(Part 3) Top products from r/googlehome

I don't do this, but you could achieve this using a Harmony Hub

This thing speaks Infrared, Bluetooth and wi-fi.
You would have to create a Harmony Activity with the PS4 and TV included. If your TV isn't ancient it should support HDMI-CEC (every manufacturer calls it something else like AnyLink or EasyLink) and the TV should turn on and switch to the right input when starting the PS4 (which itself is controlled via Bluetooth from Harmony)

The only problem would be to start Netflix. You can chain commands with the Harmony but they are just timed "button presses" So if the Netflix app changes places or the PS4 somehow doesn't receive a single button press the whole command chain falls flat.

If you setup the activity you either link your Harmony account to your GHome using the command "OK Google link my harmony account) and control the activities natively, preferably using shortcuts.

Much easier would be to create IFTTT commands including the Harmony activities.

TL;DR After typing this "tutorial" I realized: Get a chromecast! Harmony is cool if you have multiple devices you want to control using Infrared.

/edit: Seriously just get a chromecast. I bet you can find them on Black Friday for $25. You can completely control Netflix just using your voice (what show, play, pause, ...)

I have a lot of different Smart outlets being used around the home. It really depends on what your use is going to be.

For a cheap outlet where space is not an issues, these from KMC have worked well for me. They are pretty dependable even in areas with weak WiFi signal and the energy monitoring is nice for things like air filters or fans.

KMC also makes a nice multi outlet plug. I personally use this to control the multiple led light strips at my garage workbench.

For anything 15A, I would say TP-Link is the way to go. These have been great for me, but the newer HS105 does have a better form factor. I have used these for my garage fridge, windows AC unit, and tools at my workbench. There is an energy monitoring variant as well, the HS110

You may see that there are a ton of the cheap round shaped smart plugs on Amazon and other sites. I have found all of these to be almost exactly the same, no matter what company they come from. They work well enough for simple devices like lamps, but they have tended to have issues in anywhere, but perfect WiFi signal areas.

Let me know if you have any questions on this or any other devices. After a few years of upgrades, I am at over 110 smart devices, so I can tell you what not to get...

Alternative, the TP-Link Switch is compatible with Home/Assistant, as are their Plugs and LED Bulbs. Note that there is no IFTTT support as of yet.

I have two Smart Bulbs and a Mini Plug in my living room right now. App-wise, they're controlled with Kasa on my phone and a tablet. I can turn on/off, set schedules, dim (except Plug), etc... and do everything but schedules with my Google Home.

The Switch is part of the same family of products, same core functionality across the board.

Not sure how 2 Switches controlling the same lights would work... but might be worth a shot. (edit: see posts below)

I can say, "Hey Google, turn off the lights.", or call out a specific lamp. The Plug is treated separate (attached to bias lighting behind my TV). It doesn't trigger on "lights" calls. I wonder if Switches are yet another category.

With the possibility of IFTTT support, I hope to get movie/tv show time going with a single command, which would dim/kill the Bulbs and kick on the Plug.

Aside from the above, I have my Bulbs set to turn on when I get up for work weekdays. I'm going to get another, color changing one for my bedside, put that on a circadian schedule (option in Kasa).

My venture in to this started off with a Belkin WeMo Mini, but it would not connect to my hidden network (should not be the case with latest fw). My case went all the way to an engineer but after testing a TP-Link Smart Plug, which worked flawlessly and imo, had a much easier setup, I tried the bulbs and now I'm all in with them. I returned my Belkin products but was able to discuss my issues with an engineer we had a solid conversation. Kudos to them.

Hope some of this helps!

I use one of these with ST. I use a single LED bulb with it, and there is no leakage (where the bulb stays very dim when the device reports that it is off).

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JFF4RG4/ref=pd_lpo_60_lp_t_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=B2DSVATDP5S4G02RR64P

I have also used the MonoPrice Z-Wave dimmer, and that works fine with my lamps that have multiple bulbs, but on single bulb fixtures it leaks and leaves a dim glow.

Third option, like /u/breakfastbeerz points out, is to use Smart Bulbs. I have GE Link, and those are pretty good. I also have some Lightify Bulbs, and have had some Hue bulbs. The Lightify are just as good as the Hue, but half the price (and work natively with ST). I really like Lightify color bulbs, but the tuneable whites are nice for areas that you dont want or need color.

/u/DavidAg02 answered all the questions. I'll just add to it.

Lights: The Philips Hue Starter Kit would be great because it supports the Google Assistant which works with the Google Home & Homekit which works with Siri. I got the iHome ISP6X Wi-FI Smart Plug for the same reason.

TV: Make sure you keep the Chromecast plugged into the wall if you want it turn the TV on & off. This feature won't work it's plugged into the TV's USB. Also get the 2nd generation.

