Staples Connect, our favorite home automation aggregator, is now shipping the new D-Link hub which was announced back in June. This hub replaces the model previously reviewed on ZNF. Along with a change from Linksys to D-Link as the manufacturer, the device itself also changed form factor. The Linksys model was white and “square’ish”, whereas the new D-Link hub is black and shaped like a tall cylinder similar to their other home routers.
The new features of the D-Link hub include the addition of Zigbee and Bluetooth protocols, although these devices are not available to add to the hub just yet. After receiving my hub today, I attempted to add a GE Link Zigbee light to the hub, but was met with a “Device not supported yet” message. Expanded Zigbee support is anticipated via an update in the next couple weeks. Staples is also working on a migration process from the old Linksys hub to the new D-Link one as well. This will take care of moving current customer’s connected devices and actions from one hub to the other.
For those looking to get a deal, Staples is actually offering the hub for free with 2 qualified Staple Connect device purchases. You simply need to add the new D-Link hub to your cart, add an additional two Staples Connect devices, and use the code 29131 during checkout.
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Can't wait to my my GE/Quirky/Wink LEDs off of the Wink hub.
For those of us not yet in the home automation game but willing to try, can you suggest two items to purchase to take advantage of the promotion?
It's a little harder to pull off than the similar Wink deal at Home Depot because there's a $30/device minimum. Normally, I'd say lighting is both a safe and practical bet - either bulbs or connected outlets.
http://www.staples.com/Home-Automation-Lighting/cat_CL211550