Very Slick. I'm liking it a lot. I really love the idea of having the QR code for Guest Network accessible and having a way for guests to control the home without blowing anything else up.
Thanks Frederick! I love that QR idea too. That was one of the ideas I got from one of the channel members (shout out to Brad!). It's a great idea! And yes, I agree, it's nice to be able to pick and choose what is accessible from the iPad. Limited access for guests!
Shane, what have you done. You got me obsessed with wanting this set up at my home now. Argh! Wife won’t be happy with me or you now. 😂 Awesome video! Your setup is on point. Once I get wife approval to go this route I’m going to opt to use your set up and maybe tweak to my needs. Thanks for all of your hard work and sharing of all things Homekit.
Haha, thank you!! I'm just sharing my obsession! I can't be held responsible for the results of that. 😆😅🤣 Thanks for watching and supporting the channel! Good luck with that wife approval!
Shane for the issue with the iPad always being plugged in, you can plug it into a smart switch and set up an automation on the iPad that turns on the switch when battery drops to 20% and turns it back off when battery reaches 80%.
Shane - I picked up Viz designer after your initial video highlighting it. A little confusing at first, and the tutorial videos did help, but their update is an improvement and your setup and resources files were a big help. Thanks for sharing all of these. Keep 'em coming!
I'm still holding out for an Apple version of the Echo Show. I'd prefer a low refresh rate so the display can always be on. The main thing I would use it for is to keep track of cooking timers. Having my HomePod track the timers means I don't get to see how much time is left without asking Siri.
„Let the screen on all the time“ - we have the iPad first generation as a touch screen with the Kiosk-app in our small town museum. It works wonderfull since years, and it is 24 hours a day on. Cause not all personal know how to start it right. So - no problem.
Sweet but expensive! I am loathe to drill holes in my sheetrock. However, your first mounting video inspired a Rube Goldberg solution and then this video inspired the solution the nagging problem I was still having powering my setup. Thanks for the inspiration X 2 ! Here's what I did: 1. I found that the case I have on an old iPad mini 4 is magnetic and will stick to the side of my refrigerator (won't work with stainless steel fridges, alas). So I folded the case over behind the iPad and stuck the front of the case to the back of the case using velcro (just in case I ever want to use the iPad unmounted) and then slapped the iPad onto the fridge. Voila--a no extra cost way to mount an iPad in the kitchen. 2. The big hassle was that there is no power plug anywhere near where I have the iPad mounted, so I was having to pull down the iPad every day or two to charge it. Your video inspired me to think outside the box once again and I realized that a 6 foot lightning to USB cable was long enough to run behind the refrigerator to the wall outlet just to the right of the fridge--the one I use for my toaster. I plugged the power brick for the iPad into the wall outlet alongside the toaster and I'm good to go. Note: This won't work well if you don't have at least one highly visible refrigerator side for the mounting since the cable prevents mounting on a door.
Great video. I have a small townhouse so don’t have as many accessories and probably will not wall mount, but you did give me some good ideas and might get an iPad to have setup on the magnetic stand you mentioned. I can see a lot of benefits from this setup even in a smaller house.
That's great, I'm glad the video sparked some ideas. We all use our smart homes differently and have different setups so we must find what's best for each. Thanks for watching!
Omg you are so so clever. Luv how you keep the iPad asleep and wake it up with the motion sensor and doorbell. That’s all awesome. Plus that mode that only lets the app be in use that you use. I’ll have to come back to this vid again later when I need to do it myself. Lol. Thanks 🙏.
Great update, Shane. You hit on several ideas I’ve been considering. My current set up is two wall-mounted iPads. I have one near the front entrance and main hallway that gives everyone access and one in my detached office where I have employees enter and even work from time to time. These require very different scenarios. The main house iPad has been working on an automation for controlling charging. I read some incredibly detailed reviews on the best charging scenarios for iPads and most agreed that a range of 30-80% was best: turn the charging off (via a HomeKit smart plug) when the battery is at 80% and turn charging back on when the iPad battery is at 30%. These are very simple automations you make. Both of my iPads have been using these battery charging rubrics for months. I have also been thinking about waking the screen via motion as my Ecobee (located next to my wall-mounted iPad as well) does this already. I think that you might be able to use the Ecobee motion sensor on the main unit to create an automation like you have suggested via the Eve app. The motion sensor is exposed there. Do you know if I can display a photo screensaver like background rather than a blank screen? The office needed stricter controls. Using a tool like VIZ designer allows me to give people working in the office control over a myriad of HomeKit devices in the office while not including any devices in the home (I’ve considered and discarded the idea of having the office as a separate Home as I want to include some office features in whole-house automations). Finally, I’m also a big fan of VidaBox. Their snap on/off faceplate is fantastic, installation is easy, and it just looks great! I’ve got a black one for the house and a white one for the office, matching the others nearby accessories. The only caution I would give is to ensure (1) that your iPad cable is easily long enough to get to your plug and the routing will gobble more space than you might predict and (2) to ensure your power cable has a very low profile lightning plug head. VitaBox gives very limited space on this side of the plug so as to ensure your mount is both tight and clean. The Lightning head on the Apple supplied cables is fine, but many may need to purchase a longer cable to reach their desired outlet - this is when paying attention to the Lightning head is critical.
Dr. Cole thank you for your comment and helpful tips! That is a great setup and I appreciate you sharing. Very cool to hear you are using Viz Designer, Vidabox, and have not one, but TWO wall mounted iPads! Happy to hear it seems to be a good solution for your setup. And thanks again for the suggestions. Great tip regarding the charging cable. And I just may start using a smart plug for charging automations after all, after your comment.
You could just remove the battery from the iPad and solder some capacitors to mimic the battery. With that connecting the device 24/7 I not dangerous any more
Hi, I have an iPad mini 4 with iPadOS 15.x that I was using as Home Controller on the wall, but I updated to the new architecture (I was having problems with some devices and that's why I updated) and I no longer have access to Home, is there any way to use my iPad again as a controller? any app that allows access from the iPad, or through homebridge? what do you recommend?, thanks in advance!
