Smart home devices should work without the internet
Summary
Spencer Kittleson argues that smart home devices should function offline, using local hardware and open tooling (Tasmota, MQTT, Node-RED on Raspberry Pi) to keep core automation working without internet access. The piece outlines a practical, rules-based approach to offline-first automation, discusses real-world failures with cloud dependencies (e.g., Nest API), and shares build-out lessons, reader insights, and DIY device examples. It also touches on privacy, vendor lock-in, and the trade-offs between convenience and resilience.