[wtF85]

As noted on this forum earlier, BMW is the first auto manufacturer to release in-car integration with IFTTT (If-This-Then-That) which is an online automation service (free).

The IFTTT (If This Then That) compatible BMW Labs IFTTT widget enables your BMW to trigger actions within internet connected services and applications.

Here is a summary of my BMW Labs IFTTT Widget integration with my "Life Automation" and "Smart Home".

When my BMW X5M enters a large radius geo-fence around my house, my BMW sends a message to my house thermostat to cool my house in advance so my house is cool when I arrive, which is not always the same time of day.

When my BMW enters a much smaller geo-fence radius around my house:
- my BMW tells my garage door to open,
- tells the deadbolt to the house door to unlock,
- tells my house alarm system to disarm,
- turns on my house music sound system,
- then it triggers an automated SMS/text message to my wife to say I am at home now,
- and if after "sunset", my BMW tells certain "smart" lights in my house entry-way/mudroom to turn on,

...all right before I pull into my garage and step out of my BMW.

(When I leave the house, my BMW triggers something similar to happen in reverse.)

When I arrive into the house, I can then ask "Alexa" (Amazon Echo) to "close the garage door" for me, and if I forget to, the garage door will close itself at 9:00PM, ask Alexa to "dim the lights to 60%", "place my Domino's Easy Order" delivered pizza", and "Alexa, ask StubHub what’s happening this weekend"

I am very impressed that BMW is being so "cutting/bleeding" edge with their BMW Labs IFTTT Widget and amazed at how well my BMW now integrates into an overall "Life Automation" scheme/design.



TECHNOLOGY STACK:

Here is the technology stack I used to integrate my BMW into my "Life Automation" / "Smart Home".

BMW Labs IFTTT Widget (free)
BMW ConnectedDrive (free)
IFTTT (If-This-Then-That) Service (free)

BMW IFTTT Widget running on BMW, sends "triggers" to IFTTT online service. You create a "recipe" to tell IFTTT what to do when a BMW trigger happens like entering/exiting a defined geo-fence. E.g. your BMW enters a defined geographic radius you define on a map as part of the trigger/action.

Nest Thermostat ($250) connected to IFTTT. Create IFTTT rule that says, when BMW enters defined geo-fence, BMW notifies IFTTT, rule action is triggered, and then IFTTT tells Nest to set thermostat to 70 degrees.

Garageio ($200) garage door controller connected to IFTTT. Create IFTTT rule, when BMW enters defined geo-fence, tell Garageio to Open Garage Door.

Samsung Smartthings controller ($95) - use to network connect "smart" devices in home

Kwikset Deadbolt ($120), Create IFTTT rule, when BMW enters defined geo-fence, tell Samsung Smartthings Controller to unlock Kwikset Deadbolt. (Now using Kwikset Kevo instead, deadbolt only controlled by close proximity bluetooth smartphone and not internet connected.)

Flood Light LED ($30), Create IFTTT rule, when BMW enters defined geo-fence, tell Samsung Smartthings Controller to turn on mudroom Philips Light Bulb and Kitchen GE Dimmer.

Sonos Connect music ($250), Create IFTTT rule, when BMW enters defined geo-fence, tell Samsung Smartthings Controller to turn on Sonos music. Sonos Connect box connected to regular home stereo receiver/amplifier with local speakers and driving ceiling speakers throughout house.

Installed various "smart" dimmers, switches, and outlets. For automated control, and Alexa voice control. E.g. wife from downstairs can now tell "Alexa" in the evening to pre-heat her bed electric blanket at night with "Alexa, turn on my electric blanket", or "Alexa, set Family Room dimmer to 40%".

Amazon Echo "Alexa" ($130), used voice control all "smart" devices both directly and through Samsung Smartthings controller, and more, like ordering Pizza, or changing the Pandora/Spotify station or volume.