Allow Virtual Devices to show in main categories

[mdobson8 1]

Here is my example.

 

I have a lot of lights in my house which I control as virtual devices. On the Fibaro app on my phone, which I click the Lighting button from the home screen it only shows my RGBW devices. Would it be possible to add a tagging feature for Virtual Devices so that they can show up in the main categories like 'Lighting'... It would just make the app user interface more user friendly rather than having to go into rooms etc and find the virtual device.

[Cameleon 17]

+1 on this, and in a similar vain it would be nice to have the Hue plugin do the same 

 

I guess the reason it is not already like that is there are certain features a light has to have to match in with other products, but sure there is some skeleton/abstract VD that could be constructed to make sure it fits e.g. all lights have to be able to turn on/off and for RGBW to work properly there has to be a way to change the colour etc. Not sure how that will be achieved, but they could add skeleton functions that have to be completed to make certain features work properly. 

[devfern24 10]

+1, same for plug-ins as well

[sjauquet 16]

here is my suggestion:

(Please click on the title below to display the full post)

Very nice suggestions here.

Here is my analysis:

 

Case: When I (or my wife) wants to make an action using a VD (turn on music using a VD for example, or adjust the temperature) we have to

ACTUAL SITUATION:

To access a VD:

- open the application

- go to Rooms

- go to Lounge Room

- Select the Virtual Device

- click on a button of the VD

-> 5 clicks (including opening the application) to make an action...

 

To access a plugin (thermostat):

- open the application

- go to Plugins

- go to Lounge Room

- Select the Netatmo thermostat

- click on a button to adjust the temperature

-> 5 clicks (including opening the application) to make an action...

 

Favorite Room Solution:

A favorite room that can be opened by default at launch would be saving two clicks:

- open the application

- go to Favorite Room (Shortcut to  Lounge Room)

- Select the Virtual Device/Plugin

- click on a button of the VD/thermostat Plugin

-> 4 clicks (including opening the application) to make an action

 

Home Screen Shortcut Solution:

To save even more un-needed clicks, the possibility to place on the home screen of the app one or more "shortcuts" to device(s), virtual device(s). scène(s)

- open the application

- Select the Virtual Device/Plugin

- click on a button of the VD/thermostat Plugin

-> 3 clicks (including opening the application) to make an action

 

ACTUAL Androïd Widget Shortcut Solution:

On Android, there is a possibility to use a widget, it's a nice feature but it's only for scenes, not Virtual Devices.

- One click on the icon

-> 1 click (no need to open the application) but there is no feedback.

 

Enhanced Androïd Widget Shortcut Solution:

Maybe the best solution is to create a widget that launch the Fibaro app directly on a Device/Virtual Device/Room/Alarm Panel/Plugin... this way, it's 2 clicks instead of 5...

- One click on the icon, the Fibaro application opens on the VD/Device/Scene/Panel

- Click on the button of the VD/ Thermostat Plugin/start scene/...

-> 2 clicks (including opening the application) to make an action

 

For Androïd users, I think that the last solution is the best (Enhanced Androïd Widget Shortcut Solution).

For iPhone Users, the Home Screen Shortcut Solution would be the fastest.

Edited November 28, 2016 by sjauquet

[robw 116]

+1, Virtual Device support and Plugin support in the UI for Android and iOS.

It is much needed, if I dare say.

[Wimjanse 15]

+1 I have a number of Somfy blinds/screens controlled by Vitual Devices, woule like to have them show up onder category blinds

[Sankotronic 2,370]

+1 from me too even I know that from developer side this will be a challenge to do and will cause new problems with users. Now is only one problem that VD doesn't show as requested.

[T.Konopka 8]

Hello,

 

The suggestion has been forwarded. Thank you!

[robinvandienst 5]

+1 Please create this functionality!

[TheFurious 2]

+1 also from me (and especially from my wife   )

[sarf77 11]

Any movement on this Fibaro? 

[moltos 4]

+1
in the new app the virtual device can be linked to categories. "like Lights"
It will be listed than in the category but it is not handled as a Light. Real lights can be turned on/off on room bases, virtual devices need to be controlled one by one.