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LiftMaster's Garage Door Openers Will Support HomeKit in April

BuffaloTF said:
Ok. Cool. But does it simultaneously support a hub like Wink or SmartThings? I'm such a newbie in this, it seems like the beauty of it all is creating triggers across connectivity standards so that different behaviors happen... like all the doors unlock if the fire alarms go off, maybe even add the garage door to that.
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Officially, no, it does not work with SmartThings. Unofficially, however, there is a community-created "MyQ Lite" SmartApp available that you can use. The biggest difference between this and the previous support that Chamberlain blocked is that this one doesn't appear to query Chamberlain's servers for the door status; instead, you can use a SmartThings-compatible tilt or (I think) contact/open-close sensor, or if you don't have/want one of those either, you can just create virtual momentary/push buttons that send the open or close commands to the door. That's what I'm doing, but I try to use Chamberlain's app whenever I can--despite the fact that it's awkwardly designed, it works for its purpose and it's nice not to have to dig around for my door in SmartThings since this is the only thing I have configured in their app.

(Speaking of SmartThings, you can already get HomeKit support via HomeBridge and SmartThings or HomeBridge and the myq pacakge, though I'm going through SmartThings since I have no idea if the package that works directly with HomeBridge excessively queries Chamberlain's servers, and I'd rather not get blocked if it does. Oh, and yes, Chamberlain did call their new product "Home Bridge," not to be confused with this.)

WilliamG said:
Why do you say we need both bridges?
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Chamberlain states, "For current MyQ smart phone control users, this simple device adds HomeKit compatibility to your existing MyQ-connected devices. This includes MyQ Garage (1st Generation), any Chamberlain Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener, or any MyQ Enabled Garage Door Openers that use an Internet Gateway." (They've stated this more clearly elsewhere, but I can't find it right now, but they never suggest it's a replacement, as nice as that would be.)

I assume the first "bridge" you're talking about is the Internet Gateway, which you need for Chamberlain openers that don't have built-in WiFi or whatever fancier openers might use that don't need a separate Internet gateway to work with MyQ. (Mine needs the gateway, so I'm not sure what all the other options are.) This just adds HomeKit support to that and doesn't replace your Internet gateway--you'll still need that gateway unless you didn't require a gateway in the first place.

I'm going to pass on this myself. :)


EDIT: I should clarify that my experience is with Chamberlain, but since they own LiftMaster I assume it will be the same for them. The apps and services are more or less the same with different branding.
 
Drumjim85 said:
That's what I've been told by their rep.

But we were also told that we were getting Homekit with a free update, so who knows.
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I can tell you it's just the one bridge. So wait till April and get the new one. :)
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RMo said:
Officially, no, it does not work with SmartThings. Unofficially, however, there is a community-created "MyQ Lite" SmartApp available that you can use. The biggest difference between this and the previous support that Chamberlain blocked is that this one doesn't appear to query Chamberlain's servers for the door status; instead, you can use a SmartThings-compatible tilt or (I think) contact/open-close sensor, or if you don't have/want one of those either, you can just create virtual momentary/push buttons that send the open or close commands to the door. That's what I'm doing, but I try to use Chamberlain's app whenever I can--despite the fact that it's awkwardly designed, it works for its purpose and it's nice not to have to dig around for my door in SmartThings since this is the only thing I have configured in their app.

(Speaking of SmartThings, you can already get HomeKit support via HomeBridge and SmartThings or HomeBridge and the myq pacakge, though I'm going through SmartThings since I have no idea if the package that works directly with HomeBridge excessively queries Chamberlain's servers, and I'd rather not get blocked if it does. Oh, and yes, Chamberlain did call their new product "Home Bridge," not to be confused with this.)



Chamberlain states, "For current MyQ smart phone control users, this simple device adds HomeKit compatibility to your existing MyQ-connected devices. This includes MyQ Garage (1st Generation), any Chamberlain Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener, or any MyQ Enabled Garage Door Openers that use an Internet Gateway." (They've stated this more clearly elsewhere, but I can't find it right now, but they never suggest it's a replacement, as nice as that would be.)

I assume the first "bridge" you're talking about is the Internet Gateway, which you need for Chamberlain openers that don't have built-in WiFi or whatever fancier openers might use that don't need a separate Internet gateway to work with MyQ. (Mine needs the gateway, so I'm not sure what all the other options are.) This just adds HomeKit support to that and doesn't replace your Internet gateway--you'll still need that gateway unless you didn't require a gateway in the first place.

I'm going to pass on this myself. :)


EDIT: I should clarify that my experience is with Chamberlain, but since they own LiftMaster I assume it will be the same for them. The apps and services are more or less the same with different branding.
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The Internet gateway is the bridge. If you have a MyQ garage door system, just wait for the new bridge/gateway in April, and that's it. I think Chamberlain/LiftMaster have worded it very poorly. We can revisit this in a few months and see if I'm wrong, but quite honestly I can't see you needing the existing bridge AND this new one. Seems a little... over the top.
 
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MattG said:
I already have my Chamberlain garage door working within my Wink setup but, I'm hoping they'll offer Alexa integration soon.
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I'm thinking Alexa is while out yet with Chamberlain. I'd say at least another year.
 
