The openHAB community has recently rolled out version 4.2 of its widely-used open-source smart home control platform, featuring substantial upgrades, most notably in the realm of mobile notifications. This eagerly awaited summer release integrates Google Firebase Messaging for both iOS and Android, significantly enhancing the reliability of push notifications sourced from cloud services. Additionally, the integration facilitates the easy expansion of features across platforms. Users can now enjoy the added flexibility of customizing notification titles, embedding images or short video clips, and employing new types of interactions. These interactions include actions that can be triggered by clicking on notifications, along with up to three action buttons that execute commands directly.
To further improve the user experience, the latest release includes an enhanced list of notifications where identical messages are conveniently grouped. This feature minimizes clutter and makes it easier for users to manage their notifications effectively. The new update also allows users to remove irrelevant notifications using predefined rules or actions. For script creators working with JavaScript or JRuby, additional APIs have been introduced to facilitate the creation of extended notifications, adding another layer of functionality to the platform. On the Android front, these new notification features are already accessible, whereas iOS users will soon receive a revised version addressing some technical issues related to App Store identifiers. Until then, the existing iOS app under openHAB V1 will continue to receive security updates and critical bug fixes.
Enhanced User Experience
Another major upgrade in version 4.2 is the introduction of Semantic Model Templates, aimed at simplifying the process of setting up semantic models, especially for new users. These templates come pre-configured with basic settings that can be easily customized with specific rooms and items, significantly reducing the complexity involved in configuring a smart home environment. The revamped add-on store is another noteworthy feature, as it includes expanded add-on suggestions that were first introduced in version 4.1. With the latest update, users will find it easier than ever to discover and install the add-ons that best suit their needs.
In addition to the improved add-on store, the interface for setting data persistence has been relocated to its dedicated menu, enhancing accessibility. This relocation means users can more easily manage their data storage settings, ensuring that important information is retained according to their preferences. Another highlight of this release is the introduction of new add-ons, compatible with 23 additional end devices. This expansion not only broadens the range of devices that can be integrated into the openHAB ecosystem but also exemplifies the platform’s ongoing commitment to versatility and user convenience.
Improvements for Developers and Advanced Users
The openHAB community has launched version 4.2 of its popular open-source smart home control platform, introducing significant upgrades, particularly in mobile notifications. This anticipated summer release incorporates Google Firebase Messaging for both iOS and Android, greatly improving the reliability of push notifications from cloud services. This integration also allows for the seamless addition of features across various platforms. Users now have the flexibility to customize notification titles, embed images or short video clips, and use new interaction types like clickable notifications and up to three action buttons for executing commands directly.
To enhance user experience, the latest version includes an improved notification list where identical messages are grouped, reducing clutter and simplifying notification management. The update also enables users to remove irrelevant notifications using predefined rules or actions. For those scripting in JavaScript or JRuby, new APIs have been introduced, enabling the creation of more complex notifications, thereby adding more functionality to the platform. On the Android side, these new notification features are already available, whereas iOS users will soon receive an updated version addressing some technical issues related to App Store identifiers. Until then, the current iOS app under openHAB V1 will continue to receive security updates and critical bug fixes.
