Securifi Community Forum
Securifi Products => Almond+ => Topic started by: jef152 on January 05, 2016, 10:48:44 pm
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http://techcrunch.com/2016/01/05/securifis-almond-3-is-a-router-and-smart-home-hub-in-a-nifty-single-box/
Given that this new router is 4x faster, it's likely not using the same type of hardware(and likely easier to update). I think the Almond+ isn't going to be around much longer....
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As long as integrates multiple controllers, say like the A+, I'm totally digging it.
Not to mention it comes as no surprise and I'm happy to hear it.
And now I can hope to pick up a bunch of used A+'s on the secondary market for cheap. ;D
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http://techcrunch.com/2016/01/05/securifis-almond-3-is-a-router-and-smart-home-hub-in-a-nifty-single-box/
Given that this new router is 4x faster, it's likely not using the same type of hardware(and likely easier to update). I think the Almond+ isn't going to be around much longer....
I hope Securifi continues to add compatible devices to the KS A+ model...
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I hope Securifi continues to add compatible devices to the KS A+ model...
If they have to focus their development team at coding for the new A3, I think we're screwed...
Some more technical details for the new A3 would be nice. I see it will be selling for 120$. It has Zigbee, Z-wave, bluetooth and an integrated siren. And they say it's 4x faster than the A+.
Meanwhile, A+ is still 249$ at Amazon....
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@ All,
As some of you might have seen, we announced Almond 3 (our 3rd generation of routers) at CES. Its also an 11ac (AC1200) router and HA hub (ZigBee Only) like the Almond+. And it comes with a built-in 90dB Siren.
We want to assure that Almond+ is going to stay front and center as we develop new and innovative features.
Z-Wave - We decided to remove Z-Wave from Almond 3 to reduce costs. Instead we will offer a Z-Wave USB dongle ($20) in key markets (US, EU, ANZ) through our partners. It will be Plug and play. You plugin the dongle and it will just work with Z-Wave sensors.
Bluetooth - It will be supported both on Almond+ and Almond 3 via a USB dongle. We're not sure of the timeline for the availability of this feature.
Mesh - It will be first launched on Almond 3 but Almond+ will also get this feature.
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Securifi, hope you realize it might pay to reward your loyal customers with some information about such things first OR at least at the same time. It seems embarrassing that a forum member would see it first in an article elsewhere. What about in the blog? Heck we even asked about CES. I did just notice that it is showing up on securifi.com.
That being said... The Almond 3 sounds interesting. The branding is bad (I would have gone with 2016) as you have officially muddled the lines... Almond, Almond+, Almond 2015, now Almond 3 (which is clearly based on the Almond and Almond 2015 lineage).
Feedback (based on Techcrunch article):
1) Why white versus the original black devices? Will there be color offerings or a cover available?
2) I only see one USB port and it looks like a 2.0. Is there more on the other side? Did Securifi consider 3.1 and the new port?
3) Related to 2... Hopefully there is more than one port. If there is only one, it limits options for Z-Wave, Bluetooth or storage... Choose only only, unless you will also support hubs.
4) Siren...OK. Can you strobe the screen backlight at the same time? I live near Rochester, NY which has a substantial deaf population (due to the National Technical Institute for the Deaf located at RIT). Sirens do not help them but flashing lights do. The backlight should be able to be linked (if desired).
5) When are we going to see Rule creation in the App? That may just be a made picture... But it looks like a screenshot!
I assume the 4 times faster is faster than the Almond 2015 (not Almond+). What about memory, etc...
Any beta testers on here that can now talk about it as it has come to light?
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I hope Securifi continues to add compatible devices to the KS A+ model...
I would imagine that LUCI and all Home Automation are common on a sorce code level to
a large extent. Particularly the high level stuff such as rules, compatible devices etc.
So I think that it won't affect the HA parts other than in a positive direction.
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I presume by "mesh networking" we're talking about seamless handoff between wireless APs? If so, this is a killer feature and one that definitely adds to making the long road to A+ full functionality worth the wait.
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@grouter Ashok mentioned that it is in fact that another forum posting and that was the general consensus.
I think the name change makes sense, almond 2015 is outdated on 1/1/16 but almond 3 stays current for longer.
