Which Smart Light Switches and roller blind closers to consider

[uk.gnome]

I am trying to make a home for a disabled friend as voice controlled as possible.

I have the ikettle that works a treat (set max temp to 97 or 98 or it boils too much), samsung TVs that are a nightmare (can't get them to work with Alexa at all)

But now I am looking for a good quality, reliable, easy to set up with an echo : Light Switches, one for the living room needs 2 switches, one for each half of the room (the current switch plate has 2 switches) and a matching one for the bedroom with only one switch.

They need to be able to be operated manually and I am lucky in that as it is a new build apartment there is a neutral available in each location.

Also, does any have recommendations for roller blind closing mechanisms, but I have no local power supply so will need to be battery operated or recharge via solar cells.

Could someone advise what I should consider.

I prefer quality to cost - although value for money comes into the equation somewhere.

Many thanks

[jwlv]

My suggestion is to stay away from the cheaper, no-name (or unknown name) products. Go with well-known national brands, such as Belkin (Wemo), Feit, TP-Link (Kasa), Lutron (Caseta), Philips (Hue) and several others.

The reason why I suggest big name brands is for two reasons.
1. Support. All of these smart devices may need firmware updates, whether it's for security reasons, or to fix a bug. No-name brands are less likely to update their devices.
2. Longevity. All of these smart devices are connected to the internet and need to connect to their home server that is operated by the company that made the devices. Personally I had a couple of smart switches made by a lesser known company who shut off their servers a few years ago. So these switches are inoperable now. You want a company that will be around for a while so all of your smart devices remain working.

[uk.gnome]

Thanks for the advice, I will take a look at those brands.

I was looking at a brand called SONOSS who have a range of switches that seem to suit the bill, but I must admit I have never heard of them.

[David N]

Stay far away from wemo. They have horrible connection problems. For budget switches I like Meross (most known for their garage door switches). For a little more the Kasa/TP Link stuff is great with a few more features but they do not offer a 3 way dimmer yet. Most important thing is don't forget to include motion sensors. Those are really what makes a smart home smart.

[uk.gnome]

Just took a look at Kasa, unfortunately they only seem to do rectangular wall switches and only a single switch so not quite suitable. But thanks for the recomendation

[renegade600]

how are you trying to set up the tvs if they are not working with alexa at all?  If only want to power on/off or change channels too?  There could be ways around the issues you are having.

for example, if just want to power on/off the tv, you must turn on the smart plug and the tv manually then turn it off by voice for it to start working.   You can get a logitech harmony hub for power and channel changer.

you can find battery operated blinds on amazon.  One brand is zebra

[uk.gnome]

Finally got the big Samsung TV to work, issue was resolved when I eventually found a phone that could run their SmartThings App and found the setting under advanced network settings that ensures the wifi stays connected when the TV turns off.

The smaller TV doesnt seem to have the option, so when it turns off it disconnects from the wifi, the app and alexa. I am talking to their help people about this one.

Still looking for square light switches and roller blind controllers.

[tthoben]

Broadlink makes smart switches without neutral wiring. The latest TC3 series requires a hub while earlier TC2 series doesn't. Google for more info.