Google home mini...where to start?

[reganlives]

Hi guys,

I'm looking to get a Google home mini and use the mini as my controller for smart products I'll be using in my house. I'm only just starting out however have got my eyes on the Phillips hue lights to start with but can they be used with the mini without the need for a hue hub? I'm aware that you can use the normal Google home without the need for the hub.

My smart home will be very Android centric so if an item would be running any particular OS then it would be Android/Google...

Anyway..... should I get the mini or the normal?? What sort of next steps would anyone else take also?

Thanks

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[adas4190]

Hi, I have 2 minis with bunch of ewelink switches around the house and some chromecasts. It work excellent!

 

[reganlives]

Hi, I have 2 minis with bunch of ewelink switches around the house and some chromecasts. It work excellent!

Do you have any details about those switches? Have you tried the Phillips hue bulbs?

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[adas4190]

Swithes I used are Sonoff th16 for the thermostat and sonoff basic for lights and devices. Grate pices of gear and very cheap, look on Youtube, people getting crazy with those ?
I didn't try hue it seems overpriced for me

 

[reganlives]

Swithes I used are Sonoff th16 for the thermostat and sonoff basic for lights and devices. Grate pices of gear and very cheap, look on Youtube, people getting crazy with those [emoji4]
I didn't try hue it seems overpriced for me

Ahh yes I've seen the sonoff switches! Cheap and cheerful however I don't like the fact you need to wire them in. I like simple! [emoji3]

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[adas4190]

Yup wireing is a hassle but very simple with those swithes + there is IFTTT that works with it.

 

[majik12]

Pretty sure all hue bulbs, light strips etc need a hub to function properly or to be used with any other device. They'll function as a normal light without the hub, that's it. I have 3 bulbs and light strips along with the hub, works wonderfully with my google home. There has to be cheaper alternatives out there though. If I hadn't got all of these hue lights for a gift, I probably wouldn't have bought them. Too much money.

 

[reganlives]

Pretty sure all hue bulbs, light strips etc need a hub to function properly or to be used with any other device. They'll function as a normal light without the hub, that's it. I have 3 bulbs and light strips along with the hub, works wonderfully with my google home. There has to be cheaper alternatives out there though. If I hadn't got all of these hue lights for a gift, I probably wouldn't have bought them. Too much money.

Well that's why I'm confused as I'm sure I read that with the normal Google home you don't need a hub. Think it said it on the Phillips site. As for alternatives oddly enough Ikea do smart bulbs but they don't seem that good.

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[dennis.tara]

TP-Link makes bulbs that does not require a hub at all. Just their local KASA app to install and then link account to google assistant. Google Home Control will work from their ad on as you have it in the Home Control portion of the settings. It's quite easy. Plus they make outlets and dimmer switches. But I enjoy the voice control of the dim level of bulb and color without needing a hub.