I plan to look for devices that support open protocols and open firmware, but in the meantime I need to vent about this.

Here’s the only status I can find of the Wemo app/service:
https://downdetector.com/status/wemo/

While investigating not being able to login to the Wemo app for three days, I discovered that Belkin announced they’re turning off their cloud services for Wemo in a couple months. They only announced it in July of this year.

https://www.belkin.com/support-article/?articleNum=335419 (archive.org)

Some of the light switches will still work with HomeKit, but I have one that doesn’t have the necessary QR code. Belkin (Wemo) says to find an e-waste recycler. Companies should be required to provide a path to install open firmware when they stop supporting their products. Apparently you can install OpenWRT on these if you haven’t patched an old exploit:
https://www.realmtech.net/2016-04/openwrt-on-a-belkin-wemo-easy-way

One more gripe: They apparently emailed their customers (but who reads email?) but failed to put an announcement in their app—the obvious place to put it.

It’s such a “fuck you, we’ve got your money” move that I have no plans of buying any Belkin product again.

I guess I’ll get to enjoy the journey I’ll be taking to find out what the latest developments in open devices has been since I installed my closed-system devices. Thankfully the options and community has been growing.