Hive 4+

Hive app

I would just like to review this Hive app, now it used to be really good, but ever since Hive had issues with the app probably about two months ago it doesn’t work as good, I have updated it so it’s all updated, i have even deleted it and reinstalled and it still isn’t right, I have now deleted app and now just log in on my safari internet seems to work better through there. Shane really as it used to be a fantastic app. This is why I have rated it 3 stars used to be five stars.

Just rung hive last Friday they have resetted my hive back to factory settings, app still doesn’t work very well, the temperature of the house doesn’t update any more I have to keep swiping down for it to do anything and it just goes to zone 1 which is the heating not the main screen anymore, this is what I wanted them to sort last week but it’s gone strange again. Knocked it down to 1 star now shame as it used to be good.

Useful, but not as good as it claims

Ok so having phone and remote access has its uses. But the app and wall mounted thermostat are clunky to use and it’s way too hard work setting useful commands. Then the benefits of using it are massively overstated. Hive hasn’t helped save me energy but to be honest a good but ‘dumb’ timed thermostat with simple thermostatic valves in your radiators can do that. Set your times and rooms right and this will serve you just fine before you turn to using hive. Then with multiple people living at home and coming and going the idea of having an app logged into just one person’s phone doesn’t add anything much- how is my daughter, son, or partner supposed to turn it on or off when they are arriving or leaving and what is the point if someone else might be coming or going? Then there’s only one user logged in to one account? Then I’ve had the whole system crash a couple of times and had to call in to get it resolved. Also I’ve more than one property and so hub, but the app doesn’t work with more than one. So I have to use a different phone for each property!

Finally really oddly with two phones and two accounts, both have the same version of the app and same firmware on the device but one lets me track my hourly temperature but one doesn’t. Why on earth is that?! The only possibles difference is one app is on an iPhone 6 and the other a 7 but that shouldn’t matter should it and if it does then this is just poor software

Developer Response ,

Hi Monty, we are sorry to hear of the issues you have detailed in your review.

We have a section with some smart energy saving tips which I hope you find useful -  https://www.hivehome.com/discover-hive/smart-heating/six-smart-energy-saving-tips.

We also have a savings calculator that allows you to check what you are likely to achieve dependent on usage. (We've used independent research to model heating consumption by geographical location, home type and heating behaviour) - https://www.hivehome.com/discover-hive/savings-calculator.

In regard to multiple people living in the same property all requiring access, there is no limit on the amount of devices that can sign in with the main account holders login credentials (2 factor authentication recommended), however we also have a people function within the app that allows you to invite partners, family and guests. (invitees will be required to create their own account.) The link below will give you step by step instructions on how to set this up.

https://community.hivehome.com/s/article/What-is-the-People-feature-in-the-Hive-App.

To also address your final comment, we have a new subscription service called Heating plus. https://community.hivehome.com/s/article/What-is-Hive-Heating-Plus

Could you please get in touch with us so we can check this for you? You can contact us via webchat at www.hivehome.com, on Facebook (Hive UK), or on Twitter (@HiveHelper). Thanks, The Hive Team

Works, but doesn't play with others, and now new charges.

I've enjoyed my entry into the world of home automation with Hive, but it's time to call it a day and move on. The system works most of the time, it doesn't require lots of fiddling or support. On the odd occasion when things do not work, switching on and off, or waiting for the hive services to be restored is all that's needed. It's very hard to get my data out into other systems though. It would be nice to use all those temperature readings for other things, but I can't. It would be nice to use ifttt to enable my internet switches to do more than just switch bulbs on and off (why bother enabling lights in ifttt if you only add on/off?) Everything's expensive too, I've stopped buying hive bulbs, I can get an Alexa supported colour bulb from Xiaomi for £7, why would I pay £44 for the same from hive? Similar for the new camera. The final straw was the recent announcement that new features may only be available to people who pay another £60 per year for Hive Live. This will put most people off and marks the beginning of a slow death of this service. I'm looking for better value options now, that play better with other services, especially for lights, sensors and cameras. Heating may take a little longer.

Edit: putting our heating history behind a £4/month paywall is just about what I’d expect from Hive at this point. If I move home I’ll leave Hive behind and choose differently next time.

Developer Response ,

Hi there, thank you for your feedback which is appreciated, we will ensure this is passed on as we are always looking at ways we can improve, at the time of writing our reply Hive Live is an optional subscription which gives access to an extended warranty and a discount on additional purchases, if we can be of any further assistance we can be contacted via live chat (www.hivehome.com), Twitter (@hivehelper) or Facebook (Hive) where we are available from 8am-9pm, 7 days a week
Thanks, Hive Helper