I have a CT101 thermostat which Lowe's is essentially phasing out in favor of a less expensive and better one. Still, it works just fine, I set up a schedule on my phone and pretty much leave it alone. Other family members may bump the temp sometimes, but the schedule then brings it back in line when a temperature change is programmed in. I have a couple of connected smoke/CO2 detectors as well and a couple of connected power plugs and motion sensors. To be honest I don't really do much controlling of things and just schedule or let motion sensors trigger things.

Just some general notes. Zigbee devices are generally going to be more reliable than Z-Wave devices since the protocol is more robust and doesn't leave as many opportunities to get into a weird state. In either case, they are mesh network devices so strategic placement of line-powered devices (like switches and outlets) can make your network more reliable. Be careful with cheap WiFi devices that aren't part of a smart-home platform (like cheap Wi-Fi cameras). With Iris, Wi-Fi devices communicate with two-way TLS encryption and authentication, but a stand-alone device may not provide much in the way of security because it can be really complicated and makes the device more expensive.

The makerspace I'm a member of uses the August as well. It seems to be pretty good, and members can look online to see if the space is open. If it's not and you need it, the Lockmasters can open it for you remotely.

Mal's room is fully smart, but the DH made me return the Nest thermostats because of a study I did on hacking them.

That's great information Gud. I was looking at Zigbee. The main reason I'm on Z-Wave now is because that's what the alarm system had. Another small business owner that's a friend here in LA just installed the Frontpoint system and really like it, so I went that way. They also had a pretty good black Friday deal that made it a tipping point.

I'm really finding that my biggest complaint with all the home automation stuff is that there area a few big standards out there and it seems like none of them are really strong across all of the product categories. I wanted my alarm system to have cellular connection for monitoring, and cloud storage for all the camera feeds, as well as smart phone monitoring and control. Once I found the handful of systems that seemed to do that in a decent way it really limited my other options.

Z-Wave came out before Zigbee so it got a headstart in the market, but the reason they came out first is that they rushed to market without really getting everything fully baked.

We're working toward getting everything integrated. Iris can work with Z-Wave, Zigbee, and Wi-Fi devices. It can be controlled by Alexa devices. Next year we'll have a professional security monitoring option, and we're looking to bring in more devices and partners all the time.

Yeah I think that's the problem for early adopters, ND. I feel like the standards will even out in a few years as adoption increases, but I agree that there's not one clear winner with all the toys yet.

Laura's DH here:

OK, I have been researching this for sometime, and as such, I have got more informed (i.e More Confused then Ever).

First, as to the goal/case study. I have a house with Low Voltage 50's Switches, I have to replace them to sell the house. I also need to implement Security and Smoke/CO Detectors, and have a old Honeywell round thermostat (Pre-60's). I decided since it is high end sale, it would be best to add smart. SO I found:

1. Platforms - I want it to work on Apple/Android and Windows. I know that there is Homekit, IRIS, Smart Things and Wink 2 as your main Bridges, and Applications thereto to run these. The control applications to monitor and setup vary greatly in Feature and Function, so I want to discuss each here.

Smoke and CO Alarms - This is a basic feature in a house. It is rarely used, but when needed needs to work well. I believe First Alert and Nest are my best choices. NEST is really cool, and works with Smart Things I believe and WINK 2 hub. I am leaning towards Wink 2 hub or IRIS. IRIS HAS A BIG PRICE ADVANTAGE BECAUSE OF THE LOWES OWNERSHIP. I spoke with someone at Lowes who also uses the IRIS equipment but he prefers his WINK hub and not the IRIS Platform. From my understanding there is a cost monthly to move to IRIS for most features to work, i.e advanced functionality.

Thermostats - I like the Ecobee, but frankly, the new buyer most likely could care less and a Honeywell from Lowes with the IRIS or WINK 2 may be great. What would be the argument for the more expensive ECOBEE. What makes it better. I could not see it, but they do look cool.

Electrical - I reviewed Phillips HUE, really cool stuff. But 49.99 to 60 for a Light bulb, a bit on the pricey side for a sub $10 LED Light Bulb. Really cool, will look in my house, but I think Smart Dimmers from GE or Lutron could fit the bill. GE is lower cost if you go with IRIS, but again is there a cost to run the app.

Camera's and Security - Would love recommendations on this, it looks like again IRIS has a pretty good solution. NEST are really cool, and I am unaware who the leader is. Would love feedback.

Doorbell Camera - Ring is pretty cool add on.

Door and Garage - Shlage has a deadbolt that matches my current Slage Door Setup, and my LIftmaster Door has a WiFI Option. So I am good on these items.

This is tough to figure out, truly in it's infancy, but very affordable options on the market, and some very not so affordable but cool options also.

As to standards, Zigbee and Z Wave and IFTTT are all fine and dandy, but I am looking more at feature function. I believe Zigbee is a good standard, however, IRIS for example does not work with all Zigbee devices, and Wink2 same, so I guess this is cost of early adoption.

Hi, Laura's DH! Yup, that is all I have to add to this conversation, but I couldn't resist.

SJ - I was a bit wordy, but wanted to get all my thoughts across. Laura is much more to the point then I.

No, you were fine. I just have no idea about any of it. Just wanted to say, hi! And also you and Laura should come visit.

I've been installing a Frontpoint alarm system today with a doorbell camera and two exterior cameras. So far so good on the alarm front.