Well, we're not going to say that we'll never do it, but it's not going to happen any time soon. We're still aware that people would like this feature, but it'd require a lot of work on our side.
What's easy to forget is that we'd need a local server running on the Almond+ that would have to sync with the cloud, say for example if you're at work and your wife is at home, you'd both have to be able to see if the other person is making any changes.
You can already set up an account for her though, simply follow these instructions -
http://wiki.securifi.com/index.php?title=Almond_Cloud_-_Invite_MoreShe'd have full access though, as we've yet to implement any user restrictions.
Your points are valid, but this would take a good few months at least for us to implement and it's something we have discussed, but due to the complexity of it, it's not something we're going to start poking around with for now. If it was easy, we'd be doing it sooner, but it's not. We're also aware of the concern a lot of you are having based on what happened to Revolv, as their product will end up being pretty useless by the time they turn off their servers. We do still have the local web UI, but I also understand for many, this is simply not good enough. Just to be clear, this is where the automation will take place initially, although the plan is to add it to the mobile apps in the future as well, but I don't have any kind of ETA for that.
We, well, at least I, do read 90% of everything posted in the forums. I admittedly miss things, but this isn't my full-time job. That said, I think our product will live or die depending on us listening to our customers. We can of course not do everything that everyone wants, we simply don't have the manpower to do that, BUT we are paying attention and we do discuss a lot of the things being brought up here.
The fact that they are busy is a reason for this to not necessarily arrive in the next release... but it does not stop this from being a valid request. If Securifi will never add this capability, or put development resources to it, they could say so. Flat out, that answer would upset some sure, but it would also be clear. Would I get rid of my Almond+? No. But I definitely would be interested in having the ability not to go through the Cloud. What are my own reasons?
1) Why send the data over the cloud when I am home? I DO NOT have cell service at home. As posts in another thread mentioned, I rely on a pico cell. So either way my cellphone is connecting through the network to get to a cloud site, to get back to itself.
2) The cloud connection has failed multiple times. I do not know of one time that it was Securifi's fault. A couple times it has been the cloud servers (I think they use Amazon). At least once has been my home internet connection.
3) "Simplicity". My phone and many other options I have are set up to keep things internal when at home. Not that I am worried about cloud activity (I have things that send out specifically) but I like the option.
4) Not a concern for me now... but who knows in the future... Bandwidth. With so many ISPs looking at implementing data usage caps (my own, Time Warner, tried before) I think it is only a matter of time until they start trying again. Any way to minimize it, if I desire, would be a plus. Why go off the network if it does not need to?
Now I understand it is tough. Validation of the network connection would prove difficult but the device is already validated for the network. You could even set it up to only allow certain MAC addresses to use the app locally (I would LOVE that because I could let my wife's phone control switches without using my account). Does this make people unhappy that have a more complicated setup? Sure. But there has to be some limitations. Securifi cannot do everything for everyone, be everything. If they come out with a limited thing and say "look, we did it, but there are some caveats you need to be aware of and you can only use it by doing it THIS way..." then I think that is good enough in my book especially to start with.
So far my experience with my Almond+ and Securifi has been positive. I believe they have a good product available. The software needs work but I assumed I was getting into that. I am the type of person that does not mind dealing with betas and bugs (heck, I used to be on and run a software QA team). Is it for everyone in this state? No way. Would I recommend it for friends or family. Not yet. If they come through? It looks promising and I am willing to work with it and them. Things work with the forums and my dealings with Securifi personnel have been good. If they come back and say "nope"... Fine. That is their choice and direction as a company. Like I said before, I am OK any which way. I think they do need to come up with a little better communication to satisfy some of the people that have been making requests, at least showing what some of their priorities are, but I am not that person. The surprise keeps me checking the forums and being active.
Probably too long of a response... and too rambling. Sorry Cuthain... split my head early and I guess it shows... but I hope my overall opinion came across.
