Hi Everyone,
I have joined this forum as I am very interested in Smart Home technology and what it can do. I have joined other similar forums but perhaps understandably they are only really interested in their own technology e.g. Smart Things.
I am heavily committed to Amazon Echos and the Alexa app and have some kit, Aurora Lighting AOne lights plus generic TuyaSmart WiFi switches working well with voice control but other things like using Broadlink IR to control TVs etc are very clunky.
What I wanted to ask is why should I invest in Home Assistant and what can it provide over Skills provided via Amazon?
Can Home Assistant help these to be more refined so I can change channel on TVs by voice and integrate other technology like control of my underfloor heating and CCTV in the future?
I am a self taught windows geek and have very basic knowledge of Mac and stumble along with Linux but I am not really comfortable with Unix/Linux command line unless I can follow instruction. Do I need to learn basic programming skills to set up routines etc in Home Assistant?
Any pointers/thoughts would be appreciated.
Fozzie