The OpenSource model is a great way to bring applications and extend compatibility to new devices in the home automation scene.
However, it often happens that the initial enthusiasm fades. Only one person may also make the application; if he/she gives up development, the application will be left in the wind.
Of course, there is the possibility that the manufacturer of the device starts making an official program or buys the making of it, for example, Athom.
What if a Google Play-style subscriber model were created, through which you could pay a monthly fee for using the application. Of course, I do not mean that this fee is standard in all Community applications, but the developer(s) of the application could decide whether or not there is a fee.
Below is a link to a case where, due to the device’s firmware update, seven different air pump Brands have stopped operating through Homey.
Sorry, but a subscriber model is an absolute no-go for me, not just for Homey Apps but everywhere.
How much have you already donated to the developers of the community apps you use on your Homey? Have you donated anything to the Gree HVAC app developer who has received about 25 € over the last 5 years? If so, before or after the problems occurred?
But whether a donation or a subscription would help in that case of the Free HVAC App. Some people get into situations, whether wanted or not, where 10.000 € wouldn’t help.
The real problem is that the development of community apps in particular can be discontinued overnight, for whatever reason. And that has to be protected somehow. And of course this will cost money and I also agree that the community developers should be paid somehow and not just be dependent on donations.
Unfortunately, I don’t have any good ideas on how to realize something like this. But my opinion is that Athom needs to take action on this issue.
HI @Tuomas_Levoniemi ,
the subscriber model could be a great idea, if you use the Homey in a commercial or critical environment and the apps are provided by companies with substantial financial background.
I doubt that Homey is a proper platform for this.
If there is an official app provided by the producer of a device the price for keeping the app running should be included in the price of the devices for sufficient time.
If its a community app provided by people offering their spare time, there is no guarantee that they cannot supply support any more, because they use other smart home systems, other devices or just have no time due to any other reasons (job, family, illness,…) and no subscriber fee will keep them doing that support.
If it is a small software company, it may go bankrupt, or it may just be disabled to do support, when either Athom or the providers of the devices change the firmware to incompatible interconnection or just stop support for the devices including the Homey (LG).
So I am with @DirkG that it would be an no-go for me personally, and I also don’t think, it would be a useful solution for anyone else.
One way cold be to ask all developers to upload their apps code to a Athom github account. Then any dev can submit improvements or if the developer doesn’t answer anymore Athom can take over or whatever is decided.
It could work as a way to handover the app when you know you won’t be able to develop it further at least?
For example, if life priorities change for a developer and he knows he won’t be able to continue to support the app he can upload the content to Athom and another dev can take over at some point?
Yes, that’s how it could work in theory. But practically speaking there are all kinds of legal issues related to such a system that would require signing contracts and whatnot.
Athom already has access to everyone’s code, and many apps use some form of open-source license, so if Athom wants to take over an “abandoned” app, they can often already do so.
Sure, Athom can continue to support the “abandoned” app and make it official, but this would require a mechanism / feedback from users which app is popular / important. Does such a thing exist?
All they can do is fork it, if the license would permit that. But AFAIK Athom has never done so in the past, and I don’t think they ever will in the future.