Speakers: The Google home & Chromecast audio works great together especially if you want multi room support.

Bam, Mackie CR4s

$149 and a $25 Chromecast audio and you have the best bang for your buck audio setup possible for a smart home. Much better than the dinky Sonos speakers you can get for the same price. You could also go with the smaller CR3s as well.

I also have a pair of Realistic Minimus 7s hooked up with an Amp that has another chromecast audio. They're fantastic but the Mackies are a better plug in play setup that I've recommend many times when people see my setup. I'm not the only one too, this Amazon Review is basically everything I've said.

You know what sounds better? A real stereo with Chromecast Audio. Buy some real good bookshelf speakers, one of these and a Chromecast Audio. Buy the Google Home or Google Home Mini separately. Better sound than any of these. The amp draws so little power you can leave it on all the time. The audio out of these amps are amazing.

I have four of these hooked up to lamps:
Wemo Mini Smart Plug, Wi-Fi Enabled, Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NBI0A6R/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_s9XPAbEJDHSPW

I'm going to try these on my outside porch lights:
Kasa Smart Wi-Fi LED Light Bulb by TP-Link - Soft White, Dimmable, A19, No Hub Required, Works with Alexa and Google Assistant (LB100) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HXM8XF6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_x-XPAbR49DCQY

It's pretty cool because I can just say "Hey Google, turn on all the lights! Or turn off all the lights! Or you can call out the name of the room each one is in individually to control it.

I use this for the control:
Google AIY Voice Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075SFLWKX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fdYPAbWP1NM43

I use a smart switch from TP-Link to turn on/off my TV. It works perfectly with Google Home. You just have to be careful how you name the switch. Some names are not recognized correctly.


https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Wi-Fi-Energy-Monitoring-TP-Link/dp/B0178IC5ZY

Yes, it helps. You could just as well plug something like this into an outlet. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JFF4RG4/ref=pd_lpo_60_lp_t_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=785TVZQTG3NA6RMN08QY

And then plug a dumb power strip into the outlet, and all of your lights into the power strip. On/off/dim would be conrolled by the smart outlet and feed to everything else. Note however, the limitations on wattage, 100w for CFL/LED 300w for incandescents. If you have 6 60w incandescent bulbs, it won't work.

That seems like an awesome price for that starter kit. Where did you find that?
https://www.amazon.com/Philips-Starter-Compatible-HomeKit-Assistant/dp/B07354SP1C/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1512074459&sr=8-2&keywords=hue+starter+kit

Is that the kit you bought?

https://www.amazon.com/LIFX-Adjustable-Multicolor-Dimmable-Required/dp/B01KY02MS8

these are the most common and will likely fit your sockets

lifx has native google home support now which is nice

look around for deals elsewhere, i had my bulb gifted to me

Lol. Like Amazon did? (Which, to be clear, I think is also cool.)

I have this TPLink bulb and it works pretty well. No hub or bridge required so it's cheap.
TP-Link Smart LED Light Bulb, Wi-Fi, Dimmable White, 50W Equivalent, Works with Amazon Alexa, 1-Pack (LB100) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HXM8XF6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_YdxpzbJG4HPGQ

Well, I have this one which I really like. I just now noticed that Amazon doesn't sell it anymore and I have no idea why. I paid around $30 for it. It has good reviews.

These work great:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B46179D/

There are a number of different wall mounting solutions for the mini. Not so much the hub though.

Do you have SmartThings hub? If so and if you just want white dimmable bulbs then keep an eye out for Sengled bulbs on Amazon. These go on sale all the time. Set up a Slick Deals alert for them or something. I got the 8 pack a few months ago for about $50.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072M5RT6L

I'd only recommend using these on lamps though and just don't use the physical switches on the lamp itself (so the bulbs are always powered and connected) and use automation or voice control to turn them on/off instead.

I really like the Chomecast Audios
I use them with these amps
and these speakers 1 2
All work really well together

I have the Vizio P65 which, despite having Chromecast built in, does not have bluetooth. I ended up getting a bluetooth adapter for it but the experience is clunky. Not too bad though, if you want to go that route I used this one which has AptX and can play to two devices.

Tan Tan plugs on Amazon. About $9 each, although there's a four-pack deal for $26 right now. I've used them for a year without a single problem. I currently have 11 of them, and recommend them without hesitation. You're insane if you toss away $22 on a single Wemo plug.

These are the last ones I bought.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079KYVRN8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_qeXTDbY0N4VDV

I'm pretty sure they're all pretty much the same, just with different "brand name" stickers slapped on.

I've got some others that literally have no brand name at all, but still use the Smart Life app and all work just dandy. Though they all seem to be limited to 2.4ghz WiFi if that's a concern.