Looks great, really like your guest QR code, I have mine set up with a virtual switch with homebridge that activates a shortcut to open a QR code but yours is so much better! Happy the icons looks awesome 😎
Hi Max, Sorry to jump in.... I have set up Viz Designer to work with all my devices in HomeKit, and have found a way of attaching scenes to buttons using 'Dummy' plug-in in homebridge, but can't find a way of running shortcuts using the buttons in Viz. Can you help at all? Thanks
@@Kate.56 sorry didn't see the comment I had that set up with the Home+ 5 app, not actually sure if you can do that yet in Viz, but you can attach a QR code like Shane does in the video! i thinks its way better anyway..
Hey very very cool trick at waking the screen up in kiosk mode. I've heard many people not using iPad in a wall just because they weren't able to wake it on motion. Kudos!
Can you share how to upload your Viz template from your website link? I've downloaded those two folders and I can't figure out how to get your amazing layout. Also can you link the HTML code used for your weather widgets? Thanks for the amazing content!😃
Hey Shane Thank you for your videos, I love them so hard :D I have a question regarding the VIZ-Designer: How can you control multiple lights with one button? I have a light with 3 bulbs, but i can only select one bulb at one button :(
Any chance you could do a full setup video on how to get your iPad to send notifications to it for it to wake up please. Be nice to see how this works to see if it be work m investing in this. I think personally for rme it be great as for the iPad to wake up to see my blood reading on it! thanks for your help and your great video setups!
The location of the ecobee has never been able to give me the results I wanted for motion detection. So I use another sensor the can pick up motion better for this specific location.
Just watched this video for the first time and I'm so looking forward to implementing some of these ideas in my brand new townhome. I'm moving into it in two months and can't wait!! great content!!
Great video! Thank you! Is there ways to do this setup from a PC as I have no iphone mobile or imac I only have the ipads! and do not want to be going down the lines of changing all my setups on Android and PC but really wanting to use ipad for this setup rather thsn a Samsung Tablet! Any chance you can help me further keep my ipad display on using a Aqara Sensor in HA Has nothing seems to be doign as it should! Other issues I have is I have thermal blocks at back of my wall so no way to hide it in the walls unless I have to re decorated and channel it in then re plaster over it but would also need to make sure I CAN GET THE WIRES BACK IN AND OUT EASILY as things change over time to power different devices. Thanks
Hi Shane! Cannot tell you how much I appreciate your Videos. You are showing me the way....and I so appreciate it. I am just beginning my Automation project. I already have 2 Apple Home Pods, and 2 Home Pod Mini's. I just ordered the Akara G3 to point towards my front door in my living room. I also ordered 4 mini switches, to control lamps, etc. My home is a single story 2906 sq ft, however, and I am wondering if I should have a Akara Hub in various parts of the home? Like in my Master? Thanks again Shane.
@@ShaneCreates thanks, I’ll have a look in to that. I created a new email/apple id for the home so that’ll be the calendar I’ll populate and be interested in. Appreciate the videos, great inspiration for what’s possible. And I’m hell bent on HomeKit as it feels more friendly vs home assistant (though I may set up homebridge)
Shane thanks for all your videos they are very helpful. I am curios can you use Viz Designer to create a dashboard that access other apps than Apple HomeKit like Sonos, my pool controller app?
Hey Michael. Viz Designer is just a HomeKit app so it can only access homekit accessories. You can embed webpages and html, which is how I did the weather and calendar widgets.
Hi guys, is the guided access working properly for you? Stopped in my case, since 15.4. IpadOS update. Working fine for you? Still wondering where the problem could be. Using Aqara MS and iPad 2021 (9th gen). Would be really grateful if you could share your experience. Many thanks in advance! Cheers 😉👍🏻 Shane, great channel, love it! 👍🏻
Viz Designer is great, still learning my way around. Wish they made the editor available directly on the ipad so you could design your remote on the same device if you wanted. But oh well. Just wanted to ask, what is the "Task List" you used in your ?
Awesome Video! I've been waiting for a set up like this with an iPad as the hub. On a side note, do you know if you can use Unifi Ubiquiti cameras with this system (Apple)? I've heard that home kit doesn't support Unifi, but there is a home kit bridge that does. Just wanted to see if you've connected Unifi Cameras and Access Points. Thanks and great job on the video!
You know I wonder if the viz interface could be used on a iPad that couldn’t update to iPadOS 16 and be able to use all the new features. And not mess with and cause issues the HomeKit setup. I had a iPad Air 2 that I read won’t be getting ipados16. It’s in the wall in a perfectly flush mount that has poe power to it and everything. Would be a huge pain in the to replace it. And expensive. Wall smarts flush mounts are he closest thing I’ve found to it and they’re $700-800!! I paid $35 for this one. It’s just a perfectly molded piece of plastic that gets set into the wall opening. These mounts should really be universal in enough ways to leave room for the minor dimensional changes the iPads go through at every new version. The built in iPad wal smart box instructs you to use construction adhesive to mount it in between the two vertical studs you have to place in the wall to frame it. Oy. I bet you could scan and 3D print just about what I have now just with the new iPad laid in. Heck I imagine there are 3D LiDAR scans online of all the iPads. Scan the current mount I have. Place the new iPad model into it and print.
This is brilliant. I have now bought the software and working on a great new controller for our house. Can you share how you embedded the calendar widget? I am assuming you are using some third party system to get to look as you do?
Hi Shane, Great video! Thanks for posting it. I just wanted to check in to see how the iPad with 64GB of RAM is working out. I'm interested in doing something similar, but my plan is to have 8 NEST cameras, 8 HomePod Minis, a few Smart Blind Controllers, and a variety of Lutron Smart Dimmers. Do you feel 64GB is adequate for my proposed setup or would you advise more RAM?
Can you have two iPads with the Viz Designer control screens set up the same way? Not that I have a large home but maybe 1 in the kitchen on a Pitaka stand and 1 on the wall like your set up?
Did you create a separate apple ID account for that ipad? So that the notifications from your personal phone does not pop up? Also, with the assumption of that, would the doorbell camera still pop up on your phone? Thank you for all that you do. it's very inspiring
Yes I did create a separate Apple ID. Potentially overkill but it works well for me. Since I use my iPad in Guided Access mode (which requires a PIN code to exit the display app), one wouldn't be able to access text messages or other things anyways without exiting Guided Access Mode.
