Hey all… toying with this idea and looking to see if there’s interest.
Full Telematics service (GPS Service) with full SDK/API. Mobile App and supports a huge amount of hardware trackers. This is a commercial system that I’m looking to open to DIY users.
Per device/unit monthly fee. Trying to keep this really cheap so throw out what is cheap to you and would be of interest. Be reasonable as free is not an option, there are servers/data/expenses behind this and NO it’s not based/hosted in AWS.
Typical offerings are expensive and 60 second updates and even more expensive if you want faster updates.
What I’m proposing is MUCH cheaper and you chose the updates as it’s your SIM/Data so you get to choose how fast/often you want your devices to update.
Would something like this be of interest? It is real, it is running and I am using it. It’s currently private but based off one of the top Telematics systems in the world.
@Yuran, Traccar is a good solution for those that can run it local. I expected as much from Home Assistant people.
What I’m proposing is not another “free” Mobile app solution like the dozens that exist. What I’m working on is using an industry proven system and making it available/affordable to consumers. Yet it appears there’s no interest which is fine. As the saying goes you get what you pay for.
And BTW @maxdaniel there’s no such thing as free. It may not cost you in $$$ but those “free” services are making millions by selling your information.
As has been said, I’m happy currently using an inaccurate free gps logger, combined with Wifi & Bluetooth in a bayesian sensor. the fact it’s using multiple inputs negates it’s “inaccuracies” and makes it perfectly usable for day to day use.
I don’t use geofences or zones currently as I’ve no real need but if I were to go towards that sort of thing I think I’d just use Tasker on my phone as it’s been a good location trigger in the past.
I understand that free app providers may sell my data, but if they want to sell the fact I’ve driven past a certain shop at a certain time or the fact I was in a certain shop/place for X hours then best of luck to them. It’s them that needs to shift through the data to find what they need, not me.
It’s not even as though it is registered to my personal email, I use the email I set up specifically for HA connected third parties…
I’m happy to pay for apps/services for convinience. But only if it combines existing things I use. For example, if a service popped up that combined real-debrid subscription and vpn subscription, I’d probably sign up as it saves me managing both services myself.
Or for example the android app that’s being developed (here on the forum) that’s combined actionable notifications, device tracker, and manages home assistant widgets on my homescreen… I’ll be paying for the paid for ‘pro’ version as it has meant I don’t need a http widget app, the notification app and a separate tracker app cluttering up my phone.
There is a scope for another tracker, but it would need to do more than just track for me to take notice/pay a subscription.
I would say if you can run HA you can run Traccar.
But you are right that there is no free. But you also say the the free sells your info for millions. Proof? And youwould not? I dont use any cloudservice because everyone of them can be tempted. We know that Google collect info. And many others
If I had plans to sell the info I would offer a “free” service to get the most subscribers as possible and provide it through the cheapest method ie provide a “hosted Traccar” solution for free. Easy, Cheap and maximum return… good business right?
I started this as my own project of using the best system I could get access to and thought I might share it with others that wanted high grade vehicle Telematics. The “cost” I’m looking at offering is just covering my own expenses any profit is measured in pennies after taxes and filings etc. I suppose I could offer it as a “donation” service and hope people donate and then the system would get completely over-ran by users and complaints about service quality and issues and you can see where that goes.
Proof that they sell the data? How do they cover their operating costs? Somebody somewhere is paying for the system to operate. Life360 is a good example. I use them and pay for the service but they operate several “mobile apps” under several different names and services in order to collect maximum users and subscribers. Google’s entire business model is collecting/selling information. Nobody gives a “free service” money for free without the expectation of some kind of return. Venture Capital 101.
As for if you can run HA you can run Traccar. Yes that is absolutely not true. Some people can run HA through HASSIO and have no clue how the system works nor can they install Traccar onto the same rPi. They also can’t setup the NAT correctly to protect their systems. Just saying, but I read these forums and see the issues and it’s not a HA issue it’s a general issue with all systems.
I’m not offering/talking about just a “Tracker” service. This is a full Telematics system. Depending on what device/system you connect you can get all sorts of vehicle data OBD or CAN-BUS connecting various inputs/output and camera systems (Dash cams). This is not a “simple” tracking system it has it’s own events/notfications framework and full SDK/API.
If I wanted to make a lot of money I would advertise this on a “global scale”. I’m only advertising specific to the Smart Home systems/groups I work with and do/have used… I don’t want to provide a “global” service, just trying to bring reliable geofencing specific for automation events… I got tired of my garage door not opening or being opened when I drove up to my house
I just doubt that the Ha users you are the right group for this. I cant see any use for it in my home automation. I use Traccar for tracing my dog and to trace my car if someone steal it. I could use it to track my wifes phone but I am not suicidal. All the other features I have hard to see that anyone using HA could be interested in
You’re probably right. Not everyone uses/wants/needs this type of system. Not everyone has a Garage door or security gate (BTW was Barrier Class ever put into mainline OpenZwave to actually control Garage Doors with HA?) Sorry off topic…
I use it for opening/closing the garage. Tracking my vehicles since my kids use them. Tracking WHO is in the vehicle to know which garage door to open. Arm/Disarm alarm system, etc.
I also have events for vehicle stats like battery, fuel (do I need gas in the morning? nice having a notification before I’m half way down the road past gas stations before I notice it myself)
Who was driving that night and got the speeding ticket? happened to me last week. Neither my wife or I were driving or in the vehicle but i know who was…
Everyone has their own uses/scenarios or just like having geeky toys
I say I do most of it exept the fuel without using gpstracking. Only me can drive the car, the garage door opens when the security camera recognice the cars numberplate and also opens the gate. All with HA and all without subscription
I do agree with what you were saying about the free service stuff.
A saying I’ll always remember:
“If you aren’t paying to use a service, your data IS the service”
I totally agree and I’ll have to remember that quote!
Well it does seem the general consensus of lots and lots of people is that either they don’t want/need GPS services, they can do it themselves or they use a “free” service.
Well I’m stubborn and I use it myself so I’m still sharing it. I did launch the service and dropped the pricing. I know not many are interested here as most of the crowd is capable and DIY focused but there are those that aren’t and this may help. At the very least I’m going to be building out information on our forums specific to GPS and presence detection with Home Automation systems.
