App Profile: HomeLog for HomeKit

Magic Spark

Rating: 2/5

I have a fairly sizable HomeKit setup, with many accessories, hubs, and scenes. Even when running on a Mac on the same network, only about half of the changes seem to appear in the log. Worse, after a day or so, the app starts to freeze on opening, and the developer indicates that it is likely because the log file is 'full.' The developer is planning a fix for this condition, but so far, it is basically unusable for me. It's a shame, really. It's a great design, and I love the menubar option, sorting categories, etc. I love the other 'Home' apps in the Pearce Media family, but given its inability to log consistently, this one isn't worth the price for me. I am hopeful for improvements in the future.

ScottJGoldman

Rating: 2/5

I had high hopes for this app but have been increasingly disappointed. The app simply does not log events that are triggered by automations, Siri access and other standard methods of changing the state of HomeKit devices. I have tested it under multiple scenarios, with my computer awake, not in any focus mode and HomeLog open and running. It just doesn't log what it is supposed to log. I'm giving it more than one star because the UI is nicely built. But the functionality is lacking. Disappointing.

Allocentric

Rating: 5/5

I always found it frustrating that I didn't have any easy way to the various HomeKit events as they occurred throughout the day. This solves that problem in an easy and unubtrusive way. I just leave the helper app running on my Mac (which runs 24/7), and a complete log is stored away for when I need it. Bonus points to the developer for making this a "universal" purchase that also gets you the iOS version (though the Mac is a better fit since the app needs to be actively running to work). All in all, it's a handy tool to my HomeKit setup.