Is there a cheaper alternative to the WeMo that is available today?
Also, I am still confused on why I need a Raspberry Pi because with the start up folder that Moors7 suggested I could just add Spotify to that folder and it would open, correct? My only problem is it to begin playing the songs. Can I use IFTTT for that?
Is there a cheaper alternative to the WeMo that is available today?
Not that I know of. That's why I backed Hook. If you don't have a bunch of lights then you could wire it manually. What kind of light do you have, how many, and how are they connected to power?
why I need a Raspberry Pi
If you can get the Laptop method to work then you do not strictly need the Pi however it would
Make things easier (like turning on your lights)
Be fun to play with
Could run spotify so the music plays near instantly when you come downstairs
There are relatively cheap 433MHz plug available which you could switch using a Particle with a 433MHz transmitter. If you do a quick forum/Google search for it, there should be plenty examples available.
We might have to build something. The desktop client doesn’t look very extendable. Can you go ahead and download Node.js? and install it while making sure you also install NPM?
Sure, quick question…can I use IFTTT to turn on the lights if I scanned an NFC tag? So if I scan an NFC Tag on the stairs, then it will turn on the WeMo lights?
Yes, that'll work. If you use the, even cheaper, 433MHz plugs, you won't even need IFTTT though, and probably save quite some money. The WeMo is about $45 per outlet, the 433 ones can be had for <$30 for five of them. Just a suggestion, whereby I must mention the WeMo will be easier to setup.
As a quick aside: IFTTT isn't a magic tool, nor a magic wand. Being able to hook some services together, doesn't mean it can hook EVERYTHING together. It's a service to combine online services. If there isn't a channel for it, it's unlikely to work.
Ok. I’m going to try to write it tonight but in the mean time (if you want to be a part of the development) go ahead and grab a GitHub account and a copy of Git
Thanks for your impeccable help. I just had a quick question. I am planning(maybe) on installing Hackintosh onto my laptop, and wanted your word and advice on whether this would affect any of our plans or start up scripts?
Do I need to back up all software and install it on the Hackintosh, like Word, Excel, if so how? (for hackintosh)
I wanted to do this because I like OS X Yosemite more than Windows, and feels like it increases my productivity.
It’ll affect the startup script stuff but WOL should (hopefully) still work. I’m just now starting work on the GitHub stuff. I’ll be in touch soon, hopefully tonight
So should I go ahead and begin the process of downloading Hackintosh? I just wanted to know if it will change any of the scripts? Also, I wanted to know which version of Hackintosh is the easiest of all of them, so I can do this easily?
Would I have to redownload all of the software after Hackintosh? Like Git, Node.js, NPM and stuff…
Thanks @harrisonhjones
You would. I would seriously consider picking up a Pi if you have the scratch for it. Compiling the node-spotify library for Windows is a serious pain in the ass. If’s a question of permission you should easily be able to show the educational benefit / capability of the Pi to your folks. Here’s a good source. Only $70 for everything and Amazon Prime