you going to test the Hoobs Pro 5 when it starts shipping to let us know if it is worth upgrading to it? You have a great channel, thanks for all you do to make things vary understandable. Gregg

@howardyermish 3 жыл бұрын

Your point about any of these solutions (Hoobs, Starling, Homebridge, etc.) is ultimately a hack is very much appreciated. I have Hoobs and I like it, but I actually decided to completely wipe it and start over to simplify everything that I was doing. At first, I tried to get everything exposed that I could to control via HomeKit. Now I am being much more purposeful for the automation challenges that I want to solve.

@EricWelander 3 жыл бұрын

That sounds like a great plan. Homebridge is really handy, but leaning too much on too many Homebridge plugins probably isn't the most reliable option long term.

@kubamaliszewski1167 3 жыл бұрын

You could always install config ui. I almost never touched json in config

@06chrysler1991 3 жыл бұрын

@@kubamaliszewski1167 that sounds so confusing… sheesh I’m not tech savvy to know how to do any of this

@A-CHONKY-BOI-PRODUCTIONS Жыл бұрын

I had an old HP Elite Desk sitting around so I installed Ubuntu and then Homebridge on that machine. Free OS and free Homebridge! Can't beat free! I use Homebridge for my IP Cameras that are around my property. I installed a WOL plugin for my windows PC, and a Broadlink plugin for my RM4 pro which controls my IR devices. My Linux Hombridge Server communicates very well with my Homepod mini hub. I recently added a Aqara G2H Pro indoor video system to homekit. This Aqara camera is also a Zigbee hub itself which now can expose Zigbee products to homekit. It was peiced together over time but all works very well.

@TimWat12345 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, I wish you talked more about the functional differences. For example, are there some plugins that are only available for Homebridge and not HOOBS? How can they be installed? Is one more compatible with more devices and "off label" uses than the other? I'm looking to connect older products and make them smart, like an old projector screen and elevator. (aka. Motor controllers that might have some random who wrote a plugin for them)

@gerdiguerrero7404 3 жыл бұрын

Great video!! I do not have a desktop and use an ipad as my everyday driver. Will this be an issue?

@JsTbeSmart 2 жыл бұрын

hello professor , it's a pleasure to join you. I'm new to hoobs. I just installed one. I have almost 100 shelly quotes and I thought it was easy just a shelly plugin to install on hoobs and it will work. booommm it was not like that. I'm a beginner I'm not an expert, first of all the devices work on a single action if you turn on you can't turn off. I searched everywhere, and I found that I have to uncheck something like igmp beamforming stuff like that. finally all sombler very well turn on turn off it's perfect. after a few hours I see no repence, nothing works. I see the router the IP address of hoobs is good .144 I type it on browser site inaccessible. I restart hoobs all function after a few minutes the same problem. I'm sorry it's very long and thank you very much for your help

@ericmortaro2475 3 жыл бұрын

Really wished homebridge supported nest secure. I ended up having to buy the starling, even though the nest plugin for homebridge said it’d work with nest secure. No more running homebridge on my esxi. :(. But hopefully I’ll have the functionality now.

@Makke_87 3 жыл бұрын

Hi, new guy here! 👋🏼 does HOOBS come with a ”sniffer” that detects the sensors etc, or do you still need to buy the hubs for those devices?

@KevinGoldenEnterprises Жыл бұрын

Homebridge is a must for me. With Vivint alarm, nest thermostats, TP Link smart plugs, and my insistence on using HomeKit vs Alexa/Google, homebridge is invaluable. I initially looked at hoobs. But at $170, I went digging for an alternative. That’s when I discovered homebridge was open source. As an Apple IT guy, I just put it on my “always on” Mac mini backed up on UPS without any additional costs.

@cr0okedcr0w30 3 жыл бұрын

Personally I LOVE hoobs! I pull the trigger one month ago, because I wanted to expose non homekit accessories to homekit! I’ve used the same Shane Wheatley ifttt method and now I can control my old Sony TVs (from 2013) change channel, turn up and down volume, turn on and off my Xboxs, my 5.1 setup, arm and disarm my Arlo pro 2 Base Station, and most importantly open my big gate or the small one when I’m coming home via automations , because all devices are exposed and visible in homekit app! Using iPhone, Apple Watch or HomePod ( consider that HomePod doesn’t even speak or understand my language, but I’ve settled up all the scenes in Italian via homekit and it works flawlessly). Hoobs is great aggregating and exposing all this stuff that works perfect are absolutely reliable but non homekit native! Ah, I’m absolutely noob in this kind of things, but the ifttt route in Hoobs is supereasy! P.s. I didn’t experience all this bug u mentioned: no flaw consulting the local Hoobs page or need to restart :)

@EricWelander 3 жыл бұрын

Sounds like a nice setup. Thanks for sharing

@cr0okedcr0w30 3 жыл бұрын

Eric Welander thank u Erik for your always humble and very informative HomeKit videos. Keep them coming! I can’t wait for your video about Sonos and home bridge!

