IFTTT - Automate work and home

I have loved playing around w the native shortcuts app but the automation options are very limited and after looking around this app seemed like the most popular choice for folks interested in more complex and varied automations w far more integrations. I’ve had the free version sitting in my app library for about a month now and cannot use it at all. I understood that the free version had it’s limitations including a limited number of free applets, but it says I have a limit of zero. I can’t use or create any. It’s very frustrating. Before I downloaded it I was betting I would pay for the pro, but the fact I’m unable to even test the functionality at all with the free version puts me off paying for pro. I figured that a zero applet limit was a bug, especially since the descriptions of the plans, along with the FAQ, explicitly state that even with the free version you can use an (unspecified) limited amount of applets. I also considered that it was possible I was doing something wrong. So, I reported my issue (which was also a difficult process through their webpage but it seems that if you’re pro it’s much easier). It’s been a month and I haven’t heard back at all, and I’ve also seen this bug mentioned on the Reddit. I’ll probably just try the trial for pro to actually see what I can do with the app, but the lack of support really has soured my first impressions.

Complex applets are a much needed and welcomed feature. IFTTT seemed content with being the universal and independent smart home connector, collecting fees from device makers, and providing a free and very basic 1 trigger-1 action service to consumers. I get that IFTTT has to make their money, and perhaps the device maker fee biz model isn’t working any more (or never worked!) or isn’t growing profit at satisfying rate. It’s a business I understand that. But I am disappointed that IFTTT is suddenly restricting free users to just 3 applets, and not even offering a mid priced option. $9.99/month is not worth it to save my 10 *very basic* applets, even if I do get the added capability to have more complex applets. I understand there is a pay what you want plan for the first year (I’d go for $2.99) But after the first year is up who knows what the pricing will be then, or if IFTTT will still be in business (after all, this sudden and drastic move indicates a business in trouble). I’d rather not invest $2.99 a month this year (especially this year!) into a new subscription model experiment for IFTTT’s survival. Instead I’ll just prepare for life without IFTTT, and stop making IFTTT integration a requirement when shopping for smart home products. I hope I’m wrong about IFTTT’s future. I hope they are successful with this new subscription model, keep adding new features, and a maybe at some point offer a more affordable subscription tier. But for now $9.99 isn’t worth it, and neither is the free tier.

I got this app to basically send notifications to myself throughout the day ! It does have a lot of other features that ‘connect’ things together, but keep in mind that’s not what I use this app for! All I really use it for is to send myself reminders/notifications, and it works great for that. I get notifications when it’s about to rain or snow, when the UV index is above a certain amount, and even when the sunset is about to occur! I also get daily quote notifications, hourly “drink more water!” notifications, hourly “smile!” notifications, a happy birthday notification, etc. The possibilities are endless! Every night before bed, I also get the weather forecast for tomorrow sent to my phone! Also, I made/programmed most of these notifications myself! It’s literally so easy to do! All in all, It’s great if you want to be reminded of things, but I can’t speak on how well it connects with other programs. Thanks so much for my notifications!