Almond+

[signal15]

This looks pretty sweet:
 
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2037429657/almond-80211ac-touchscreen-wifi-router-smart-home
 
These guys have a proven track record of getting things going.  The first version was called the Almond and sold on Amazon with extremely high ratings.  This is the new version.  It won't ship until August.
 
But it's got:
- 802.11ac and n
- Z-wave
- Zigbee
 
They've recently said they are releasing an SDK for it, and developing an API for integration with other stuff.  At $99, it's a steal, even if you just use it for the 802.11ac access point.

 

[pete_c]

Very nice!
 
It is a nicely priced HA intro do all device.  Wondering; is that a 3.5" screen?  Its simple design does bring HA to the masses at a really affordable price.

 

[electron]

They were actually in the chat room several weeks ago, and the CEO has expressed interested in a live Q&A session, but I didn't get many responses to my thread.

 

[signal15]

They were actually in the chat room several weeks ago, and the CEO has expressed interested in a live Q&A session, but I didn't get many responses to my thread.

You should repost that in the HA section of the site, not under Feedback.  No one reads Feedback unless they're an admin/moderator, or unless they posted something there and are checking for a response.  
 
I'd be interested in this.  It looks awesome, and they seem very willing to accomodate (like agreeing to releasing an API for integration after many people asked).  

 

[electron]

Are you telling me no one uses the 'view new content' button?  I can't think of a more efficient way of watching threads, but I guess I need to come up with a better way of getting attention if this really is the case.  Time for a poll maybe.

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

Hmmm, I agree.  I use that feature as well.  Also the 'posts in the last 24 hours' is handy as well.

 

[signal15]

Are you telling me no one uses the 'view new content' button?  I can't think of a more efficient way of watching threads, but I guess I need to come up with a better way of getting attention if this really is the case.  Time for a poll maybe.

I don't use it.  I just click on the 3 boards I'm interested in (HA, Security, and the Elk specific board), command-click to open each interesting thread in a new tab, and then go read all the tabs I opened.  I have used it in the past, but I don't use it on a regular basis.

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

Nothing wrong with that methodology Signal15; but, you may be missing out on some Cocoontech special announcements, promotions, vendor specials, etc...  Plus with the view new posts you can always skim the topics (you don't open each one as it gives you a starting summary listing).

 

[pete_c]

I never really paid much attention.  Today I am seeing a message showing up when I am logged in about a
 

Live Q&A Session with Securifi This Friday, 2/22/2013

 
Never noticed that before; maybe it was me though. 
 
Lately playing around with my little energy hub with the built in Zigbee, wireless, bluetooth and DECT chip.  Almost to a point of talking to the zigbee chip in little ubuntu build on device.  I am amazed what this little device can do.  It would be nice if the Almond + touch screen had those additional features.

 

[electron]

Only posted the article and notice today, since I am now somewhat worried people are missing out on the good stuff.

 

[Kevin L]

Hmmm, I agree.  I use that feature as well.  Also the 'posts in the last 24 hours' is handy as well.

+1

 

[Klooney]

Almond+ is intersting, I've asked them a couple of times if they would provide support to tie into an Elk M1 Gold but couldn't gt an answer so dropped by backing.

 

[electron]

I guess you didn't read the transcript, as they stated they would add support if there is a demand for it.

 

[Klooney]

I guess you didn't read the transcript, as they stated they would add support if there is a demand for it.

 
Thanks for the info. Too be honest I didn't, I had no clue you guys did a chat with them. "If there is demand" isn't a very concrete statement. What constitutes demand? When I talked to them two weeks ago they had no clue what Elk or HAI was. They were clueless. The Almond+ kind of reminds me of the Pebble Watch. They promised a timely release off the SDK and specific programs/functions but after many delays the SDK still isn't finished.
 
Just my 2 cents.

 

[electron]

Well the problem is that there are so many devices out there to support.  The chat session showed the company is very responsive to user demand, so if enough people request ELK support, then I don't think it would be a problem.
 
That said, it's a linux based platform, and the ELK protocol is very easy to implement, I don't see why someone wouldn't write a driver if Securifi ends up putting it on the back burner (heck, I might do it myself).  I don't think it's fair to compare the router to the Pebble, but if you are really concerned, read the transcript, it put my mind at ease.
 
Out of curiousity, how did you miss the chat announcement?  I tried to post a notice everywhere, but looks like I might have missed something.