@@ShaneCreates You would have only had to drill 2 holes in the plastic as well, since the other 2 could be lined up with existing holes, oh well, next time. Liked the video :)
Thanks Ellis. Yes, you can, but in a round-about way. Essentially, I'm using my Apple calendar here. That's all my family really uses also. But Apple makes it really hard to do stuff like this. So what I did was actually sync my Apple Calendar to a new Google Calendar. There are some guides online for doing this. Once that's done, you can easily embed the Google Calendar. Now if we add things to our Apple Calendar, it will all sync up.
Hi Shane how do u config that IPad (account, settings, etc.) for not interfering with presence and geofencing? I'm actually having issues with that, as for example switching on cameras when I leave and similar because its always like if someone is at home. Thanks and good job for all your tricks.
@@Bernoeofficial looks like the iPads are not included and doesn't share their location but I still don't get why doesn't work, I can see only iPhone and apple watch doing that. Really missing what's wrong, but googling I see is not only my problem. Think could be nice to get an option in Home app that could easily turn on or off this function device by device.
Hi Great Video. Ques. i have my all home with google smart automation and want to control from One screen which i can mount on wall . What would u recommend? Thanks
I downloaded Viz today and have been messing around with it. I also purchased the icon set. I am able to import some of the icon files but I don't see any of the icon files after importing them into Viz?
Great video! Always love all your content! Question on your Roborock. I love my S6MaxV and wonder how you have yours configured in HB? Do you have it on your selective room cleaning?
Thanks Greg! Yes I have selective room cleaning enabled through homebridge. But honestly don't use it much. We usually just have it run everywhere when we leave, hence the button on the iPad that starts cleaning "everywhere."
Finding this videos year after it’s been released. Would it be good to have cellular iPad in case Wi-Fi is acting funny? And you would still have the ability to be connected to HomeKit on the IPad if that happens
Yes if there was no wifi, then cellular should work, just like it does on your iPhone. Regarding whether getting a cellular iPad for this is a good idea or not... that is up to you. I guess it depends on how essential it is to maintain that connection and also how questionable your wifi network is. But no wifi would also likely present connectivity issues with smart home accessories. Personally, I wouldn't want to pay for a cellular iPad and a monthly service plan just for a wall mounted iPad... but mine is not mission critical either.
Hi, I’ve noticed that the Viz designer app can be slow to respond to changes in the accessories from other sources. For example, if you have a light switch displayed in viz designer and you turn of the lights through the physical light switch it can take a while for viz designer to update its state. Is there anyway to fix this?
Shane, I really enjoyed this video. I have a question. Even though I am an iPad user, all my smart home devices are base on Google Home and not Homekit. Will this dashboard work for Google home as well? Thanks.
Hey Mark. Are you referring to the desktop application or the mobile companion app? Either way, both have had at least one or two updates since then. I haven't had any major issues with either. But one of the main reasons behind me updating that old iPad was to have faster processing to run my Viz Designer dashboard. The old one worked fine overall, but the device statuses update faster on the new iPad. I'm using an M1 MacBook Pro 13" for the desktop application without any issues. I haven't tried the windows version nor have I tried it on any other computers.
@@ShaneCreates thanks Shane, I found the iPad App in need of more buttons and there was no help. I should probably do more on the Mac and try again since the updates. Cheers
Is there a way to setup the guided access mode with allowing the user to control remote devices like other Apple TVs and HomePods? Or, is it possible to wake the iPad to a default app, but not locked to that one app? Mine is working in my kitchen by waking on “occupancy” alert for the kitchen, but if the music is too loud or anything I have to unlock it from GA, not very convenient.
Can Viz Designer do things like change the panel automatically based on an event from a device or time of day or a scene running, etc? Could it do something like show a picture or slideshow then switch back to the control panel based on motion detection?
Shane can you share your icon set you used? Also is there any tutorial for Viz Designer that shows how to setup status rules to have dynamic icons (example light icon status linked to power state) the tutorial from the app developer skips over how these are created.
Hi James. There is a link in the video description for the icon set that I used. For the status icons: • open your VIZ folder (under documents). Go to the resources/custom directory in the VIZ folder (…\Documents\VIZ Designer esources\custom) • There you can create a new directory with subfolders. The higher-level directory is the category, and the sub-folders are the status icons (both are then selectable via dropdown-menus in the image catalogue of the viz designer). • To create a status icon, you have to save the status icon images in the subfolders. In order to display the status correctly, you have to use special names for the image-files, that follow certain rules. • The status icon subfolder must contain an image for each possible status (i.e., on, off) and one for the undefined state (and optional one for default). Rule for the correct image name: state_.png An example would be: default.png undefined.png state_off.png state_on.png
Hi Shane. Love your channel! I was just about to buy a VidaMount for my iPad Air 2, but the cost has gone up to $150. Wondering if your willing to part with your old VidaMount? Name your price. Regards
@@ShaneCreates thanks! what about using something like Pushcut? I have a SwitchBot IR controller to lower my projector screen and turn on my projector - but need to trigger through Shortcuts since it doesn’t work directly with HomeKit.
Hey. My biggest problem is that I'm looking for a TV lift which is compatible with Homekit. Basically what I want is to lift up my TV & turn on Apple Tv (which turn on also my TV). Do you have any idea how I should achieve it?
Hey sorry, new to the channel so I'm sure I'll find the answer in another video... But why use Homekit. Isn't it waaay more limited in compatible products than something like Google Home? Or are you using a 3rd party like Homebridge to make things compatible that usually aren't. I currently use Google Home for all my lights, cameras, plugs etc. and am looking to make a setup like this, and am totally down to switch to Homekit if there's a cool reason I didn't know about. Thanks!
Hey Ryan. I use HomeKit for a few reasons. One, my house is an all-Apple household, so homekit works well across all of our devices. Two, Homekit operates locally (doesn't require cloud communication) and Apple has the best stance on privacy, which I like. It's also quite powerful in it's automation capabilities for an "out-of-the-box" system, without having to get into something like Home Assistant. HomeKit is a bit more limited in available accessories... for example, no smart appliances like washers, stoves, etc. can support homekit natively. I do use Homebridge for a few things. Additionally, HomeKit users should eventually benefit from Matter (new smart home standard) in that it should open up more product categories to homekit. Similarly, Matter requires local control, so Alexa and Google Home users will be able to benefit from local control when using Matter.
