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It looks pretty clear that OCDMacGeek is actually, Matthias Hochgatterer, the developer of the app he so strongly pushes in every single comment made on MacRumors forum. :)

I'm not! One way you can tell the difference is that he's German, I think. I am just a major HomeKit user, and since that's the one I use the most and he's a small developer, I think it's good to plug his app. I also like how responsive he is to all my (frequent) requests for feature updates.
 
How does the battery-only version keep wifi and bluetooth going for 10 years?

As I mentioned in the video review above, the device is actually Bluetooth except for perhaps some limited functions. As far as HomeKit accessibility, it's Bluetooth (you can tell by the range). But it does connect to your Wifi too. I think that's for push notifications when necessary if the alarms go off. But I think that's it. Will need to ask FirstAlert.
 
As I mentioned in the video review above, the device is actually Bluetooth except for perhaps some limited functions. As far as HomeKit accessibility, it's Bluetooth (you can tell by the range). But it does connect to your Wifi too. I think that's for push notifications when necessary if the alarms go off. But I think that's it. Will need to ask FirstAlert.

Thanks - still seems hard to imagine BT can be active for 10 years on one battery (my headset dies after 7 hours of use). I know low power and all, but . . .
 
You just contradicted yourself.

Why would you think that $400 is too high for an autonomous system that stops costing you recurring costs immediately, after you discussed a monitored system that would likely cost you in the neighborhood of $40 a month, after the hardware costs of having it installed?

Agreed, $40/mo for 10 years is $5k. Explain to me again how you can't afford $400 in smoke detectors.
 
You just contradicted yourself.

Why would you think that $400 is too high for an autonomous system that stops costing you recurring costs immediately, after you discussed a monitored system that would likely cost you in the neighborhood of $40 a month, after the hardware costs of having it installed?

As another poster said, smoke alarm technology is rarely used. So in the end, if you want the ability to monitor it from afar, and easily shut off false alarms without putting your hands on the alarm (think 14 foot ceilings) this system is pretty darn inexpensive.
Agreed, $40/mo for 10 years is $5k. Explain to me again how you can't afford $400 in smoke detectors.
Sounds like the comments about the monitoring service were in relation to this being a new thing or not, while commentary about pricing was separate from that.

Aside from that comparing a monitoring service that is generally a security system that likely has door/window sensors, motion detectors, perhaps cameras, in addition to any smoke/CO detectors, isn't really an apples to apples comparison since even without the smoke/CO detection the service costs around that much for the security features and monitoring it provides (which is way beyond what a standalone HomeKit smoke/CO alarm provides).
 
Thanks - still seems hard to imagine BT can be active for 10 years on one battery (my headset dies after 7 hours of use). I know low power and all, but . . .

I am surprised as well, and I hope that the claims hold true. Of course other Bluetooth HomeKit accessories aren't this low power. My Elgato Eve Room devices need recharging every few weeks. Must be one heck of a battery (or they have one heck of a lawsuit on their hands for false advertising).

Would be cool to see a teardown.
 
Are these devices hackable? Can someone outside of your home gain access and control of these devices? I would assume so since they are on a WIFI network which has internet access. We have been shown that hackers can access automobiles what have internet access. Because of this, while I am interested in the devices, I am not crazy about installing them in my private home.
 
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