Confused about these two offerings. My old garage door opener is loud and ready for replacement but I want to be sure to get something that will be HomeKit-able. Should I just buy any chamberlain or lift master unit now and add on the new bridge later?
 
pesos said:
Confused about these two offerings. My old garage door opener is loud and ready for replacement but I want to be sure to get something that will be HomeKit-able. Should I just buy any chamberlain or lift master unit now and add on the new bridge later?
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Yes. Go ahead and buy an opener with MyQ, just not one with wifi.
 
pesos said:
Confused about these two offerings. My old garage door opener is loud and ready for replacement but I want to be sure to get something that will be HomeKit-able. Should I just buy any chamberlain or lift master unit now and add on the new bridge later?
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I love my Ryobi, belt drive, LED lights and ports that accessories plug into. Extension cord with reel, fan, several options. And it uses a Ryobi battery to operate the door in the event of a power outage.

Doubt it will ever get HomeKit, but my experience with other HomeKit products has been lackluster, at best.
 
I'm pretty happy with our Ecobees and Schlage Sense. Just added Hue lightstrips as the undercounter LEDs after a kitchen renovation - no complaints.

Liftmasters seem to get much worse reviews than Chamberlain units for some reason - anyone have either?
 
At this point I still don't see the value in Homekit integration. Individual apps still work best for me.

The Chamberlain group is the corporate parent company to LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Merlin and Grifco. They also supply Sears/Craftsman. Liftmaster brand is generally pro installs and Chamberlain the DIY. I would think that the DIYers would have the worse reviews.
 
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saulinpa said:
At this point I still don't see the value in Homekit integration. Individual apps still work best for me.

The Chamberlain group is the corporate parent company to LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Merlin and Grifco. They also supply Sears/Craftsman. Liftmaster brand is generally pro installs and Chamberlain the DIY. I would think that the DIYers would have the worse reviews.
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On amazon it's a significant difference for whatever reason - couple stars worth.

I find it much easier to give Siri a couple commands and be done than to pull up individual apps all the time. Obviously for certain things you need to get the app up. Hands free is super useful with twins in your arms though!
 
Blargh. So if we're planning on a new opener/starting from scratch, there's still no homekit product? Both products are delayed?
 
mariusignorello said:
Yep. I was wondering why I didn't get an email about purchasing the new device. Luckily we still have everything set up with Homebridge.
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I just enabled Homebridge on my always-on Mac mini for my Nest thermostats and the MyQ bridge and both work perfectly! Makes me wonders why there's any sort of special HomeKit bridge required from LiftMaster in the first place...
 
WilliamG said:
I just enabled Homebridge on my always-on Mac mini for my Nest thermostats and the MyQ bridge and both work perfectly! Makes me wonders why there's any sort of special HomeKit bridge required from LiftMaster in the first place...
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The bridge was to have an official manufacturer -supported hardware component. Homebridge is a software workaround (not anymore, see What’s New In HomeKit - WWDC 2017 session video) that enabled support for devices that did not offer HomeKit by the manufacturer. As of iOS 11, software encryption is supported, so Homebridge, if updated properly, can be considered official HomeKit software. Sorry if this is confusing.
 
mariusignorello said:
The bridge was to have an official manufacturer -supported hardware component. Homebridge is a software workaround (not anymore, see What’s New In HomeKit - WWDC 2017 session video) that enabled support for devices that did not offer HomeKit by the manufacturer. As of iOS 11, software encryption is supported, so Homebridge, if updated properly, can be considered official HomeKit software. Sorry if this is confusing.
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That makes sense, but it's hilarious that unofficial sources make life so much better. I just got my alarm system, Nests, and LiftMaster MyQ all HomeKit-enabled today, and it's so freaking awesome! :D
 

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saulinpa said:
Product details now on Liftmaster's site but don't appear to be orderable: https://www.liftmaster.com/for-homes/accessories/myq-accessories/model-819lmb and https://www.liftmaster.com/for-homes/accessories/myq-accessories/model-821lmb
I don't see them on Chamberlain's site.
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Nice find. Disappointing to see that it at least appears to be WiFi only. No ethernet connection like the previous model. Since I've got the current MyQ bridge working with HomeKit via HomeBridge, this new one seems like a step back for me since I'll lose ethernet. :(
 
The new Liftmaster products are designed to be mounted on the garage ceiling. Only wiring is power.
The old bridge had to be connected at your router or hub. Nowadays too many people have router/cable modem in living room so don't want extra equipment hanging off of it.
Maybe there were too many complaints of the garage door installers tracking dirt into people's living rooms?
 
saulinpa said:
The new Liftmaster products are designed to be mounted on the garage ceiling. Only wiring is power.
The old bridge had to be connected at your router or hub. Nowadays too many people have router/cable modem in living room so don't want extra equipment hanging off of it.
Maybe there were too many complaints of the garage door installers tracking dirt into people's living rooms?
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No, I totally understand why it has WiFi now, but given how unreliable WiFi is at times, and how utterly reliable ethernet is ALL the time, I'm surprised why it doesn't have both ethernet and WiFi.
 
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