Shane enjoyed your video but have a question I’m not that savoy other than mounting it on the wall a setting it up my question to you is could I just have my security system and my Amazon Alexa stuff on this iPad without all the other stuff or do I need anything else like the software that you have install
Shane! Love your content! I’ve been upgrading my house based on your recommendations. What’re you doing with the old iPad and mount? I’d love to buy it off you since I’m on a budget for all this!
@@ShaneCreatesthanks for the reply. no worries! I figured you had another use for it. I shouldn’t try and buy stranger’s old stuff online anyway 🤣 Keep crushing it dude!
courios do you use a deticated user id for the ipad(s) that are acting as your dashboards or do you use your own id? do you allow your kids access through the Home app or just the remotes that have created?
Yes I do use a dedicated Apple ID for the wall mounted iPad, although it may not be necessary when using the iPad in Guided Access Mode. Yes, my kids have access to the home app, but they are old enough that I don't have to worry about much there.
Looks good. I think I asked this in the last video, don’t think I saw a reply. Is the motion sensor in the ecobee next to it enough to trigger? Wanted to do the same without having to add the Aqara…..
Good question. I remember trying this a long time ago, when I first setup that type of automation, and for some reason wasn't quite happy with it. I think because of the location, or maybe it's the sensor itself, I had to get pretty close to trigger it. It worked better for me when using another sensor placed in a different spot to pick up motion. It probably depends on your use-case and home layout too. It's definitely worth a try if you set something like this up. Then if you find it doesn't pick up the motion well enough, you can look into getting another sensor if necessary.
Probably. The new Home app is an improvement, but I still like having the full flexibility here on my wall mounted ipad. Especially having the weather and calendar up there.
Hi Shane came across your channel and I have to say I was super impressed as I too have a very automated smart home.... - I think I have over 200 things!! - I just put an iPad on my wall so I can use Home in guides access view but I like your idea around VIZ much better and I downloaded your example files to tinker around. The one think that I have not figured out yet and I'm sure you have came across this - I have several hue bulbs - the example is I have one ceiling fan in my office with 4 hue bulbs - In home kit I have these 4 bulbs grouped together so I can toggle on or off as a set. I noticed in VIZ you have to toggle one at a time and I really don't want a dashboard with 4 toggles for one light. I tried creating a zone in hue but that does not seem to show in HomeKit? How did you get around this???? - The only way I see around this is to create macros with the macro editor That just seems like overkill when this is a very common thing.
Thanks for watching! Yea, I do recall VIZ not being able to support grouped accessories like that. I don't use many groups so it has not affected me. The one workaround that I'd probably use, is to just create a "dummy switch" in homebridge and use that to toggle on/off your group via automation. Of course, that would require homebridge and I'm not sure if you have that setup or not.
@@ShaneCreates Thanks for the reply Shane - Yes, I do use home bridge and I do have the dummy plugin already, I will give that a try. I did get the macro to toggle the group but I will also try the dummy and see which performs better - Have a great day and thanks for your content and channel.
Wow! Over 200 things! May I ask... do that many products slow down your wifi? Or do you use more than one router/ modem? (not sure what is the right question to ask.)
Shane got a question for you. When controlling manually (not on iPad) from the home app or Siri, does the iPad update the status of the icons to reflect that a light have been turned on/off etc? Or are they not linked?
Very Slick. I'm liking it a lot. I really love the idea of having the QR code for Guest Network accessible and having a way for guests to control the home without blowing anything else up.
Thanks Frederick! I love that QR idea too. That was one of the ideas I got from one of the channel members (shout out to Brad!). It's a great idea!
And yes, I agree, it's nice to be able to pick and choose what is accessible from the iPad. Limited access for guests!
Shane, what have you done. You got me obsessed with wanting this set up at my home now. Argh! Wife won’t be happy with me or you now. 😂 Awesome video! Your setup is on point. Once I get wife approval to go this route I’m going to opt to use your set up and maybe tweak to my needs. Thanks for all of your hard work and sharing of all things Homekit.
Haha, thank you!! I'm just sharing my obsession! I can't be held responsible for the results of that.
😆😅🤣
Thanks for watching and supporting the channel! Good luck with that wife approval!
@@ShaneCreates 0:16
Once you get wife’s approval. That’s cute 🙄 be a man
I have got the opposite situation… convince my husband!!! 😅😅😅
Shane for the issue with the iPad always being plugged in, you can plug it into a smart switch and set up an automation on the iPad that turns on the switch when battery drops to 20% and turns it back off when battery reaches 80%.
That's true.. a good option. But the iPad has smart charging so keeping it plugged in all the time should not damage the device or the battery.
Shane - I picked up Viz designer after your initial video highlighting it. A little confusing at first, and the tutorial videos did help, but their update is an improvement and your setup and resources files were a big help. Thanks for sharing all of these. Keep 'em coming!
I'm glad to hear it Tom! Thanks for the support!
I'm still holding out for an Apple version of the Echo Show. I'd prefer a low refresh rate so the display can always be on. The main thing I would use it for is to keep track of cooking timers. Having my HomePod track the timers means I don't get to see how much time is left without asking Siri.
I would love to see a device like that by Apple. Hopefully one of these days! 🤞🏻
I have been wanting to create a HomeKit dashboard for a while. Will take a look at Viz designer for sure!
„Let the screen on all the time“ - we have the iPad first generation as a touch screen with the Kiosk-app in our small town museum. It works wonderfull since years, and it is 24 hours a day on. Cause not all personal know how to start it right. So - no problem.
You’re my fav HomeKit reviewer Shane, keep up the great work! 👍🏼
Awesome setup! Using the motion sensor to turn it on is genius! I loved the fact that it’s wife approved “Are u gonna use this one?” LOL!
Sweet but expensive! I am loathe to drill holes in my sheetrock. However, your first mounting video inspired a Rube Goldberg solution and then this video inspired the solution the nagging problem I was still having powering my setup. Thanks for the inspiration X 2 ! Here's what I did:
1. I found that the case I have on an old iPad mini 4 is magnetic and will stick to the side of my refrigerator (won't work with stainless steel fridges, alas). So I folded the case over behind the iPad and stuck the front of the case to the back of the case using velcro (just in case I ever want to use the iPad unmounted) and then slapped the iPad onto the fridge. Voila--a no extra cost way to mount an iPad in the kitchen.
