New Ezlo Platform FAQ
How do the features of the Ezlo platform compare to the Vera platform?
The new Ezlo platform is designed to do everything the Vera platform can do, but we’ve taken it further with a significant upgrade to create a state-of-the-art cloud platform, significantly faster hardware, a new navigation in our app, and an altogether better user experience.
Of course, there are several added features as well. The new Ezlo platform offers the following:
- Local control directly from mobile apps
- Native features formerly available via plugins, such as using House Modes as an action in scenes, and advanced scene creation options
- Ezlo VOI (Voice Orchestrated Infrastructure) enables control of, or scene creation for, any device connected to Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant
- Coming soon, we’ll have a service that allows you to add any Wi-Fi device connected to Alexa or Google to your app and control it as you would any other device
Note that the Geofencing feature will be available in late Q1.
Can I use an Ezlo hub as the master with my Vera hub so I can keep my existing setup? Or can I transition my setup to Ezlo hub?
The new Ezlo platform uses the latest software and cloud tools to give you the best user experience. Because the two platform structures are entirely different, there is no seamless way to transition your existing setup from a Vera controller to an Ezlo one. However, the new Ezlo hubs feature Z-Wave Smart Start, which will make the re-pairing of certain devices much easier than it has been previously.
Will the Vera controllers be discontinued?
The Vera controllers are older products and many of the components aren’t as widely available as they used to be. As a result, we currently have no plans to manufacture more of them, but as noted, our new controllers will have all the same capabilities, along with faster processors, new features, and a state-of-the-art platform. We will, however, continue to support the Vera platform as we have done over the last ten years.
How long will the Vera platform continue to receive support? Will you continue to release firmware upgrades?
The next firmware upgrade (7.32) is already planned, and we will be maintaining support for the platform. After 7.32 we’ll be making maintenance upgrades on an as-needed basis to ensure full functionality.
Will all devices that worked with Vera also work with Ezlo?
All certified Z-Wave and Zigbee devices that are still being manufactured should work with our platform. Devices that have been discontinued by the manufacturer and may be compatible with older Vera controllers will no longer be supported.
At launch, every device that works with the Ezlo Atom and Ezlo PlugHub will work with the Ezlo Plus and the Ezlo Secure. Additional may be missing from the library but will be added in the coming weeks.
What application will the Ezlo controllers use?
The Ezlo controllers will run on the current Vera app.
Will the Ezlo platform support the VistaCam cameras?
The VistaCam 702 will be supported at launch. Shortly thereafter, the VistaCam 1200 and the VistaCam 1102 (coming soon) will be supported. In the future, new VistaCam models will be supported as well.
Will VeraProtect, your monitored security service, be available on the new platform?
Yes. While we will begin calling it Ezlo Protect instead, we view it as essential to continue giving our customers the opportunity for greater peace of mind with our Ezlo central monitoring service..
What about Plugins?
On the new platform, there are several native features that previously required plugins on the Vera platform. These include the ability to create complex scenes with AND/OR/NOT operators, use house modes as actions in a scene, add lua scripts or http commands as actions in a scene, and leverage the VOI platform for enhanced voice control of over 27,000 Wi-Fi devices associated with Amazon’s Alexa or Google Assistant.
We plan to develop plugins for the Ecobee and Honeywell thermostats, as well as Philips Hue lights.
We don’t have plans to develop many more, but do want to create a marketplace within the community to take advantage of the creativity and expertise of our users.
Will there be an API?
Yes. An API has been created and documentation will soon be made available on the Ezlo website.
Will you be offering customers an upgrade should they choose to stop using their Vera controllers?
Yes. Please contact our Customer Care team for details.
What if I want Z-Wave only and don’t need Zigbee? What are my options?
Our Ezlo Atom and Ezlo PlugHub controllers are both Z-Wave only. At this time the Ezlo Plus will serve as a replacement for both the Vera Plus and Vera Edge. It combines the multi-radio capabilities of the former with the affordability of the latter, with much faster processing power as well as Z-Wave 700-series and Zigbee 3.0 technology.
A lot of smart home companies are moving to a subscription model. Is this in your plans for the new platform?
We want to account for all users, and not everyone is interested in paying a monthly subscription fee for home automation. As such, we plan to offer our app free to anyone with an Ezlo or Vera controller just as we have done for years. In the future, however, we will provide a number of different ways to take advantage of the range of features that will become available through our platform.