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Some pointed thoughts as usual and many good points. I'm not in the least bit offended knowing the whirlwind of activity getting ready for and rolling out at CES. Definitely can be a hectic time, products are never far along enough, Marketing folks making promises that the Tech folks have to deliver. Last minute fixes, demos, media, scoping out the competition, it's a busy busy time.
Securifi, hope you realize it might pay to reward your loyal customers with some information about such things first OR at least at the same time. It seems embarrassing that a forum member would see it first in an article elsewhere. What about in the blog? Heck we even asked about CES. I did just notice that it is showing up on securifi.com.
It's is generally unwise to spill the beans prior to CES or you lose any 'punch' in the hyped media highlights coming out of CES. Besides, the writing has been on the wall for a while now.
That being said... The Almond 3 sounds interesting. The branding is bad (I would have gone with 2016) as you have officially muddled the lines... Almond, Almond+, Almond 2015, now Almond 3 (which is clearly based on the Almond and Almond 2015 lineage).
Almond 3 works for me, locking your product into a "year" is soooo Windows98. ;D
Feedback (based on Techcrunch article):
1) Why white versus the original black devices? Will there be color offerings or a cover available?
All my residential installs wanted white. Looks more in place as an appliance when mounted to the wall. Some of my folks have them mounted in the kitchen, others the study/library, still others in the hall upstairs. None of them wanted black or the other color options. I do like the idea of a snap on color cover but not at the expense of cooling issues or possible damage to the internals. An over cover would work.
2) I only see one USB port and it looks like a 2.0. Is there more on the other side? Did Securifi consider 3.1 and the new port?
3.1 would be slick but I'd want a legacy 2.0 port for sure
3) Related to 2... Hopefully there is more than one port. If there is only one, it limits options for Z-Wave, Bluetooth or storage... Choose only only, unless you will also support hubs.
An excellent point and I certainly hope it can handle 2/3 usb connections as I would absolutely want ZWave, Bluetooth and Storage
4) Siren...OK. Can you strobe the screen backlight at the same time? I live near Rochester, NY which has a substantial deaf population (due to the National Technical Institute for the Deaf located at RIT). Sirens do not help them but flashing lights do. The backlight should be able to be linked (if desired).
A cool idea. Not sure it would be attention getting enough. BTW, flashing the lights is easy enough to do and makes me think it would be a nice app option based on any number of triggers.
5) When are we going to see Rule creation in the App? That may just be a made picture... But it looks like a screenshot!
Going to be a nice feature when it arrives. Hasn't been high on my wish list because personally but it will be a nice option.
I assume the 4 times faster is faster than the Almond 2015 (not Almond+). What about memory, etc...
Any beta testers on here that can now talk about it as it has come to light?
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@SecureComp:
You are an installer? Just a hobbyist here. My coworkers keep trying to convince me that it would be something to get into. Really dream of being a professional beta tester. :)
Anyways, understand they do not want to pre-release, that is why I mentioned same time (first for me meant same day, but first crack at it).
3 vs year... I guess as long as they stick with one. Hopefully the next is not Almond 2017.
White to me is as bad as the blue LEDs that have become synonymous with tech. Or stainless steel appliances... Agree that any cover cannot be at the expense of functionality. On a related note, white should be able to be dyed for those that are truly desperate.
I could go with a legacy 3.0 or including an adapter, but I get your point for the USB.
Flashing lights can be done simply enough. If on, off, maybe with a delay... But I figured this would just be another direct value add to the device itself (kind of like adding the expense of the siren, but an already sunk cost).
Added feature request... Set a series of blank color LCD screens that can be triggered, or better make it programmatic single color. I want flashing red, or blue, or slow "breathing" green when it is all good, or a simple white nightlight, etc...
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@ All,
We also started taking Pre-Order notifications, any one who is interested then please do sign up at https://www.securifi.com/
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Think of all the web hits they'd get if they had named it the Almond Model 3, Securifi Model 3, or just Model 3 for short.
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Way more interested in the TP Link that is an AC1900 and has both ZWae and ZigBee.....
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Without trying to sound cranky as I do like my Almond+ and my Almond 2015 (translation: I have yet to hit my "bunny these guys! I'm done." moment of not-zen. See: any DLink product), I do think that we are owed some sort of specific time line of support, and update path for the other products in their line . And it should be on their website, where the world can see it.