2. The big hassle was that there is no power plug anywhere near where I have the iPad mounted, so I was having to pull down the iPad every day or two to charge it. Your video inspired me to think outside the box once again and I realized that a 6 foot lightning to USB cable was long enough to run behind the refrigerator to the wall outlet just to the right of the fridge--the one I use for my toaster. I plugged the power brick for the iPad into the wall outlet alongside the toaster and I'm good to go.
Note: This won't work well if you don't have at least one highly visible refrigerator side for the mounting since the cable prevents mounting on a door.
I had an iPad 5th gen plugged in 99% of the time for about 5 years without any problems with the battery.
Great video. I have a small townhouse so don’t have as many accessories and probably will not wall mount, but you did give me some good ideas and might get an iPad to have setup on the magnetic stand you mentioned. I can see a lot of benefits from this setup even in a smaller house.
That's great, I'm glad the video sparked some ideas. We all use our smart homes differently and have different setups so we must find what's best for each. Thanks for watching!
Omg you are so so clever. Luv how you keep the iPad asleep and wake it up with the motion sensor and doorbell. That’s all awesome. Plus that mode that only lets the app be in use that you use. I’ll have to come back to this vid again later when I need to do it myself. Lol. Thanks 🙏.
Thanks for watching Lawrence!
Great update, Shane. You hit on several ideas I’ve been considering. My current set up is two wall-mounted iPads. I have one near the front entrance and main hallway that gives everyone access and one in my detached office where I have employees enter and even work from time to time. These require very different scenarios. The main house iPad has been working on an automation for controlling charging. I read some incredibly detailed reviews on the best charging scenarios for iPads and most agreed that a range of 30-80% was best: turn the charging off (via a HomeKit smart plug) when the battery is at 80% and turn charging back on when the iPad battery is at 30%. These are very simple automations you make. Both of my iPads have been using these battery charging rubrics for months.
I have also been thinking about waking the screen via motion as my Ecobee (located next to my wall-mounted iPad as well) does this already. I think that you might be able to use the Ecobee motion sensor on the main unit to create an automation like you have suggested via the Eve app. The motion sensor is exposed there. Do you know if I can display a photo screensaver like background rather than a blank screen?
The office needed stricter controls. Using a tool like VIZ designer allows me to give people working in the office control over a myriad of HomeKit devices in the office while not including any devices in the home (I’ve considered and discarded the idea of having the office as a separate Home as I want to include some office features in whole-house automations).
Finally, I’m also a big fan of VidaBox. Their snap on/off faceplate is fantastic, installation is easy, and it just looks great! I’ve got a black one for the house and a white one for the office, matching the others nearby accessories. The only caution I would give is to ensure (1) that your iPad cable is easily long enough to get to your plug and the routing will gobble more space than you might predict and (2) to ensure your power cable has a very low profile lightning plug head. VitaBox gives very limited space on this side of the plug so as to ensure your mount is both tight and clean. The Lightning head on the Apple supplied cables is fine, but many may need to purchase a longer cable to reach their desired outlet - this is when paying attention to the Lightning head is critical.
Dr. Cole thank you for your comment and helpful tips! That is a great setup and I appreciate you sharing.
Very cool to hear you are using Viz Designer, Vidabox, and have not one, but TWO wall mounted iPads! Happy to hear it seems to be a good solution for your setup. And thanks again for the suggestions. Great tip regarding the charging cable. And I just may start using a smart plug for charging automations after all, after your comment.
You could just remove the battery from the iPad and solder some capacitors to mimic the battery. With that connecting the device 24/7 I not dangerous any more
im so obsessed right now! thanks shane !! im getting my own home next year and im definately setting this up !!!!
Hi, I have an iPad mini 4 with iPadOS 15.x that I was using as Home Controller on the wall, but I updated to the new architecture (I was having problems with some devices and that's why I updated) and I no longer have access to Home, is there any way to use my iPad again as a controller? any app that allows access from the iPad, or through homebridge? what do you recommend?, thanks in advance!
Looks great, really like your guest QR code, I have mine set up with a virtual switch with homebridge that activates a shortcut to open a QR code but yours is so much better!
Happy the icons looks awesome 😎
Hi Max, Sorry to jump in.... I have set up Viz Designer to work with all my devices in HomeKit, and have found a way of attaching scenes to buttons using 'Dummy' plug-in in homebridge, but can't find a way of running shortcuts using the buttons in Viz. Can you help at all? Thanks
@@Kate.56 sorry didn't see the comment I had that set up with the Home+ 5 app, not actually sure if you can do that yet in Viz, but you can attach a QR code like Shane does in the video! i thinks its way better anyway..
Hey very very cool trick at waking the screen up in kiosk mode. I've heard many people not using iPad in a wall just because they weren't able to wake it on motion. Kudos!
Thanks Patrick!
Can you share how to upload your Viz template from your website link? I've downloaded those two folders and I can't figure out how to get your amazing layout. Also can you link the HTML code used for your weather widgets? Thanks for the amazing content!😃
Hi Shane. It looks good! Can you play your music from there?
yes you can use Apple Music and airplay to you AirPlay 2 speakers.
Hey Shane
Thank you for your videos, I love them so hard :D
I have a question regarding the VIZ-Designer:
How can you control multiple lights with one button?
I have a light with 3 bulbs, but i can only select one bulb at one button :(
Shane you know this is my jam, with 3 in my house on the was LETS GO !!!!!!!!!!
😁 Thanks for watching!!
Any chance you could do a full setup video on how to get your iPad to send notifications to it for it to wake up please. Be nice to see how this works to see if it be work m investing in this. I think personally for rme it be great as for the iPad to wake up to see my blood reading on it! thanks for your help and your great video setups!
Thanks!
My pleasure. Thanks for the super Thanks!
I’m pretty sure you could use the ecobee as the motion sensor to avoid the dedicated device for that.
The location of the ecobee has never been able to give me the results I wanted for motion detection. So I use another sensor the can pick up motion better for this specific location.
WOW!!! Sweet! Wondering if there's a slicker frame for the ipad.
Just watched this video for the first time and I'm so looking forward to implementing some of these ideas in my brand new townhome. I'm moving into it in two months and can't wait!! great content!!
Thanks for watching! 😃
Just an FYI your link to downloading your dashboard is broken.
Гарне відео. Це геніально👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
You are a genius! That is just what I wanted!
