PC Magazine - USA (2020-08)

(Antfer) #1

Many of the latest home automation hubs support
multiple protocols, so you don’t have to settle on just
one. The Wink Hub 2 is one of the more versatile hubs:
,QDGGLWLRQWR=LJEHH=:DYHDQGGXDOEDQG:L)LLW
supports Bluetooth Low Energy, Lutron Clear Connect
OLJKWLQJ DQG.LGGH VPRNHDQG&2DODUP ZLUHOHVV
protocols. It also supports Alexa voice commands and
,)777DSSOHWVDQGLWFDQFRQWUROVPDUWGHYLFHVIURP
numerous manufacturers including Chamberlain,
(FREHH*(+RQH\ZHOO1HVW3KLOLSV+XH5LQJDQG
Yale. Just keep in mind that Wink recently changed its
business model and now charges a $4.99 monthly fee
IRUWKHVDPHVHUYLFHVLWSUHYLRXVO\R̆HUHGIRUIUHH


The Samsung SmartThings Hub is another multi-
SURWRFROFRQWUROOHU,WFRQWDLQV%OXHWRRWK:L)L
Z-Wave, and Zigbee radios and controls many of the
most widely used smart devices from companies
LQFOXGLQJ(FREHH+RQH\ZHOO.ZLNVHW3KLOLSV+XH
5LQJ6FKODJHDQG<DOH2IFRXUVHLWDOVRZRUNVGLUHFWO\
with many Samsung products. It can be controlled
using Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice
commands.


If you’re looking for a system that does more than just
control smart devices, consider a hybrid approach such
as the TP-Link Deco M9 Plus. The M9 Plus is primarily
DPHVK:L)LV\VWHPWKDWXVHVDWWUDFWLYHQRGHVWR
HOLPLQDWH:L)LGHDGVSRWVZKLOHSURYLGLQJDVLQJOH
network for seamless roaming throughout your home.
It also contains Bluetooth and Zigbee antennas and can
control numerous smart devices including door locks,
door sensors, lighting systems, motion sensors, and
VPDUWSOXJV6DPVXQJ¶V6PDUW7KLQJV:L¿LVDQRWKHU
K\EULGPRGHOWKDWFRPELQHVDQ$&:L)LV\VWHP
with a SmartThings home automation hub.


Many of the
latest home
automation
hubs support
multiple
protocols, so
you don’t have
to settle on
just one.
Free download pdf