Like first in Slovakia and Czech Republic, we have tested "all-in-one" device Almond+.
Note: The list of compatible Z-Wave and Zigbee devices that work with Almond+ could be find here.
We tested the device Almond+ from company Securifi, smart home router with touch screen and support communication protocols Zigbee and mainly Z-Wave. Almond+ was funding project on the website Kickstarter. In 2015, Securifi launched Almond+ router in retail. It is one of the most popular and well-received router on Amazon.
Positives
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Negatives
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The concept of "all-in-one" device that would link devices such as home Wi-Fi router and smart control unit for households already thanks to Securify company is no longer a fantasy. Almond+ links home router and controller for households with support of communication protocols Z-Wave and Zigbee.
Supported communication protocols
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Operatives modes:
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Some of software features
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Package contents:
Almond – SmartHome Gateway, power supply, various plug adapters, dowels, screws for mounting the wall bracket also included, stand for the desk, gigabit network cable, quick start guide
The advantage of the touch screen allows you to configure Almond + directly by it or through the connected PC. The adjustment process will take from 3-5 minutes. It is very intuitive, but is necessary knowledge of English. You can choose from three possible modes standalone Wi-Fi router, range extender or access point. In our testing, we have chosen mode the range extender. For the set up of your Almond+, you will need a PC, smartphone or tablet with an Internet connection so you can create an account on the website of the manufacturer Securifi. After complete set up you will see screen like this.
Almond+ support local access (via home network), you need to find out IP address of device and put it into web browser. Also remote access is available, you get information about webpage while you are configurating Almond+. Also, you can use mobile apps for Android or iOS.
So that we can test the functionality of the Z-Wave protocol, it was necessary to add a couple of Z-Wave devices from our e-shop. Specifically, we tested the devices from Fibaro like Fibaro Wall Plug, Fibaro Motion Sensor Fibaro Fire Sensor, Door Sensor and Fibaro Flood sensor.
Inclusion Process, the process of adding devices to the Z-Wave network can be done only by using the touchscreen of controller Almond+. On screen you will see Add sensor -> Add. The pairing process will start, during which it is necessary to press inclusion button on the Z-Wave device.
Web interface and Android app showing the added Z-Wave devices.
Note: Compatibility with generic devices type of Z-Wave protocol is quite good. But, if you want to set some supported parameters of device, you will get stuck.
You can also create rules for devices in network. It is very easy process, you have just select a trigger and actuator (IF -> THEN condition). This rule could be depended on time or on change of some measured value. Your creativity is only limitation, while you are creating rules.
Device Almond+ could also operate like FTP, Samba, DLNA or VPN server.
At the end, we could say that, the device Almond + surprised us with its complexity. It's an interesting kind of device, that is designed primarily as a simple but well-secured router, which can be used as a home automation unit. If the manufacturer will improve the support for multiple Z-Wave devices and make available setting up parameters of the Z-Wave devices, while simplicity will be retain the device may become an even bigger hit.
Note: The list of compatible Z-Wave and Zigbee devices that work with Almond+ could be find here.