The hosts share favorite automations, including setting up shortcut automations for devices with their own Wi-Fi network and app. They explore using app opening as a trigger and action and discuss challenges faced. They automate home lighting with a light sensor and improve home automations with location and human presence sensors. They also discuss favorite end-of-day and start-of-day automations.
Setting up shortcut automations to open apps when connecting to specific Wi-Fi networks or devices can simplify daily tasks.
Using app opening as a trigger for automations can create focused modes, enhancing productivity and reducing distractions.
Deep dives
Automating Wi-Fi Network App Openings
Rosemary Orchard talks about setting up shortcut automations to automatically open apps when connecting to specific Wi-Fi networks or devices. She shares how this simple automation has made her life easier, eliminating the need to manually open apps for various devices, such as cameras and health gadgets.
Using App Opening as a Powerful Trigger
David Sparks and Rosemary discuss the power of using app opening as a trigger for automations. They explain how this automation technique can be used to create focused modes, where certain apps trigger specific actions, such as silencing notifications or creating distraction-free reading environments. They encourage listeners to explore this underutilized automation method.
Automating Home Arrivals and Lighting
Rosemary Orchard shares her experience with automating home arrivals using Home Assistant. She describes how she sets up automations to rotate and open her vertical blinds when arriving home, as well as adjusting the lighting levels in her living room based on the ambient light conditions. She emphasizes the importance of fine-tuning these automations to create a comfortable and seamless home experience.