I like Securifi, I like the effort they put in support...but at the end of the day, I am a consumer, they are a vendor, and I trust commitments I see in writing.
As far as dropping zwave...too bad. I bought the + specifically for that. The dongle is a nice upgrade gizmo, though and price point is better than a z-stick, so while I would like to bunny about that...I really can't.
But the press info has lead me to some other questions...like since my Almond+ has zigbee, do I have any real need for my hue hub taking up a valuable ethernet port, or can I pair hue bulbs directly to the Almond+ & 2015 and "cut out the middleman"? Secondly, is adding bluetooth connectivity to my Almond (s) as simple as plugging in any old aftermarket bluetooth dongle into a free USB port? And then I guess, what would I use that connectivity for?
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Some specifics from Securifi's webpage. https://www.securifi.com/almond
@Shazster, I believe that without the hue hub you wouldn't be able to control the colors of any of their bulbs just the on / off if you can even get them connected. As for bluetooth, there has to be controls for bluetooth devices, just plugging in a dongle won't create the programming to use bluetooth devices.
Edit: Also, too bad just a speaker for siren and no microphone...
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"@Shazster, I believe that without the hue hub you wouldn't be able to control the colors of any of their bulbs just the on / off if you can even get them connected."
...ahhh. OK then. But If I want to add zigbee based bulbs other than Phillips, I can do so without having to bother with adding their Hub, if so then cool. As for bluetooth, I figured that but it wasn't clear from the press info.
Securifi really does need to start leveraging what IS possible with their products, and with a little more documentation. I see a lot of bitching and moaning about what these products DON'T do. I think a lot of that would stop with more, and clearer, doc about what it CAN do. Eg. Walk throughs of how to add an ext. HD to the system, with prep (ie. What file formating is acceptable, optimal, etc. for example.)
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...ahhh. OK then. But If I want to add zigbee based bulbs other than Phillips, I can do so without having to bother with adding their Hub, if so then cool.
Correct, most other zigbee should work. Phillips, and a few other companies, add a proprietary layer to their protocols which make it not plug and play as much as other devices can be. Some do this so that you can't use them at all, some do this so that it can only be done with their support. For non-color bulbs check out the GE Link bulbs, zigbee based, dimmable, start at $15 for standard bulb, other sizes / types up to $25 (I think).
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I like the Cree Connected bulbs, have had fewer issues with them as compared to the GE Link bulbs. Still have plenty of the GE and they are available in multiple types and wattages, so that's nice.
Doubt Phillips will let folks get away without using a hub but I can hope. Can't stand having to buy one of those things when I'm already paying big bucks for the bulbs.
@JesseD let us know if you go that route. The grass is always greener on the other side until you actually get to the other side and find out it's just a different shade of green, or brown, well you get the idea. No telling how TPLink is going to do but we will know soon enough. Again, surprised many other folks haven't gone this route yet.
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I forgot the Cree Connected bulbs as I hadn't used them myself and have had almost zero issues with the GE bulbs. I have had one of them which on three different occasions stopped responding, I turned it on and off using the switch (this is on a really high ceiling fan that only has one switch to control fan and lights so I use the GE bulbs to control them separately) and it started working right away.
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Yeah. HA is fine until you end up with a router that looks like an octopus with all these hubs plugged into it. The day we bought our Almond+, my wife was eyeing the Harmony Home Hub. It took a great deal of convincing to explain that the harmony does not in fact REPLACE any of these things, just controls them. They are quite ambiguous about that.
We ended up getting the Almond instead. Just for shitsngiggles Google the price on the zwave/zigbee "extender hub" that is an "accessory"..."option".
Any day I can cut one of these hubs out of the equation is a good day.
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Great they added support of BT in new device, there will be many BTSmart sensors/devices coming out I believe, but unfortunately this means that will be no support of BT in Almond+ :(
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Great they added support of BT in new device, there will be many BTSmart sensors/devices coming out I believe, but unfortunately this means that will be no support of BT in Almond+ :(
Not necessarily. We shall see.
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They stated that the almond+ will receive ability to control Bluetooth through a dongle as well. Hopefully that's true.