When you buy a smart home device, it’s for a specific purpose. I got a presence sensor to turn on the lights when I’m in a room where motion sensors struggle. It took me a long time to realize that my presence sensors have a very useful extra feature that I’m not using, and that many other smart home devices have hidden secondary functions.
Everything Presence One and Everything Presence Lite
Bluetooth proxy is hiding in plain sight
I have several Everything Presence Lite presence sensors in my house. These are mmWave sensors great for spotting availability. They’re packed with useful features like multi-target tracking and the ability to create multiple zones so you can use the same sensor to track presence in different locations around the room.
I used these sensors for a while before I found out they have Bluetooth capabilities. This means there are more things I can do using the devices.
how can i use Bluetooth proxies to communicate with nearby Bluetooth devices and transmit data to my Home Assistant server over Wi-Fi. I can use them too room-level BLE presence tracking. By detecting the strength of signals from devices like my phone and smartwatch, I can predict what room I’m in right now.
- Compatibility
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ESP House
- Weight
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40g
With multi-target tracking, support for zones, light level setting, Bluetooth proxy and support for multiple different mmWave sensors, the Lite offers next-level features for a more pocket-friendly point.
Philips Hue motion sensors
Get more from your motion sensor
Philips Hue is a popular smart home brand, mainly due to its highly successful (if expensive) smart lighting products. However, the company makes more than just smart bulbs. You can buy many other smart devices, including motion sensors.
If you own a Philips Hue motion sensoryou might not know that apart from being able to detect motion, the device also has a temperature sensor. This is because the data is not visible in the Philips Hue app. To access it, you need to use third-party platforms such as House helperit can display data to your smart home and lets you use your motion sensor to monitor the temperature.
Zigbee smart bulbs
Upgrade your mesh network
Philips Hue’s motion sensors aren’t its only devices with hidden secondary functions. A lot of it Zigbee smart bulbs and the lights also have a very useful added feature.
Zigbee is a mesh network and some devices can do this Act as Zigbee repeatersBy receiving messages from the Zigbee hub and transmitting them to other devices on the network, you effectively extend the coverage of your network or make it more robust.
By default, this will only work for devices connected to the same Hue Bridge. However, you can add Philips Hue bulbs to your smart home Zigbee network using options like Home Assistant. Your Philips Hue bulbs can act as repeaters for other compatible Zigbee devices on the same network, regardless of brand.
One caveat is that your smart bulbs must have power to work as repeaters. If the light switch is off, your smart bulb will not be able to transmit any information to other devices.
There may also be some Philips Hue bulbs used as a motion sensor. You need the Hue Bridge Pro, and it only works if you have multiple smart bulbs in the same area.
HomePod and HomePod mini
Multisensor in your smart speaker
If you have a HomePod mini, chances are you use it to play music or control smart home devices using Siri. However, if you have a HomePod mini or second-generation HomePod, there are a few extra hidden features you can take advantage of.
Both models have built-in temperature and humidity sensors, and unlike the temperature sensor in the Philips Hue motion sensor, these sensors It is exposed in the Home app. This means you can use these sensors Automation in Apple Homefor example, turn on your humidifier with a smart plug when the humidity in the room is too high.
- Connection
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Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Voice assistant
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Siri
The Apple HomePod Mini is a Siri-enabled smart speaker for those invested in the HomeKit ecosystem. The compact and discreet HomePod Mini is also available in five different colors.
Amazon Echo devices
Packed with hidden features
Modern Amazon Echo devices are packed with features you may not have known about. They can do more than just act as smart speakers.
Some models, such as the fourth-generation Echo and the fifth-generation Echo Dot, include temperature sensors. You can use these sensors Alexa routines perform actions when the temperature reaches certain levels.
However, not all. Some compatible Echo and Echo Dot models also include ultrasound technology that can detect motion, while compatible Echo Show models can use their cameras to detect presence.
Some models may also be Eero acts as mesh nodes. If you have an Eero mesh system in your home, your Echo devices can act as additional nodes to further expand your Wi-Fi network.
- Screen
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no
- Dimensions
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3.9” x 3.9” x 3.5”
The Echo Dot offers a smaller form factor with the same spherical appearance. One of the coolest innovations in the Echo world is that the new 5th generation Dots include eero mesh network extenders. Connect one to a smart home equipped with an eero mesh network and increase coverage instantly.
Shelly relays
Extend your Bluetooth range
Shelly relays are useful ways to control electrical equipment directly from the power source. You can mount them behind light switches and power sockets and remotely control any connected devices or lamps.
Some Shelly Plus, Pro and newer devices with built-in Bluetooth can also act as Bluetooth proxies in your smart home. This means that even if your smart home hub is far away in another part of the house, you can communicate with nearby Bluetooth devices in the same rooms as your Shelly relays.
Agara FP2
Hidden security feature
Agara FP2 a popular presence sensor can track multiple targets and monitor different zones. It includes several useful features beyond its main purpose.
The first is internal light sensor. This is extremely useful for lighting automations where you want your lights to turn on when someone is in the room, but only when it’s dark enough to do so. The light sensor makes this possible without the need for additional equipment.
Another benefit is that it includes fall detection. When the device is mounted on the ceiling, it can detect when someone has fallen and send an alert. It’s a great way to track vulnerable people without relying on an intrusive smart camera.
If you have smart home devices, it’s worth doing some research to see if you’re getting the most out of them. I totally missed that my presence sensor can work as a Bluetooth proxy and it’s a really useful feature. You may find that you don’t need to buy additional sensors since you already have what you need.
