Well, you were unfortunately misinformed. If someone can write an app for iOS they certainly can write an app for Apple Watch given they want to do that. What you are referring to May be HomeKit compatibility. Now, that requires a bit more on Wyze’s part and certification from Apple. It used to be a requirement for companies to include a special apple chip in their hardware for HomeKit integration. But that is long gone and now any device can be added to HomeKit as long as the manufacturer does some additional stuff.
Most people know by now that Apple has their own special coding. I thought you knew that as well. And no I was not misinformed. I spoke to several people from Apple over the course of the years. Why do you think you can’t get apps that you bought on Apple to work on an Android device? they have special coding.
Just so you know, I write iOS and android apps for a living. I know what I’m talking about .
I believe it’s more to do with attempting to bolster the revenue from the wyze watch. Ultimately, they hire low cost Chinese contractors to actually code. I was on a beta team and early apps still had titles, headings, etc in Chinese. It’s not hard or somehow require some secret Apple code. It’s simply fear of cutting into revenue. Imho.
Yeah. Writing software and maintenance requires a lot of time and effort. I think they just don’t want to do it. It’s just easier to keep creating new hardware for them and selling it than to Write and support software. I suspect the hardware is also some mass manufactured Chinese products that is just redesigned And re-labeled as Wyze. Case in point, Wyze cam is a relabeled xaiomi dafang.
Yup, they just find a mfg to assemble the parts they specify or take an existing Chinese product, like the defang cam and repackage it in wyze style enclosures, hire a contractor to create the firmware and integrate code into the existing app and/or server side software. The recent influx of VC investors, it just going to add more pressure on growth and revenue and ultimately profits to provide the return to the investors.
I don’t think we’re ever going to get proper Apple Watch integration from Wyze. I kind of got around it by integrating my Wyze lock with Apple HomeKit using Homebridge (Hobbs to be more specific). I had to modify an existing home bridge plug-in to work with Wyze lock by ‘borrowing’ code and lock integration stuff from a few open source repos. For me, it has turned out pretty well. I’m able to control my lock through the Home app both on my phone and through Apple Watch. I also have some automation going on where I am able to arm ring in home mode When I lock my door. Works pretty well.
The plug in is freely available on homebridge and hoobs if someone wants to try it out.
Will keep in mind in case we ever expand automation. Right now, 2 wyze bulbs and a plug are all we use besides 2 V2 cams. Got the dbell for beta testing but it’s not very useful without camplus and generally just not fast enough to use it for conversing since neither of us are immobile and we rarely have a anyone come to the door. Guess if we were not in a gated community, the risk level would be a lot higher. But then I’d probably look beyond wyze. Anyway, I have an old netbook, loaded lubuntu and hoobs to give it a try. It works well, fast and seamless. Use my iPad as a home hub for remote access. Just wish there was a plug-in for the cams. But generally all we do is turn on some lights at sunset then off at bedtime. Not much need for anything else. No kids, no pets, no local family, pretty simple needs.
For the most part, the Wyze app is very useful. It would be even more useful if there was an app for the Apple Watch which allowed me to control devices when I don’t have my phone handy!
Right. That’s what I’m talking about. I don’t always carry my phone with me. Tonight I go to a concert. My phone stays at home. But I will wear my apple watch. Therefore I may need to either turn on or off the lights in the basement that my 98 year old mother can’t.
It’s not a solution for everyone, especially the tech challenged, but homebridge/hoobs is a home automation bridging software package that has plugins for various brands. The hoobs version adds an easier setup and browser access. I use it on a 10 yr old dell netbook that has a very minimal cpu and only 4mb ram. It runs fine for my needs and adds some usefulness to an otherwise useless PC. It runs as a server in the background and brings these devices into Apple homekit. I have used my iPad as a home base so it’s accessible on my iPhone or watch from outside the local network. It only works for the simple wyze devices like bulbs and plugs, not the cams. Although I think someone added a plug-in for the doorbell.
+1 for homebridge. I don’t see wyze doing anything for us especially if you have an old or existing version of their product.
I’ve mentioned it before, but I do that all the time with my Apple Watch and my smart devices, including Wyze. You need Alexa for it to work, but the Voice in a Can app for Apple Watch gives me the ability to turn lights on, etc with my watch and no phone on me. I can even lock/unlock my Wyze lock with my voice and the Apple Watch if I don’t have my phone on me.
Thank you. Downloaded and tested it out.
But I can’t do shortcuts. IOS 15 ruined it. OS 8 ruined it. I’m on Apple watch 6 and maybe I’m stupid but I can’t find how to use the shortcuts. If I have to press the app on the watch I may as well just fumble for my phone. Unless you know a way.
It used to be a bit buggy at times, but it’s improved a lot and works well. I first got it when the lock was released and there was no keypad available yet so I was afraid of getting locked out without my keys or phone. Turned out the app was handy for Alexa voice control with all sorts of things on the Apple Watch
Well then I’m stupid because I can get the shortcuts to work
Also unlock and lock the door and enable and disable alarm system
I would like to be able use the Wyze App from my Apple Watch, to check the status of devices, and be able to control lights, plugs and cameras.
Hi Wyze,
It’s 2022. The Apple Watch is bearing down on a decade old, literally the most popular smart accessory ever made; worn by heads of state, owners of trillion dollar companies, and very likely by every member of your family and friends.
So why can I not turn down my Wyze thermostat from this device?
Wyze is a smart device company who’s devices can’t communicate with the most popular smart accessory on planet Earth.
And I’m not alone in this critique; in my opinion, this is one of the most glaring omissions affecting the Wyze brand today.