Well I'm not sure about that first part. But thank you! I'm glad the video was helpful!
You’re the only channel that I watch every video of bc it’s all relative to what I’m doing(anything HomeKit lol)
Btw, you tryna sell that air 2? 😆
You know I'm digging this video...
Awesome Dashboard, and great overview of how the VIZ-Designer platform works.
:)
Thanks Brad! 🙏🏼
Great video! Thank you! Is there ways to do this setup from a PC as I have no iphone mobile or imac I only have the ipads! and do not want to be going down the lines of changing all my setups on Android and PC but really wanting to use ipad for this setup rather thsn a Samsung Tablet! Any chance you can help me further keep my ipad display on using a Aqara Sensor in HA Has nothing seems to be doign as it should! Other issues I have is I have thermal blocks at back of my wall so no way to hide it in the walls unless I have to re decorated and channel it in then re plaster over it but would also need to make sure I CAN GET THE WIRES BACK IN AND OUT EASILY as things change over time to power different devices. Thanks
awesome Shane!!! I need that wall mount!! haha wife approved is always such a satisfaction bro!!!
Hi Shane! Cannot tell you how much I appreciate your Videos. You are showing me the way....and I so appreciate it. I am just beginning my Automation project. I already have 2 Apple Home Pods, and 2 Home Pod Mini's. I just ordered the Akara G3 to point towards my front door in my living room. I also ordered 4 mini switches, to control lamps, etc. My home is a single story 2906 sq ft, however, and I am wondering if I should have a Akara Hub in various parts of the home? Like in my Master? Thanks again Shane.
Great ideas in here, I’ve just started my journey. Where does upcoming events pull from? That’s a handy looking ‘widget’.
Thanks! The widget pulls from google calendars, which I have synced to my Apple Calendar.
@@ShaneCreates thanks, I’ll have a look in to that. I created a new email/apple id for the home so that’ll be the calendar I’ll populate and be interested in. Appreciate the videos, great inspiration for what’s possible. And I’m hell bent on HomeKit as it feels more friendly vs home assistant (though I may set up homebridge)
Shane thanks for all your videos they are very helpful. I am curios can you use Viz Designer to create a dashboard that access other apps than Apple HomeKit like Sonos, my pool controller app?
Hey Michael. Viz Designer is just a HomeKit app so it can only access homekit accessories. You can embed webpages and html, which is how I did the weather and calendar widgets.
Hi Shane,
Top shelf content as usual. Thank you.
How do you you get a motion sensor to trigger the screen wake-up on the iPad?
Another great video. You just changed my life with that accessibility feature/motion sensor idea! Thank you!
Haha nice! Thanks for watching George!
Hi guys, is the guided access working properly for you? Stopped in my case, since 15.4. IpadOS update. Working fine for you? Still wondering where the problem could be. Using Aqara MS and iPad 2021 (9th gen). Would be really grateful if you could share your experience. Many thanks in advance! Cheers 😉👍🏻
Shane, great channel, love it! 👍🏻
Do you also get a notification on all the other homekit devices/phones in the house when someone walks by your wall-mounted tablet?
Viz Designer is great, still learning my way around. Wish they made the editor available directly on the ipad so you could design your remote on the same device if you wanted. But oh well.
Just wanted to ask, what is the "Task List" you used in your ?
Should be coming by the end of March
Awesome Video! I've been waiting for a set up like this with an iPad as the hub.
On a side note, do you know if you can use Unifi Ubiquiti cameras with this system (Apple)? I've heard that home kit doesn't support Unifi, but there is a home kit bridge that does. Just wanted to see if you've connected Unifi Cameras and Access Points.
Thanks and great job on the video!
Hey Shane, another nice video. Do you know if the app developer ended up adding two-way audio to the camera feeds?
Currently no, 2 way audio is not supported in the camera feeds. Fingers crossed that comes with a firmware update in the future.
You know I wonder if the viz interface could be used on a iPad that couldn’t update to iPadOS 16 and be able to use all the new features. And not mess with and cause issues the HomeKit setup. I had a iPad Air 2 that I read won’t be getting ipados16. It’s in the wall in a perfectly flush mount that has poe power to it and everything. Would be a huge pain in the to replace it. And expensive. Wall smarts flush mounts are he closest thing I’ve found to it and they’re $700-800!! I paid $35 for this one. It’s just a perfectly molded piece of plastic that gets set into the wall opening.
These mounts should really be universal in enough ways to leave room for the minor dimensional changes the iPads go through at every new version. The built in iPad wal smart box instructs you to use construction adhesive to mount it in between the two vertical studs you have to place in the wall to frame it. Oy.
I bet you could scan and 3D print just about what I have now just with the new iPad laid in. Heck I imagine there are 3D LiDAR scans online of all the iPads. Scan the current mount I have. Place the new iPad model into it and print.
This is brilliant. I have now bought the software and working on a great new controller for our house. Can you share how you embedded the calendar widget? I am assuming you are using some third party system to get to look as you do?
Thanks for watching! There should be a link in the video description for the calendar widget that I'm using.
Wow this is awesome Shane! How do you add the clock widget to the HomeKit screen? that’s pretty cool
You’ve made a lot of great videos. This might be your most useful video yet!
Thank you Eddy!
Love this kind of content 👍🏼
Thanks Danny!
Hi Shane, Great video! Thanks for posting it. I just wanted to check in to see how the iPad with 64GB of RAM is working out. I'm interested in doing something similar, but my plan is to have 8 NEST cameras, 8 HomePod Minis, a few Smart Blind Controllers, and a variety of Lutron Smart Dimmers. Do you feel 64GB is adequate for my proposed setup or would you advise more RAM?
hello just replaced the documents as you mentioned on your website but it is not exactly like in this video. I can't find the garage door icon
How soon before we get the review with the new Ecobee???
Can you have two iPads with the Viz Designer control screens set up the same way? Not that I have a large home but maybe 1 in the kitchen on a Pitaka stand and 1 on the wall like your set up?
Can you share the automation to wake up the screen with motion plz
Here’s a short video explaining it: Wall Mounted iPad Hack!
czcams.com/users/shortsX9yr0s1kOX8?feature=share
Did you create a separate apple ID account for that ipad? So that the notifications from your personal phone does not pop up? Also, with the assumption of that, would the doorbell camera still pop up on your phone? Thank you for all that you do. it's very inspiring
Yes I did create a separate Apple ID. Potentially overkill but it works well for me. Since I use my iPad in Guided Access mode (which requires a PIN code to exit the display app), one wouldn't be able to access text messages or other things anyways without exiting Guided Access Mode.
