Intro
With zendō, you can configure automations that run even when the app is closed or the phone is locked. These automations can be triggered when you arrive or leave a location, or when you open the app at or away from a specific location. When a location-based automation is triggered, the zendō app will directly connect to your Home Assistant to start the automation, ensuring your privacy. Location-based automations are linked to the people you invite to your home. Automations will automatically apply to all new devices (e.g. phones/tablets) you add for a person. If you change your phone, you don’t have to do anything; automations will just work.Geofences vs zendō location-based automations
Location-based automations on zendō are slightly different from traditional geofences. Geofences only trigger when arriving or leaving a location. If the mobile signal is weak or the phone is not connected to the internet, they will simply fail silently. Location-based automations on zendō run when you arrive or leave a location, as geofences do. However, if the mobile signal is weak or the phone is not connected to the internet, a notification will appear on the screen, prompting you to open the app. When you open the app, location-based automations will run again, making sure your automations keep working. We’ve chosen a different implementation to improve traditional geofences, making them more robust.Home/Away automations
Home/Away automations are great to know if someone is at home or not, allowing you to adjust your home’s settings to save energy or for optimal comfort. To set up a new automation:- Tap (Settings)
- Tap “Location-based automations”
- Select the person the automation will apply to
- Tap “Add automation”
- Make sure “Automation type” is set to “Home/Away”
- Select the actions for at home and not at home
Custom location automations
Sometimes, you want to run specific actions when people are away from home, such as when you get to the office or when the kids are in school. With zendō, you can define location-based automation to trigger actions when arriving or leaving a chosen location. To set up a new automation:- Tap (Settings)
- Tap “Location-based automations”
- Select the person the automation will apply to
- Tap “Add automation”
- Make sure “Automation type” is set to “Custom Location”
- Choose the location you want to monitor
- Select the actions for at the location and not at location
Inspiration: what you can automate
Here are some examples of cool automations you can set up:- Your home can save energy during the day when you’re away by turning off lights and setting the thermostat to Eco mode
- Your home will be comfortably heated or cooled by the time you arrive
- You’ll be greeted home with lights (only after sunset)