@jatrippe77 3 жыл бұрын

Great video. I just ordered a Hoobs. I had homebridge setup on my PC that just crashed. Fortunately, I was able to save a backup of my homebridge. Is there any way I can recover my homebridge plugins through Hoobs? Or, do I have to start from scratch with adding plugins?

@gveresUW 3 жыл бұрын

When you toggle the power on one of your tp-link outlets connected through homebridge, do you know if it goes out to the internet or is the traffic contained in your local network? I am looking for a HomeKit outlet setup that I can use to reboot my router every week. Clearly once i power down the router the outlet won’t be able to get a signal from the internet to say power back up.

@MichaelEdwin1 2 жыл бұрын

On the security side of things - is it possible for a plug in to get access to things beyond the accessory being added (e.g by adding a plug for a bulb, can the plug in connect to your cameras operating on HomeKit)?

@MortyP 3 жыл бұрын

Great video. I noticed you have Staling next to the Hoobs, and you talk on Nest and Starling. Is the Hoobs not bring in Nest cams and doorbells a Starling does? I have Starling but was hoping to simplify and use one "hack" only (Hoobs) I'm considering the Hoobs to bring in Sonos and Nest, and rid the Staling. Thoughts? Cheers!

@voicerap 3 жыл бұрын

HOOBS brings in your nest devices and cams as well but require you to use 2 separate plugins. One for thermostats and nest protects and the other for the nest-cams and doorbells.

@EricWelander 3 жыл бұрын

Yes you technically can just use HOOBS/Homebridge but I still recommend using Starling for Nest. More on this specific question in my latest video.

@MarcoWintjens 3 жыл бұрын

I just run “homebridge” on my iMac, it’s always on anyway. No extra hardware needed

@Imjoshnewton 3 жыл бұрын

Hoobs is definitely a great option for someone not comfortable with the json files but I’m finding that I like the HomeBridge-UI-x plugin for a GUI to be a little more flexible. I do have hoobs running on my raspberry pi for flic buttons. The real power of homebridge for me are the additional software buttons and other automation plugins. Things like http buttons to interface with googles home for voice notifications is awesome.

@Valnurat 3 жыл бұрын

I haven't totally got this. Is this instead of having a AppleTV for an exampel or can you do more with this device.

@ayanmohanta 2 жыл бұрын

Fantastic video Eric. Is Hoobs Box equivalent to Rasp Pi + Hoobs MicroSD? I don’t have any knowledge about coding. What should I go for?

@EricWelander 2 жыл бұрын

It is basically a Pi + internal storage with some easier-to-use UI on top. If you haven't done any coding I would recommend checking out HOOBS instead of setting up a Raspberry Pi yourself.

@klauswerner 3 жыл бұрын

Witch antenna standards onboard (WLAN, Bluetooth, enocean, zwave, zigbee)?

@hungsiu2859 3 жыл бұрын

All I have now is a couple Nest Learning Thermostats, will you recommend this or Starling for HomeKits integration? And I won’t be buying any Nest product in the future. Thanks

@paulmccarey8647 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Eric - if I use the Hoobs bridge do I need to disconnect my Ring Bridge?

@jessemorales146 3 жыл бұрын

This is exactly the video I was looking for. Thank you! I don’t like that it’s a hack at the end of the day, but Apple just makes life so difficult. They’re so stingy on what brands and devices they’re compatible with.

@Sanjay9442 3 жыл бұрын

Problem with hoobs is price. I installed homebridge and it is actually quite easy.

@DanielBarria 2 жыл бұрын

Muy cierto, sale mejor comprar home kit directamente, aunque apple tiene que poner de su parte y poner más opciones a los fabricantes.

@mandeepmails 3 жыл бұрын

Does it support all basic stuff ESP8266 / NodeMCU Relays MQTT arduino codes etc ? Also, what if someone has Android phone too. how does Hoobs/homekit solution accommodate those users ?

@DirectorWD40 2 жыл бұрын

Can you use HOOBS to make devices work with Apple "shortcuts" as they could with IFTTT?

@ivanvanderkamp7365 3 жыл бұрын

I want Hoobs because it's easier and WAY CHEAPER to use other switches rather than the 30 dollars one specified for HomeKit. I love SonOff.

@JasonBeal 3 жыл бұрын

can not get logged into hoobs.local any recommendations?

@SkyKosiner 3 жыл бұрын

well im seeing this after i just spent all of yesterday doing homebrdige on linux and all of today configuring more devices 🤦‍♂️

@mendazle 3 жыл бұрын

Great video, Eric! Thank you. Is there a difference between buying the HOOBS SD card for $20 and/or downloading the HOOBS software for $7 donation and installing it myself? Is it basically the same thing, just paying for the SD card and convenience?

@EricWelander 3 жыл бұрын

Since HOOBS sent me the box, I haven’t tried either of those options myself, but I think it’s just added convenience with the card.

@metsfaninct 3 жыл бұрын

Do you need the Starling when you have Hoobs?

