HomeAppsWe all were moved to a free eWeLink plan. eWeLink app update

We all were moved to a free eWeLink plan. eWeLink app update

eWeLink hints paid plans and more

A new update just dropped this morning. A brand new UI for eWeLink app is in town and it looks refreshing. The graphical overhaul isn’t the only change, looks like we are being migrated to a “free” plan – does it mean there are paid options?

eWeLink app update

The fresh UI reminds me the one from the MiHome. I like MiHome interface, although living on CN server has disadvantages of the interface to work slow. In case you wonder, I’m on CN server for much wider device support as these usually end up on their local servers first before they move over to western ones.

In case you wonder, there is no “dark theme” (yet?), so we are all stack with a refreshed white UI. Power users will see more devices at glance, with additional icons for connectivity protocols. Shame the battery status isn’t available at the main screen.

free plan vs paid

According to the info in the app, all users had been migrated to a free plan with Advanced and Pro plans looming over us, poor freeloaders. You can apply for the plan review, but there is no information about the pricing yet.

Update 02/07/2020: The basic plan will be free and without the IFTTT support, the Advanced plan will be $9.90 per year and the PRO is aimed at the industrial level automation and priced individually! In addition to free plans, Advanced plan will open access to a web-based eWeLink app and tablets. Does it mean we could expect kiosk support?

So far, the only disadvantage of the free plan, is lack of access to IFTTT service which is disappointing. I know the service at IFTTT costs a couple of thousands of dollars a year to keep, but I would assume, these are just minor operational costs.

Other changes

There is an interesting change in eWeLink app account section. You can delete the account or deactivate the device. Does it mean that the eWeLink app will support multiple login sessions? This would keep the eWeLink API in NodeRED operational.

Unfortunately, the eWeLink app is still subject to that annoying upgrade bug, where you have to use a hotspot to bring your device’s firmware up to date – disappointing.

I actually reached out a couple of days ago to eWeLink support asking if they would consider REST API and MQTT support. The request was acknowledged and:

Thanks for your mail. The API of cloud will not support MQTT and we don’t have a plan to of if. Now API just Websocket and REST support. If you want to control the device in your LAN, there are some devices have a DIY mode with OPEN API : https://sonoff.tech/product-tutorials/diy-mode-to-control-the-sonoff-device Reragrads AlexeWeLink support

Conclusion

I know many of you use the app only to test the devices before flashing it with Tasmota, but as the app develops and introduces more features, the comfort of not going through all the hoops may retain more DIY home automation fans. The user’s privacy always was the argument, but given an option, I would rather submit my household information to a government that has no jurisdiction over my country. Plus my wife is Chinese, I have a direct two-way link to all state-approved secrets. Thoughts? Let me know in this Reddit thread.

PayPal

Nothing says "Thank you" better than keeping my coffee jar topped up!

Patreon

Support me on Patreon and get an early access to tutorial files and videos.

image/svg+xml

Bitcoin (BTC)

Use this QR to keep me caffeinated with BTC: 1FwFqqh71mUTENcRe9q4s9AWFgoc8BA9ZU

Smart Ideas with

Automate your space in with these ecosystems and integrate it with other automation services

client-image
client-image
client-image
client-image
client-image
client-image
client-image
client-image
client-image

Learn NodeRED

NodeRED for beginners: 1. Why do you need a NodeRED server?

0
To server or not to server? That's a very silly question!

Best Automation Projects

Tuya SDK for beginners: Intro to Tuya Cloud API

0
Working with Tuya Cloud API. A guide to Cloud automation for beginners, get started with REST!

NEST your old thermostat under $5

0
Nest-ing up your older thermostat under $5

Sonoff Zigbee Bridge – review

0
Sonoff line up will soon include Sonoff Zigbee Bridge and more Zigbee sensors - here is the first look

DIY Smart Washing Machine – for about 15 bucks!

0
Learn how to add washing machine notifications to your Google Home on the cheap

Nora – Google Assistant in NodeRED

0
Integrate Google Assistant with NodeRED thanks to Nora - NodeRED home automation

Smart Home

Multi-lights for your ceiling from Aqara

0
This is the biggest light I held in my hands so far. It's ZigBee and it comes from Aqara - meet Aqara Ceiling Light T1M

Almost the fastest PIR sensor you can buy

0
ITEAD introduced a new ZigBee sensor - Sonoff PIR (SNZB-03P) which is also the fastest PIR sensor in their line up. Is it good? Read more!

Smart Panel automation by Tuya

0
I'm checking out two smart panels by Tuya. Both run Linux systems, fit inside the wall switch cavity and offer a range of automation options

Adding Matter to Sonoff BasicR4

0
Sonoff goes back to basics with Sonoff BasciR4 - a new and improved basic smart relay - and I'm about to add Matter to it (and Tasmota)

Sonoff Presence Sensor (SNZB-06P) is not what you think

0
This mm wave radar sensor combines cool tech and ZigBee 3.0, but it's not what you think it is. Closer look at Sonoff Presence Sensor