Getting Started with Hive: A Complete Guide to Smart Home Automation
Posted on 18th June 2023
In this guide, we’ll show you how to get started with Hive and smart home automation. We’ll cover everything you need to know about setting up your devices, connecting them to your Hive Hub, and automating your home.
What is Hive?
Hive is a line of connected home products from British Gas. It includes a range of devices like thermostats, light bulbs, plugs, and cameras, as well as a central hub that connects them all together. With Hive, you can control your devices from your phone or tablet, automate your home, and save money on your energy bills.
Hive Devices
There are a variety of Hive devices available, each designed to do something different. Here are some of the most popular:
- Hive Thermostat: The Hive Thermostat lets you control your heating and hot water from your phone or tablet. You can set schedules, turn your heating on or off, and even get alerts if your home gets too cold.
- Hive Light Bulbs: Hive Light Bulbs are LED bulbs that you can control from your phone. You can set schedules, turn them on or off, and even dim them. Hive Light Bulbs are available in a variety of colors.
- Hive Plugs: Hive Plugs let you control any plugged-in device from your phone. You can turn them on or off, set schedules, and even get alerts if they’re left on. Hive Plugs are great for lamps, TVs, and small appliances.
- Hive Camera: The Hive Camera is a Wi-Fi security camera that you can control from your phone. You can watch live footage, get motion alerts, and even record videos. The Hive Camera also has night vision, so you can see in the dark.
Hive Hub
The Hive Hub is the central hub that connects all of your Hive devices together. It plugs into your router and allows you to control your devices from your phone or tablet. The Hive Hub also includes a built-in siren, so you can scare away intruders.
How to Get Started with Hive
Now that you know a little bit about Hive, let’s get started with setting up your devices. First, you’ll need to purchase a Hive Hub and any Hive devices you want to use. You can buy them individually or as a bundle. Once you have your devices, follow these steps to get started:
- Plug in your Hive Hub and connect it to your router.
- Download the Hive app and create an account.
- Add your devices to the app and follow the instructions to set them up.
- Start controlling your devices from your phone or tablet!
How to Automate Your Home with Hive
One of the best things about Hive is that you can automate your home. With Hive Actions, you can create rules that automate your devices based on time, location, or other conditions. For example, you could create a rule that turns on your lights when you get home, or that turns off your heating when you leave the house. To create a Hive Action, follow these steps:
- Open the Hive app and tap on the Actions tab.
- Tap on the “+” icon to create a new Action.
- Choose when you want the Action to trigger, such as “When I get home” or “At a certain time.”
- Select the devices you want to be controlled by the Action.
- Tap on “Save” to finish creating your Action.
Conclusion
That’s everything you need to know about getting started with Hive! With Hive, you can control your devices from your phone, automate your home, and save money on your energy bills. So what are you waiting for? Get started today and see how Hive can make your life easier.
Getting Started with Hive: A Complete Guide to Smart Home Automation
What is Hive?
Hive is a smart home automation system that lets you control your home from your smartphone or tablet. With Hive, you can control your lights, thermostat, and other connected devices from one app. Hive also offers a variety of other features, such as the ability to set schedules and timers, create rules and triggers, and receive notifications when something happens at home.
How Does Hive Work?
Hive works by connecting your devices to the internet and allowing you to control them from the Hive app. You can also add Hive devices to your Amazon Echo or Google Home for voice control.
How to Get Started with Hive
To get started with Hive, you’ll need to purchase a Hive Hub and at least one Hive device. The Hive Hub is the central hub that connects all of your Hive devices and allows you to control them from the app. There are a variety of Hive devices available, including light bulbs, switches, plugs, thermostats, and sensors.
Once you have your Hive Hub and devices, you’ll need to download the Hive app and create an account. Then, you can begin adding your devices to the app and configuring them to your liking.
Hive Devices
As mentioned, there are a variety of Hive devices available. Here’s a quick overview of some of the most popular devices:
Hive Light Bulbs
Hive Light Bulbs are LED bulbs that can be controlled from the app. You can set schedules, timers, and dim the bulbs to your desired brightness. Hive Light Bulbs are available in a variety of sizes and colors.
Hive Active Light
Hive Active Light is a light switch that can be controlled from the app. With Hive Active Light, you can turn your lights on and off, set schedules, and create rules. Hive Active Light is available in a variety of colors.
Hive Plugs
Hive Plugs are outlets that can be controlled from the app. With Hive Plugs, you can turn your devices on and off, set schedules, and create rules. Hive Plugs are available in a variety of colors.
Hive Sensors
Hive Sensors are motion sensors that can be used to trigger lights, alarms, and notifications. Hive Sensors are available in a variety of colors.
Hive Features
In addition to the ability to control your devices from the app, Hive offers a variety of other features, such as:
Rules and Triggers
With Rules and Triggers, you can automate your home. For example, you can create a rule that turns on the lights when the sun goes down. Or, you can create a trigger that sends you a notification when someone opens your front door.
Schedules and Timers
With Schedules and Timers, you can automate your home. For example, you can create a schedule that turns on the lights at a certain time. Or, you can create a timer that turns off the lights after a certain amount of time.
Notifications
With Notifications, you can receive alerts when something happens at home. For example, you can receive a notification when someone opens your front door.
Hive vs. Other Smart Home Systems
Hive is just one of many smart home automation systems on the market. So, how does Hive compare to the other options?
Hive vs. Nest
Hive and Nest are both popular smart home automation systems. Both systems offer similar features, such as the ability to control your devices from your smartphone, set schedules and timers, create rules and triggers, and receive notifications.
However, there are some key differences. First, Nest offers a wider range of products, including security cameras and doorbells. Second, Nest uses a learning algorithm to automate your home, while Hive does not. Third, Nest is a more expensive option.
Hive vs. Philips Hue
Hive and Philips Hue are both popular smart home lighting systems. Both systems offer similar features, such as the ability to control your lights from your smartphone, set schedules and timers, create rules and triggers, and dim your lights.
However, there are some key differences. First, Philips Hue offers a wider range of products, including light strips and lamps. Second, Philips Hue uses a bridge to connect your lights to your smartphone, while Hive does not. Third, Philips Hue is a more expensive option.
Hive vs. SmartThings
Hive and SmartThings are both popular smart home automation systems. Both systems offer similar features, such as the ability to control your devices from your smartphone, set schedules and timers, create rules and triggers, and receive notifications.
However, there are some key differences. First, SmartThings offers a wider range of products, including security cameras and door locks. Second, SmartThings uses a hub to connect your devices to your smartphone, while Hive does not. Third, SmartThings is a more expensive option.
Bottom Line
Hive is a great option for those looking for a simple and affordable smart home automation system. However, it’s important to keep in mind that Hive does have some limitations when compared to other systems on the market.