@metsfaninct 3 жыл бұрын

That is what I get for asking a question only 10 minutes in, lol.

@stephenstewart7972 3 жыл бұрын

I see a lot of people talk about HOOB but I don’t really see videos of them actually using it with real devices.

@RookieRay 3 жыл бұрын

Hey I’m having a lot of connection issues with LIFX lights. I have 35 LIFX downlights that go unresponsive if they are in standby for more than a few hours. Do you think HOOBs would help?

@EricWelander 3 жыл бұрын

I don't think HOOBS would help. I would contact LIFX support if you haven't already. Since those bulbs are Wi-Fi based, you might take a look at your Wi-Fi router situation and see if it needs upgrading to a mesh network that can better handle that many connections.

@ZoeSummers1701A 3 жыл бұрын

Are there any security risks using it?

@jayarecallens 3 жыл бұрын

That’s what I want to know

@naijadoc1741 2 жыл бұрын

@@jayarecallens same here

@GeorgeReinoso 3 жыл бұрын

Where can I find help for HOOBS? tried GitHub and Reddit and no luck.

@MortyP 3 жыл бұрын

Hey mate, Great video. Thanks. My neighbor shares her Nest public web camera addresses (simple http//:) to help monitor the shared courtyard. I have two separate web addresses that I like to expose to the home kit. I can't find any plugins for that simple mode of operation. Any ideas? Thanks

@EricWelander 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Morty! Thanks. I don't have an idea on this with HOOBS/Homebridge. You might try something like the Scriptable app on iOS to build a custom widget that fetches images from the camera.

@MortyP 3 жыл бұрын

@@EricWelander Thanks for the reply - I'll try....

@Cali_Oasis_Garden 3 жыл бұрын

Can you install nest on hoobs?

@safrontline 3 жыл бұрын

Yes plugins.hoobs.org/plugin/homebridge-nest

@tikass9901 4 ай бұрын

hi Eric are you using hoobs right now?

@EricWelander 4 ай бұрын

I still think it’s a good option, but I am not currently using it

@palles1972 2 жыл бұрын

About what about homey pro apple user

@dakdur1126 2 жыл бұрын

Help I upgraded to HOOBS 4 and it broke everything

@ronald0122 2 жыл бұрын

Is hoobs free for ubuntu?

@EricWelander 2 жыл бұрын

HOOBS is a nicely packaged version of Homebridge, which runs on a computer that can run Node.js.

@TwoLastNames 3 жыл бұрын

I don’t feel that HOOBS is necessary anymore, as the HomeBridge team has released their official image that can be installed on your RPI, etc. It includes the same UI HOOBS utilizes out of the box, and is incredibly easy to configure.

@EricWelander 3 жыл бұрын

But the HOOBS interface looks different from the Homebridge one. The key difference is you have to setup the Homebridge one yourself.

@BjarneQwinten 2 жыл бұрын

Stop the arm swing 😁

@rdboston7866 3 ай бұрын

I returned mine and they are refusing to give me my money back

@serenacloos 3 жыл бұрын

Just install the plugin Config-UI-X. So much cheaper and works exactly the same. With the new install it is already there. You can set it up in under 10 minutes.

@JohnnyJolt 4 ай бұрын

Expensive??? In Canada on Amazon CA a raspberry Pii runs around $170, less bear, the Hoobs is about $249.00 in Canada. So about $80.00 more for a plug and play item.

@atschram 3 жыл бұрын

I purchased this a year ago and it had promise. It never really lived up to the hype and now, it doesn’t even work for me.

@TParilla 3 жыл бұрын

Want to sell it

@06chrysler1991 3 жыл бұрын

What happened with it?

@bash6519 Жыл бұрын

that price did not age well... $270 now

@ruigaspar1594 3 жыл бұрын

Hoobs box overheats and a fire hazard device. Customer service says it is a “normal” operating condition. The tech is good but has safety issues.

@ruigaspar1594 3 жыл бұрын

Michael Kellsy You got your answer.

@javiertineo3084 3 жыл бұрын

I’m 1/3 into the video and I’m hella confused

@jayarecallens 3 жыл бұрын

Confused about HOOBS?

@06chrysler1991 3 жыл бұрын

Same

@joshuahaney1135 Жыл бұрын

$250 now geez

@yahirbravo-olvera3561 3 жыл бұрын

Can you add some more color to the background of your talking shots? I think it would help

@Puppetsinmyhead 3 жыл бұрын

Don’t understand how people say this is easy with the box. You still need the tokens and id’s etc. I tried to get my nest and eufy vacuum going. I gave up in frustration. What a waste of money🤬

@EricWelander 3 жыл бұрын

Not all plugs ins require tokens and IDs and OAuth. The TP Link plug in I use only talks over my local network. This is true for a variety of other plug ins too

@CC-gb8di 3 жыл бұрын

Thats another boloks!! So many routers and home clouds are so powerful today and you still have to install aditional hardvare!!! Boloks not gona buy it!!