Starting from absolute scratch, the first questions seem to be:
- Which ecosystem?
- Home Assistant seems to be the answer, over Google, Apple or Amazon.
- Which device protocols should I start with? E.g.
Zigbee, Z-wave orMatter?- Matter sounds like it is the future. Should I be worried that Matter (BETA) - Home Assistant has “Beta” in the name and prefer e.g. Zigbee or Z-wave for now?
And then, what hardware do I need to get started?
- Home Assistant, running in one of either:
- Home Assistant Green
- Docker container
- I’m already very familiar with Docker and since I already have a handful of services running in Docker, I’d prefer Docker over the Home Assistant Green.
- Devices, e.g.:
- a couple of Matter switches e.g. Tapo P110M | Mini Smart Wi-Fi Plug
- a TP-Link Tapo t100 sensor
- From Matter (BETA) - Home Assistant:
- In Home Assistant, have the Matter integration installed
- Thread border router device (Nest Hub (2nd Gen) or Nest Wi-Fi Pro or Home Assistant with the OpenThread Border Router add-on)
- Android or iPhone ready and Bluetooth enabled in same 2.4 GHz Wifi network that I want to add the device to (from Matter (BETA) - Home Assistant)
Is that right? Is that roughly a path of least resistance to a sensor and a couple of switches working with Home Assistance to get me started
About my skill level: I’m brand new to the “smart home” space but a long-time Linux software developer.