Great vid. Re: the mounting hole mismatch.... couldn't you just drill new holes in the plastic frame to match the original?
Thanks! I suppose, yes I could have done that. But not a huge deal since they were all covered up with the iPad anyways.
@@ShaneCreates You would have only had to drill 2 holes in the plastic as well, since the other 2 could be lined up with existing holes, oh well, next time. Liked the video :)
Great video. One important question for me. Would me and wife be able to use our apple calendars which we exclusively use?
Thanks Ellis. Yes, you can, but in a round-about way. Essentially, I'm using my Apple calendar here. That's all my family really uses also. But Apple makes it really hard to do stuff like this.
So what I did was actually sync my Apple Calendar to a new Google Calendar. There are some guides online for doing this. Once that's done, you can easily embed the Google Calendar. Now if we add things to our Apple Calendar, it will all sync up.
Hi Shane how do u config that IPad (account, settings, etc.) for not interfering with presence and geofencing? I'm actually having issues with that, as for example switching on cameras when I leave and similar because its always like if someone is at home. Thanks and good job for all your tricks.
@@Bernoeofficial looks like the iPads are not included and doesn't share their location but I still don't get why doesn't work, I can see only iPhone and apple watch doing that. Really missing what's wrong, but googling I see is not only my problem. Think could be nice to get an option in Home app that could easily turn on or off this function device by device.
Hi Great Video. Ques. i have my all home with google smart automation and want to control from One screen which i can mount on wall . What would u recommend? Thanks
Thanks
Thank you so much! 🙏🏼
Looking to do something similar. Thank you.
How did you Power the iPad? Plug thru the wall then into an outlet?
Great Video Shane as usual. Well done
Thank you Brian!
I downloaded Viz today and have been messing around with it. I also purchased the icon set. I am able to import some of the icon files but I don't see any of the icon files after importing them into Viz?
Great video! Always love all your content! Question on your Roborock. I love my S6MaxV and wonder how you have yours configured in HB? Do you have it on your selective room cleaning?
Thanks Greg! Yes I have selective room cleaning enabled through homebridge. But honestly don't use it much. We usually just have it run everywhere when we leave, hence the button on the iPad that starts cleaning "everywhere."
Finding this videos year after it’s been released. Would it be good to have cellular iPad in case Wi-Fi is acting funny? And you would still have the ability to be connected to HomeKit on the IPad if that happens
Yes if there was no wifi, then cellular should work, just like it does on your iPhone. Regarding whether getting a cellular iPad for this is a good idea or not... that is up to you. I guess it depends on how essential it is to maintain that connection and also how questionable your wifi network is. But no wifi would also likely present connectivity issues with smart home accessories. Personally, I wouldn't want to pay for a cellular iPad and a monthly service plan just for a wall mounted iPad... but mine is not mission critical either.
@@ShaneCreates completely fair! Still learning on this HomeKit journey! Thanks for the response
Anytime!
Great stuff. Thanks for the video! 🍻
Thanks for watching Jorge!
Hi, I’ve noticed that the Viz designer app can be slow to respond to changes in the accessories from other sources. For example, if you have a light switch displayed in viz designer and you turn of the lights through the physical light switch it can take a while for viz designer to update its state. Is there anyway to fix this?
Shane, I really enjoyed this video. I have a question. Even though I am an iPad user, all my smart home devices are base on Google Home and not Homekit. Will this dashboard work for Google home as well? Thanks.
Shane, has this Viz App improved since your first airing? Usability was clunky at best and frequent lockups so I haven’t used lately.. thanks
Hey Mark. Are you referring to the desktop application or the mobile companion app? Either way, both have had at least one or two updates since then. I haven't had any major issues with either. But one of the main reasons behind me updating that old iPad was to have faster processing to run my Viz Designer dashboard. The old one worked fine overall, but the device statuses update faster on the new iPad. I'm using an M1 MacBook Pro 13" for the desktop application without any issues. I haven't tried the windows version nor have I tried it on any other computers.
@@ShaneCreates thanks Shane, I found the iPad App in need of more buttons and there was no help. I should probably do more on the Mac and try again since the updates. Cheers
Viz designer sounds cool.
You need to paint your ecobee baseplate black… 🤠
Do you still recommend the Viz Designer?
Is there a way to setup the guided access mode with allowing the user to control remote devices like other Apple TVs and HomePods?
Or, is it possible to wake the iPad to a default app, but not locked to that one app?
Mine is working in my kitchen by waking on “occupancy” alert for the kitchen, but if the music is too loud or anything I have to unlock it from GA, not very convenient.
Can Viz Designer do things like change the panel automatically based on an event from a device or time of day or a scene running, etc? Could it do something like show a picture or slideshow then switch back to the control panel based on motion detection?
Great video, Shane.
Thanks for watching!
Why have it on a wall? When you can sit on a comfy sofa and operate it. What am I missing?
do they make mounts that don't look like the bezel from a crt?? those bezels are fugly
Awesome video as always!
Thanks for watching!
perhaps you could have just put new holes in the ipad mount, instead of the wall?
Shane can you share your icon set you used? Also is there any tutorial for Viz Designer that shows how to setup status rules to have dynamic icons (example light icon status linked to power state) the tutorial from the app developer skips over how these are created.
Hi James. There is a link in the video description for the icon set that I used.
For the status icons:
• open your VIZ folder (under documents). Go to the resources/custom directory in the VIZ folder (…\Documents\VIZ Designer
esources\custom)
• There you can create a new directory with subfolders. The higher-level directory is the category, and the sub-folders are the status icons (both are then selectable via dropdown-menus in the image catalogue of the viz designer).
• To create a status icon, you have to save the status icon images in the subfolders. In order to display the status correctly, you have to use special names for the image-files, that follow certain rules.
• The status icon subfolder must contain an image for each possible status (i.e., on, off) and one for the undefined state (and optional one for default).
