Flukso a part of SmartThings?

by LB on

Kickstarter is hosting an interesting startup SmartThings doing some crowdfunding to get started. It seems to be mainly Wifi based "things" connected to a main hub (router) and different apps interface the cloud based solution. I can definitely see Flukso as THE meter solution for this kit.

‹ Some code to display realtime sensors data to a web page and access from anywhere. Unit type when retrieving server data ›
bollewolle's picture
bollewolle |

This would indeed be genius. I'll be willing to donate a part of the amount to buy a "Developper and Maker"kit to see what the possibilities are.

ffuentes's picture
ffuentes |

I think they partner up with another company for this solution :/
I donated to the project because I am in the process of automating my home and this seems like a good idea.

bollewolle's picture
bollewolle |

Same thing here, I also donated, but as I understood they are also open to developers so anything can add or link to their solution, no? Or have they really locked the power usage to only one, because that would really suck :s

fusionpower's picture
fusionpower |

If i understand this correctly it is a device that connects to the internet via the mobile phone network (currently America only) and acts as a hub for smartthings devices around the house.
Very similar to the Flukso but with a more generalised range of things it can connect to or control.
But unlike the Flukso anyone using the smartthings apart from the early adopters will be paying $5-$10 per month as an ongoing cost.
Maybe the Flukso developers could look at expanding the physical interfaces on the next Flukso and incorporate bi-dirctional data flow to attached devices. I know this is stretching the original purpose of the Flukso but being able to control power consuming devices remotely could be considered a form of energy reduction. Especially if the control was smart, like turning off a forgotten bathroom light when you tell it the house is empty. Or letting you know a window is open when you switch on the heater, etc.
I would really like to see the Flukso expand its abilities as a hub rather than adding another 24/7 device to do a similar thing. The Smartthings seems quite feature rich with quite a bit of potential but i think the Flukso has just as much potential but it depends on what direction the next hardware version takes.