I recently learned about Home Assistant here on Lemmy. It looks like a replacement for Google Home, etc. However, it requires an entire hardware installation. Proprietary products just use a simple app to manage and control devices, so can someone explain why a pretty robust dedicated device is necessary as a replacement? The base model has a quad core processor, 4 gigs of ram, and a 32 gig hard drive. Admittedly it’s no gaming PC, but it’s no arduino either.

What actually happens when I turn on a smart switch in my home? Does that command have to be sent to a server somewhere to be processed? What really has to be processed, and why can’t a smartphone app do it?

Edit: I am still getting new replies to this (which are appreciated!), but I wanted to share what I’ve learned from those who have posted already. I fundamentally misunderstood how smart switches work. I had very wrongly assumed that when my phone is connected to the WiFi, it sends a signal over the local network to toggle the switch, which is connected to the same network, and it turns on/off. While there are technologies that work like this (zigbee, kinda?), most smart home devices rely on a cloud server to communicate the signal. This enables features like using the switches from outside the home network, automation, voice controls, etc. The remote server is what’s being replaced.

  • Alto@kbin.social
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    6 months ago

    The issue with the combination of rabbit holes I’m going down is all the damn pis Im gonna end up being lol

    • funkajunk@lemm.ee
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      6 months ago

      Get any old enterprise workstation (they practically give Dells away for free) and get to know Docker.

      Using multiple Pis for single applications is a fool’s errand - my Optiplex was free and it is running ~30 containers with plenty of room to breathe.

      • Alto@kbin.social
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        6 months ago

        But then I don’t get to justify my 3d printer purchase with custom enclosures with their jobs engraved on them

        • NekuSoul@lemmy.nekusoul.de
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          6 months ago

          Don’t worry. There’s still plenty of ESP32 waiting to be flashed with ESPHome and placed into their own little enclosure out there.

          Source: Me, who’s got a Bluetooth Proxy for my adjustable desk and some small LED strips running, with a soil moisture sensor planned as my next quick project.

    • BCsven@lemmy.ca
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      6 months ago

      You just need one Pi. get a pi5 for future proofing. Docker addition , so you can host more than just home assiatant