Worst App Ever
I can’t even begin to describe what a hot mess this app is. I’ve seen some bad ones but this one seems like it was written by a grade schooler. I could not create an account with owl after 4 tries. God forbid if you use a vpn when trying. Every step was a pain. Didn’t even get to the step to add it to Apple Home. I’m going to try to get a refund from Owl. The smoke detector itself seems okay but its no good as a dumb device.
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Response from developer
Hi Jerry, Sorry to hear that you’ve have a bad experience with our app. Please reach out to us at support@getowlhome.com and we will ensure that all of your issues are resolved. - Owl Support
Tons of Bugs
Still surprising to see software like this for a company at this stage. Setup was a mess, HomeKit integration isn’t working.
Replaced 1st Alert
I just replaced a First Alert detector with one I hope will be easier to manage and monitor remotely. Install was ok. App seems pretty good. HomeKit integration seems to be missing the ability to silence an alarm. Which is pretty much why I installed it…
Setup was a breeze
I replaced some first alert safe and sounds with the Owls. The setup process was much easier, and I was able to pair them with Home Assistant using the HomeKit device integration.
The only downside is the motion sensor doesn’t seem to be reliable or is too sensitive and generates false notifications. However since it can be disabled in the app this was not a problem for me as I didn’t care about the motion functionality.
The only downside is the motion sensor doesn’t seem to be reliable or is too sensitive and generates false notifications. However since it can be disabled in the app this was not a problem for me as I didn’t care about the motion functionality.
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Not ready for primetime.
it’s a smoke detector. carbon monoxide detector. Motion detector sound detector. Developer does communicate does listen to your grievances, but I have three smoke detectors motion is set to two seconds on all three one smoke detector one is located in the basement relatively low traffic probably three times a month somebody goes into the basement and that’s on a busy month. Basement Smoke detector is reporting about every seven minutes motion in the basement. There are no windows in the basement. There is no outside interference from the basement, smoke detector on the second floor has detected motion twice almost 17 days ago and counting. The smoke detector on the second floor is outside master bedroom no windows in the hallway three people have to walk past the smoke detector every time they arrive on the second floor first floor there’s a lot of activity. I can’t really keep track of the motion is valid or invalid. The app is half baked. Each time you open the app all detectors are off-line in order to get the smoke detectors online. You must refresh the app again. The good thing is the developers automatically put a refresh button that you manually have to refresh. This is 2024 right? Developers are responsive on Support never coming up with any solutions. When testing for smoke it reports back carbon monoxide. I think the developers that manage the chat support are helpful. They do say pleasant things to you, but nothing is ever resolved. It’s just courtesy with a smile. I am looking forward to the day that the owl smoke detectors are ready for primetime and until then I’m going to standby this review once they address these issues then I will change my review. I think one thing that developers need to understand is every night when you close your eyes, and you are hoping that the smoke detector the carbon monoxide detector and the motion detector and sound detector are functioning at 100%. This review should come as no surprise to the developers. In fact, they could probably guess who was the author. No I don’t recommend this device in your home. No, I would not buy this device again.
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