I use this for my ceiling fan: https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Required-Fixtures-Anywhere-HS200/dp/B01EZV35QU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1500032800&sr=8-3&keywords=smart+switch but you're also going to need a smart things hub (or any other compatible hub) unfortunately google home can't act as the hub for all the smarthome stuff.
Smart things : https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-SmartThings-Hub-2nd-Generation/dp/B010NZV0GE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500032886&sr=8-1&keywords=smart+things

With those two I can just say "Hey google turn on the fan"

EDIT: it appears that switch just uses wifi now and not zwave, eliminating the need for the hub

this is what i got. $10 for 2 and looks invisible pretty much.

You might be in luck because I think they're on sale lately. Here's what you'll be looking for:

https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Harmony-Control-Entertainment-Devices/dp/B00N3RFC4Q/

It comes with a hub, a remote, and an IR blaster. The hub and blaster can both send signals so if you have something in a cabinet, for example, you can put the blaster there. Your TV can get signal from the hub.

With it, you can change channels, volume, turn on/off, switch inputs, etc. using voice control on Home.

This is just an example, not sure if it's any good. What you need is a "transmitter", specifically- that means it sends a signal out to other devices. Link

There are also "transmitter/receivers" which work in both directions: Link2

Geeni is listed as a possible brand that the GH can connect with and they have a 4-outlet + 4 USB smart strip.

I bought this one. Works like a charm. You can assign each outlet its own name. USBs are grouped, but I don't really need to turn them on/off anyway


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071R9N4Z7?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

I think you don't really grasp how the hue bulbs work. They need to have continuous power to operate, this allows them to turn on and off, dim and change colour.

If you power off the lamp, you're cutting off the power to the system in the bulb that controls it. It's like expecting your google home to work if you turn it off at the wall.

You have four options for physical switches, that vary in price from cheapest to most expensive.

1. IKEA Trådfri Dimmer - this will let you turn your light on and off and dim it. It can be a little fiddly and don't knock it in the night or it'll turn your lights on (this has happened with our cats)
   
   
2. IKEA Trådfri Switch - this lets you toggle the light on and off with a click and adjust brightness. The other two buttons won't do anything, but it's a cheap and reliable switch
   
   
3. Hue Wireless Dimmer - cheapest official hue switch. You can map scenes to presses of the on switch, and using other apps, you can create more complex behaviours based on press and hold etc
   
   
4. Hue Tap Switch - most expensive option, this switch requires no batteries, but allows you to map up to four different behaviours to each of the four switches. You can even set it to toggle scenes on and off to each button using Hue Labs.

It looks like this Mr. Coffee machine would work:

https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Coffee-Wifi-Enabled-Coffeemaker-BVMC-PSTX91WE/dp/B00LUFSSWG

>Still a reasonable price tho

I guess, maybe if it goes on sale and you need another mini. Its only a single bulb. The minis were on sale for $30 last holiday so that single bulb could cost $25. What the hell are we supposed to do with a single smart bulb?

Right now on Amazon you can get 4 hubless smart bulbs for $31.


Google pricing really fucking pisses me off given the fact they make billions off user data, the least they could do is subsidize their gadgets.

https://www.amazon.com/Philips-Dimmer-Switch-Installation-Free-Exclusively/dp/B076MGKTGS

Try these or these.

https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Coffee-Wifi-Enabled-Coffeemaker-BVMC-PSTX91WE/dp/B00LUFSSWG

There's a Baby camera shelf that some have used. We actually have it for its intended purpose, but I bet it would be plenty sturdy enough for a mini. You might need to use another command strip to get it to stay on the shelf.

I bought this one...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01KY02MS8/

It doesn't show 25% off until you get to checkout.

Phillips Hue - order the starter kit, toss the bulb in the lamp, add to Google Home, done and done.

So this setup will do everything, including control away from home. right?
Philips Hue White A19 Starter Kit with two A19 LED light bulbs and bridge (hub), Works with Alexa https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014H2OZAC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_NDyzybACR9YAF

Album: https://imgur.com/gallery/ATeVI

Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MEIXZF8

Bought this baby camera corner mount for use in the kitchen with my home mini. I had nowhere good to put it other than on top of the microwave, and wanted it near the sink and stove. I thought maybe the rubber bottom would be grippy enough to hold the speaker on the platform, but ended up having to use the included hood. Have it in the corner with the double stick tape now, but may screw it in later.

No on those ones it seems, but any Z-Wave ones will work. I have a couple of these https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Lighting-Control-Appliance-12719/dp/B0013V58HU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478553902&sr=8-1&keywords=z-wave+plug+in+switch

Nop

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Microwave-700W-Works-Alexa/dp/B07894S727

And its 60$ only 😭