IFTTT App

[serchend]

It would be great if Digistump would work with IFThisThenThat (IFTTT.com). If you could have a base app that runs on a PC and a usb connected digispark and controll various shields with recipes from IFTTT. 

[dougal]

Why not use an existing service with IFTTT? Since you're talking about a DigiSpark connected to a computer anyways, the computer could communicate, for example, through simple files, via Dropbox or Google Drive.

Let's say you have a sensor at home, and you want to receive notifications about it on your phone while you're out.

Your computer monitors the sensor (maybe looking for the temperature to go above a certain point, or detecting the opening of a door switch), then writes the status to a file in your Dropbox folder. You could have an IFTTT recipe that watches that folder, and sends you an SMS.

Going in the other direction, you could have a GMail account setup, and an IFTTT recipe that creates files in Dropbox upon receiving a new email. Your program could monitor the folder for new files, read them in, parse/validate them, and take actions based on them (activate a light or buzzer, trip a relay, etc.).

[serchend]

that is basicly what  i do right now. I think it would be nice to have a direct interface like blink(1) and wemo do though.  it would be simpler for the end user and a selling point for Digistump.
also a lot of companies block online storage applications.

[dougal]

In case you didn't spot it, the DigiX Kickstarter mentions possible IFTTT support. 


It also mentions Xively and ThingSpeak, which I was unaware of. Time to start some brainstorming...

[serchend]

I noticed that too, ordered one. I would still like support for the digispark though, the digix is overkill for most of my projects though. 

[digistump]

The thing about IFTTT is they have to approve each plugin or "channel" and to make a channel you have to provide backing servers to store and transmit the data. For the DigiX we are exploring how we can do this in a way that anyone can run their own server and we can also provide one for those who rather not. Something like the DigiX has a good chance of getting approved since it is a unique standalone device.


For the Digispark we'd have to build the server side and an application that listens on the computer and then sends the signal to the Digispark - which makes them much less likely to approve - we don't have those resources right now to lead that - using the already available Email channel though accomplishes the same goal - we've provided some python examples of how to use that and they could be easily translated to C++ for a better command line version of it.

[serchend]

[size=78%]not sure if you looked at how Blink(1) does it, but I can not see it requiring that much for infrastructure. You would only need to store transactions for a short time(say up to a half hour). and a limited amount of data. like userid(10 char), device #(2 char), data(40 char).  that amount would allow a message to a lcd, change the color of RGB led, open or close relays, etc.[/size]

[digistump]

Storage is not the problem at all - it is just a matter of finding the time to build it all - we aren't profitable enough to hire developers and right now we are maxed out. Hopefully with our new DigiX project and some contract work I've taken on I'll one day soon be able to leave the day job (my wife already works on Digistump full time) and then do all of these types of things! But for now this will go on my list - because it would be really cool - but I can't say when it will happen. Of course if anyone else wants to take it on/start it - they are most welcome!