Comparing SmartThings to other Ecosystems (Google, Amazon, Apple, etc)


#1

I have been a generally happy (sometimes frustrated) SmartThings user for less than a year, and am using webcore with various devices (including 100+ Fibaro light switches). I am curious whether others have had experience with other ecosystems (Google, Amazon, Apple, etc) in addition to SmartThings.

In particular, do they adopt the same general architectural approach as SmartThings of executing “device handlers” in their respective clouds (as well as on a local Hub) – ie, supplementing the firmware on the physical device itself? If a physical device supports the network protocol of a Hub (ie, as a “gateway”), must the manufacturer also write a custom “device handler” to provide compatibility with that ecosystem (eg, would a device that supports WiFi still = not work with a Google Hub unless the mfr of the device writes a device handler)?

Do they all provide something akin to webCore for extensibility – ie, to supplement the built-in features of a Hub with a full-featured programming/scripting environment?

And do they all provide “interoperability” across ecosystems via “plugins” (eg, a SmartThings Smart App or an Alexa “skill”)?

Just trying to get a feel for the overall IoT world and whether we are getting closer to (or further from) interoperability of devices across these various “de facto standard” ecosystems.

Appreciate any thoughts from those with experience across these different ecosystems (beyond just SmartThings).


#2

You may want to post this question on the ST forum. Probably get more responses :slight_smile:


#3

Will do. Thanks


#4

All three companies you mentioned (Google, Amazon, Apple) are companies that only want you to use their devices. They notoriously do not play well with many devices made by other companies. (unless those companies have some kind of financial contract with them)