Running Android on a Raspberry Pi opens up unexpected avenues for enhancing your smart home experience. By utilizing Waydroid, a tool that enables the execution of Android applications on Raspberry Pi, users can transform their single-board computer into a more sophisticated hub for automation, dashboards, and device management. Many Android applications perform surprisingly well, significantly enhancing interaction with smart home systems.
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Shelly Smart Control
Manage Shelly devices with a full dashboard
Shelly devices are known for their local control and reliability, and the Shelly Smart Control app consolidates them into a user-friendly interface. Although I do not personally use Shelly devices, clients have expressed appreciation for its ability to provide an always-on view of their relays, switches, and sensors. The app syncs seamlessly with the cloud when necessary, while still functioning effectively in local-only mode, catering to privacy-conscious users. Running this app on a Raspberry Pi offers a more expansive dashboard compared to a smartphone, facilitating easier monitoring of energy consumption and device status. It’s particularly useful for wall-mounted displays or touchscreens, allowing real-time updates and effortless navigation between rooms or devices.
4
Home Connect
Control appliances from Bosch, Siemens, and others
For those equipped with smart appliances from Bosch, Siemens, Gaggenau, or Neff, the Home Connect app is indispensable. I installed it on a Raspberry Pi that serves as a control panel in my client’s kitchen. From this interface, she can monitor the dishwasher, preheat the oven, or verify if the fridge door is ajar. The app’s responsiveness on a Raspberry Pi touchscreen exceeded my expectations, allowing for centralized appliance notifications separate from her phone. My client has even leveraged it to create Home Assistant automations based on appliance statuses retrieved via Home Connect. This app not only enhances convenience but also adds significant value to any smart kitchen.
3
Fully Kiosk Browser
Turn your Pi into a wall-mounted dashboard
Fully Kiosk Browser stands out as the premier solution for running a smart home dashboard on an Android-powered Raspberry Pi. I utilize it to showcase my Home Assistant Lovelace UI, which auto-launches upon boot without the need for keyboard interaction. This application supports features like motion detection via webcam, full-screen mode, and automatic screen dimming. Users can remotely control the browser, reload pages as needed, or adjust settings through a built-in web interface. Fully Kiosk is particularly effective for creating touch interfaces in communal areas, displaying information such as who is home, upcoming calendar events, and current weather conditions.
2
Aqara Home
Control Zigbee sensors and hubs locally
If Aqara sensors or hubs are part of your smart home ecosystem, the Aqara Home app on Android offers a convenient control layer. Running this app on a Raspberry Pi allows for quick access to features like temperature readings, contact sensors, and smart plugs. It proves especially useful for testing automations or checking signal strength without reaching for a smartphone. The app integrates smoothly with Home Assistant, providing a direct interface for firmware updates or device troubleshooting, while also displaying battery levels and connectivity statistics that Home Assistant may overlook.
1
Home Assistant Companion
Give your Pi seamless access to your smart home
It is essential to mention the Home Assistant Companion app, which allows for seamless access to Home Assistant instances through a native Android experience on a Raspberry Pi. This includes push notifications, location tracking, and access to custom dashboards or panels created in Lovelace. I have configured it to boot directly into the Home Assistant app, giving it a dedicated control terminal feel rather than a generic tablet. The app supports sensor updates, background syncing, and even camera streaming when set up correctly, making it the anchor application that integrates all functionalities within my smart home.
These apps make the Raspberry Pi shine
While running Android apps on a Raspberry Pi may not be the most conventional use case, it proves effective with the right combination of applications and hardware. These five tools have enabled me to construct an interactive smart home interface accessible to everyone in the household. With a bit of effort, the Raspberry Pi evolves from a mere server or automation hub into a vital touchpoint for all activities occurring within the home.
