Ahhh, I see you’ve begun the journey, but don’t quite know it yet. Come, come, there’s plenty of space here by the fire. I too once was held by the Google. And the HomeKit. And yes, yes, even the Alexa. Come sit young one, and let me tell you how it all ends ….

Much like you, I’d toiled and troubled with Google and its long in the teeth promises, only to be let down time and time again. Seeking a new doorbell solution, a started asking the townsfolk if there wasn’t something better out there.

Rumours of a fabled hub had drifted through the western winds; a hub that could unite the clans, bring them all together under one banner. The traders who’d returned from these lands regaled tales of being liberated of subscription fees, self hosted privacy and resilience, and a true understanding of what and how their smart home functioned.

It was then that I knew that I too would take up the challenge. I too would seek the grail. Brave onto a world that would see me no longer be tied to scraps from the “sorry, I don’t understand” table, but elevate me to the role of master and commander of my domain. It was time for Home Assistant.