Iris by Lowe's

The app does function, in general, very well. I use it primarily for turning power outlets on and off. The user Interface is reasonably intuitive, but a little clunky in places. I think it’s trying to do too much. My main issue, that drops my rating by one star, is that it only interfaces well (or mostly at all...) with “Iris (by Lowe’s)” devices. I have about ten “smart” devices (made by multiple other companies) in my home - but they are other company products. My primary rule when buying my smart devices, is based on their functionality for my needs - and unfortunately, most of the rest of Iris line are very good. So I have about 7 apps to control those ten devices. My new iPhone X is trying to interface with all of them, but only success with 3 of the 10. Users need device makers to come together and agree on a uniform communication standard between smart devices. I understand that technology is evolving VERY quickly, and this is not a simple problem to address. But, it’s going to have to happen sooner rather than later...

Iris was painful with the migration to the Second Generation Hub. Things are working more reliable in the past year. I have two thermostats, irrigation, cameras, and door and window sensors, light bulbs and outlet switches on a coastal vacation home. The irrigation control saved enough money the first year to pay for the entire Iris system. Water is expensive in coastal areas and the manual irrigation system had to be set on days of the week and run times. It may have rained an inch and two minutes later the irrigation would run. $$$$ wasted. I can control the amount of irrigation via Iris now and do not waste water or $$$$. Thermostats are another money saver and continence item. Before we leave for a few days at the house I run the temperature up/down to where I want it when we arrive. No more 90 degree summer heat inside or 40's in the winter. Neighbors never know if the house is occupied because I have the lights set up on programmed schedules at night. I also have a second security system using 6 HD cameras and a 24/7 Network Video Recorder. The NVR is plugged into a Iris wall switch so if I need to "reset" the cameras I can recycle the unit on/off using Iris. I use a wall switch in the basement to control a water pressure pump to increase house water pressure when the multiple jetted master shower is used. Saves the pump from running all the time when there is a water demand. Iris has improved our quality of life. All controlled via iOS.

The system, hub + devices, works well. I've only had one item fail & that was due to a lightning strike so hardly the device's fault. I'd like to see more devices available, of course, and Bluetooth connectivity would be a huge, useful addition. We're tech savvy & have enjoyed connecting everything from doors to light switches, bulbs, and plugs. All this being said, the app itself is not particularly user friendly. It's often wrong or of no real help when connectivity issues arise. For example, more than once we've had devices need to be reset before they would sync. It's annoying to have to go outside the app to find out how to do a reset on a specific device. Also, figuring out how to program schedules for specific devices is frustratingly unintuitive. However, my biggest issue (tho admittedly not a functionality problem) is that there is no landscape mode for the app. Why?! I use my iPad exclusively in landscape mode. Having to pivot to portrait just to flip off a light or turn on a fan is just annoying. I cannot believe it's that difficult to add landscape mode. Fix that & I'd likely add a star.