Rule for the correct image name:
state_.png
An example would be:
default.png
undefined.png
state_off.png
state_on.png
Hi Shane. Love your channel! I was just about to buy a VidaMount for my iPad Air 2, but the cost has gone up to $150. Wondering if your willing to part with your old VidaMount? Name your price. Regards
Shane! Great video. Thanks so much for sharing. Quick question, with Viz Designer -- are you able to create buttons to trigger an Apple Shortcut?
Thanks Danny. No you can't directly trigger shortcuts unfortunately.
@@ShaneCreates thanks! what about using something like Pushcut? I have a SwitchBot IR controller to lower my projector screen and turn on my projector - but need to trigger through Shortcuts since it doesn’t work directly with HomeKit.
Hey. My biggest problem is that I'm looking for a TV lift which is compatible with Homekit.
Basically what I want is to lift up my TV & turn on Apple Tv (which turn on also my TV).
Do you have any idea how I should achieve it?
Is there a white version for this?
Hey sorry, new to the channel so I'm sure I'll find the answer in another video...
But why use Homekit. Isn't it waaay more limited in compatible products than something like Google Home? Or are you using a 3rd party like Homebridge to make things compatible that usually aren't.
I currently use Google Home for all my lights, cameras, plugs etc. and am looking to make a setup like this, and am totally down to switch to Homekit if there's a cool reason I didn't know about. Thanks!
Hey Ryan. I use HomeKit for a few reasons. One, my house is an all-Apple household, so homekit works well across all of our devices. Two, Homekit operates locally (doesn't require cloud communication) and Apple has the best stance on privacy, which I like. It's also quite powerful in it's automation capabilities for an "out-of-the-box" system, without having to get into something like Home Assistant.
HomeKit is a bit more limited in available accessories... for example, no smart appliances like washers, stoves, etc. can support homekit natively. I do use Homebridge for a few things.
Additionally, HomeKit users should eventually benefit from Matter (new smart home standard) in that it should open up more product categories to homekit. Similarly, Matter requires local control, so Alexa and Google Home users will be able to benefit from local control when using Matter.
Shane enjoyed your video but have a question I’m not that savoy other than mounting it on the wall a setting it up my question to you is could I just have my security system and my Amazon Alexa stuff on this iPad without all the other stuff or do I need anything else like the software that you have install
You could probably just use the Alexa app on the iPad if you wanted.
@@ShaneCreates thanks Shane for getting back to me
Amazing
Shane! Love your content! I’ve been upgrading my house based on your recommendations.
What’re you doing with the old iPad and mount? I’d love to buy it off you since I’m on a budget for all this!
Thank you for watching! I'm not selling it. Might give it to my daughter. It has a crack in it now too and wouldn't feel good about selling it.
@@ShaneCreatesthanks for the reply. no worries! I figured you had another use for it.
I shouldn’t try and buy stranger’s old stuff online anyway 🤣
Keep crushing it dude!
show me stend in woll model pls ?
Does it work on Tuya Smart Life app?
Any concern with screen burn in at all with the display being on all the time?
courios do you use a deticated user id for the ipad(s) that are acting as your dashboards or do you use your own id? do you allow your kids access through the Home app or just the remotes that have created?
Yes I do use a dedicated Apple ID for the wall mounted iPad, although it may not be necessary when using the iPad in Guided Access Mode. Yes, my kids have access to the home app, but they are old enough that I don't have to worry about much there.
Looks good. I think I asked this in the last video, don’t think I saw a reply.
Is the motion sensor in the ecobee next to it enough to trigger? Wanted to do the same without having to add the Aqara…..
Good question. I remember trying this a long time ago, when I first setup that type of automation, and for some reason wasn't quite happy with it. I think because of the location, or maybe it's the sensor itself, I had to get pretty close to trigger it. It worked better for me when using another sensor placed in a different spot to pick up motion. It probably depends on your use-case and home layout too. It's definitely worth a try if you set something like this up. Then if you find it doesn't pick up the motion well enough, you can look into getting another sensor if necessary.
So you think you’ll continue to use this for the new home app whenever they update it?
Probably. The new Home app is an improvement, but I still like having the full flexibility here on my wall mounted ipad. Especially having the weather and calendar up there.
Hi Shane came across your channel and I have to say I was super impressed as I too have a very automated smart home.... - I think I have over 200 things!! - I just put an iPad on my wall so I can use Home in guides access view but I like your idea around VIZ much better and I downloaded your example files to tinker around. The one think that I have not figured out yet and I'm sure you have came across this - I have several hue bulbs - the example is I have one ceiling fan in my office with 4 hue bulbs - In home kit I have these 4 bulbs grouped together so I can toggle on or off as a set. I noticed in VIZ you have to toggle one at a time and I really don't want a dashboard with 4 toggles for one light. I tried creating a zone in hue but that does not seem to show in HomeKit? How did you get around this???? - The only way I see around this is to create macros with the macro editor That just seems like overkill when this is a very common thing.
Thanks for watching! Yea, I do recall VIZ not being able to support grouped accessories like that. I don't use many groups so it has not affected me. The one workaround that I'd probably use, is to just create a "dummy switch" in homebridge and use that to toggle on/off your group via automation. Of course, that would require homebridge and I'm not sure if you have that setup or not.
@@ShaneCreates Thanks for the reply Shane - Yes, I do use home bridge and I do have the dummy plugin already, I will give that a try. I did get the macro to toggle the group but I will also try the dummy and see which performs better - Have a great day and thanks for your content and channel.
Wow! Over 200 things! May I ask... do that many products slow down your wifi? Or do you use more than one router/ modem? (not sure what is the right question to ask.)
So do you have to lock the iPad when walking away or does it go to sleep automatically? Also, what doorbell did you end up using for yourself?
I sleeps automatically after a couple of minutes (configure in settings). I am currently using the Wemo doorbell.
Hey what’s that other device next to you iPad, is that to control your aircon
Ecobee Smart Thermostat
what if i have speakers in the ceiling of my living room can it connect the music to that?
If your speakers support AirPlay
This for iPad or apple only?
Would be possible to monitor a couple of reolink trackmix camera into this interface ? Thanks
Only if you have them working in homekit.
Shane got a question for you. When controlling manually (not on iPad) from the home app or Siri, does the iPad update the status of the icons to reflect that a light have been turned on/off etc? Or are they not linked?
yes it is updated everywhere.
@@ShaneCreates that’s fantastic I was worried it wouldn’t align