I'm based in the UK and my heating supplier is wanting me to change to Hive Active Heating claiming it's the only accessible program system now available on the market for visually impaired people.. They claim the app is totally accessible for voice-over users but I'd rather get visually impaired comments on how easy it is rather than those of sighted engineeers. So, if anyone has a HIVE timer system for their heating and water, I'd be interested to hear your comments on how easy or not it is to operate.
Many thanks
Comments
Hive
Hi Debbie,
What I would say is it about 85% fine. For most everyday stuff like seeing temperture and stopping, starting or turning on schedule is totally accessible. Where the app falls down is when setting up a schedule of times. It is not logical but can be done. So for example if you want to set a time for Monday you can do this but after clicking on Monday in the schedule tab the times are after you flick through every other day of the week. You can once one day is set up do a set all to the same times type of thing so not a real pain. There is also something to do with scheduling that freezes the phone and can't make VO work at all but I can't remember how that happens as I set mine up a year ago. Suppose that may have changed but the scheduling issues haven't changed re any updates. But yes it is more than fine for what you would need.
hth
Should have added
It isn't cheap so if you can get the mini as this is cheaper and does exactly the same as the bigger option.
Good to know
That’s good to know. I had heard it is accessible so I went ahead and ordered one, it’s being installed in two weeks. I believe it also works with Alexa, but I don’t know if you can do everything with that.
It cost me €299 here in Ireland, they never mentioned a cheaper one.
My current manual system is pretty much completely inaccessible so I’m looking forward to getting the Hive.
Dave
Voice control
Yes it also works with google home but it is limited as to what you can say to it. In the uk the full version is around £140 but the mini is around £75 or it was last time I looked on amazon. Changes prices all the time. The app works well enough without voice control but at a pinch it can work that way.
Hive and Homekit
Just icking up on this thread. Does Hive work with Apple's Homekit? My old Inspire Home Automation heating system has decided to give up the ghost, and I'm looking for a new one, however because of Brexit the cost of replacing it with like-for-like is extortionate.
Yes
Hey Donal. Yes it does connect with Apple HomeKit. I have mine connected to both Alexa and Apple HomeKit.
However for full control of things like schedules, I still find I use the Hive app itself more than Apple’s Home app.
Give me a buzz if you want me to show you the app or anything.
Dave
Thanks for the info
Cheers Dave, will be in touch.
Accessible but impossible if needs resetting
Debbie,
the app is almost totally accessible, apart from some difficulties with scheduling. However, if the hive system needs to be rebooted, if you've been away for example, crashes completely, or just decides to be problematic, you'll be in big trouble. You need to see to reset independently, holding a button on the receiver and waiting for colours to change, etc and other fiddling around with the hub connected to your broadband. Happened twice to me, and was a nightmare. A real pain, if you live alone, but It is the only way to deal with touch screen heating system these days. I left mine behind in old flat, and will have to invest in another one now. Be warned, if It crasheds, It is a serious issue. Be my eyes, is a possible work around, but not easy to deal, if your alone.
Don't bother with mini
Get the main one! Live a little! I enjoy Hive very much, especially the new app. You can also link it to your Alexa devices and it's even better that way. Don't get the mini I tell ya!
Well that's just it
I'd actually forgotten why the main one was better. I'm sure there are other reasons but that is one of them. If you go offline, my dear chap, I am frightened that you will now freeze! At least if you've got the main one you can get the handier household help, as your countryman Fred Wedlock would have it, to sort you out with the touchscreen. For myself, Mrs Bingo is sighted so it is good to have the control on the unit as well. I'm sure there was another bleedin' reason why we went for the main one but I can't think what it is.