Captain
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6.2K Messages
Google is getter closer to an Integration solution with SS
Over 13 years as a SS customer, I and many others have asked for safe, precise integration with 3rd party IoT. On the plus side, to the best of my knowledge, SS has not been hacked. That is great and a #1 priority, but that also hinders integration with IoT devices. Many factors, including security, cost, licensing etc all enter the equation. I personally would be happy with a way to turn on my IoT house lights when my SS3 system is in an alarm state, especially for fire NS CO that lighting would make survival much more likely.
Enter Google Home, latest version, and Gemini. Gemini, Google's answer to AI, is now in Google Home, as is a basic (and currently unwieldy) script creator. One off the shelf automation is "When an alarm is heard". While I own six Echo devices (which includes my Ecobee thermostat) I do have one, old gen, Google speaker. My excitement was quickly down the drain when I tested this and GA failed to turn my lights on during a SS3 test alarm. Google support said sorry but that capability is not there.....yet. That last word caught my curiosity and I continued the chat. The cliff notes version (short version for those that aren't old enough to know what cliff notes were) is that in the near future Gemini will be improved to write automation scripts for you and..... fill in the blank.
Simplisafe dev team: There is big demand for a simple, safe way to integrate. Do it now or soon please, or a competitor will find a way to do it for you. You do not want a competitor in your backyard.
In the interim, go Team Google!!
dlpsr
1.4K Messages
1 day ago
I hope your correct, but it is currently a paid Google Home Nest Aware feature. I think.
But, if it doesn't burn you too much, lol, Alexa is cheaper at approx. $59 per year and provides the ability to turn on listening. And you already have the devices. Or a test at $5.99 if a prime member, then cancel if not for you.. (Another subscription.🤪)
Here the routine courtesy of my "subscribed", lol, Ai, untested for paid Alexa.
Assuming subscribed to Alexa Emergency Assist:
### Setting Up the Routine:
1. **Open the Alexa App**:
- Ensure the app is updated to the latest version.
2. **Navigate to Routines**:
- Go to the "More" tab at the bottom right.
- Select "Routines."
3. **Create a New Routine**:
- Tap the "+" button to create a new routine.
4. **Name the Routine**:
- Give it a name like "Emergency Alarm Response."
5. **Set the Trigger**:
- Tap "When this happens."
- Choose "Sound Detection."
- Then select "Smoke Alarm" or "CO Alarm," depending on which alarm you want to respond to. You might set up separate routines for each or combine them if your lights should react the same way for both.
6. **Add Action(s)**:
- Tap on "Add action."
- **Lighting**:
- You can choose "Smart Home" to control your smart lights.
- Select the lights you want to turn on.
- You might want to set them to turn on to full brightness or a color like red to signify an emergency.
7. **Save the Routine**:
- After setting up the action, tap "Next" and then "Save."
### Example Routine for Smoke or CO Alarm Detection:
**Routine Name:** Emergency Alarm Response
**When:**
- **Sound Detection** → Smoke Alarm or CO Alarm
**Then:**
- **Smart Home** → Turn on all lights in the house to full brightness (or a specific color if your lights support RGB).
### Additional Considerations:
- **Location of Echo Devices**: Ensure Echo devices are placed where they can hear the alarms clearly.
- **Testing**: It's crucial to test this setup. You can do this by:
- Saying "Alexa, test for smoke alarms" or "Alexa, test for CO alarms" to simulate the detection without setting off a real alarm.
- Physically testing with a real alarm sound if you feel safe doing so.
- **Emergency Contacts**: Within the Alexa Emergency Assist settings, you can also set up emergency contacts who will be notified when an alarm is detected or when they call for help.
- **Other Actions**: Besides lighting, other potential actions could include:
- Playing an announcement on all Echo devices ("Leave the house immediately. Check for smoke or CO.")
- Sending a notification to your friend's phone or another family member's phone.
This routine provides not only immediate visual cues with lights but can also integrate with other home automation features for safety and emergency response. Remember, this setup complements traditional smoke and CO detectors but does not replace them; it's an additional layer of awareness and automation.
Personally, I'd also setoff the alarms for real world testing and Alexas hearing ability.
All relies on wifi being up and operating. Collects data, may alarm to similar sounding sounds. Nothings foolproof, but if notifications are on, you'll be contacted.
Due diligence. Easy to cancel via Amazon account. Unlike some subscriptions.😉 Price's I used are approximate for Prime members. More cost if not a prime member.
Double redundancy. Cost vs safety etc. Everyone's getting into the subscription game I suppose. No guarantee on the routines, sometimes Ai are dumber than a rock.
All of my Wyze cams are listeners and with smoke also tested, if they can hear, they have worked so far, just doing a hardware test. I'll have lights, sirens and all kinds of noise.
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dlpsr
1.4K Messages
15 hours ago
Whomever might read this.
Just to clarify and I'm still uncertain.
I think emergency assist is just another subscription that doesn't trigger anything other than whats offered. Unknown. Alexa call for help, notifications etc. It's not a monitoring service either exactly. I could be wrong, too much or not enough accurate data.
I can press my phone power off button 5 times, rapidly and call 911.🤷
Seems the possibly 175 billion dollar smart home business is going subscription happy. So anyone, ask questions and research thoroughly first.
Seems Home Assistant is one of the only non subscription home automation service available.
Even then, if companies start dropping home assistant integrations API's, where's that leave us? Not that they will, it's been tried and they got massive customer push back.
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