Open Source on Smart Home? Sure — But Secure!

Bose Had to Back Down! Open Source Community Saves SoundTouch Speakers

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Turnaround: When Community Pressure Works

Update to my article from November 2025: Remember? Bose wanted to shut down the cloud for SoundTouch, leaving €1,000 speakers stripped of their most important features. Now there’s a spectacular twist!

On January 12, 2026, Golem reported: Bose does a 180° and releases the SoundTouch speakers’ Web API as Open Source. The community has won!

In the video I walk you through the whole story – why this development affects EVERY smart home user, not just Bose owners. Because this is a precedent for the entire industry.

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What Exactly Happened?

Make sure to watch the video – there I explain all the details. Here are the key points:

1. Bose Opens Up the API

Instead of simply shutting down the cloud, Bose has now released the Web API as Open Source. This allows developers to build their own solutions and use the speakers without the Bose cloud.

Bose’s reasoning: They want to “support the open-source community” and give interested parties “the opportunity to develop alternatives.”

This is a complete reversal from the original “we’re just pulling the plug” approach. In the video I show why this is so significant!

2. More Time for Development

The shutdown was pushed back from February 2026 to May 6, 2026. This gives the community three additional months to develop working alternatives.

3. The App Stays Available

Originally, Bose planned to remove the SoundTouch app entirely from the Play Store and App Store. That was reversed – the app remains available.

The Community Was Ahead of Bose

The most exciting part of this whole story: the open source community was ahead of Bose!

Before Bose even released the API, there were already projects on Github working to keep the speakers usable after the server shutdown. Those projects can now be developed much more easily and reliably thanks to the official API release.

In the video I show you concrete examples of these community projects and explain what this means for the future.

Github projects are already working on alternatives to the Bose cloud – and are now getting official support from the manufacturer.

What Still Works After May?

To be clear – the cloud is still being shut down. In the video I go into detail about what that means in practice:

❌ Gone after May 6, 2026:

Direct music streaming via the SoundTouch app
Reassigning station buttons (existing assignments may continue to work)
Cloud-based services (TuneIn, etc.)

✅ Still functional:

Bluetooth (with the usual range limitations)
AirPlay (for Apple users)
Spotify Connect (if you have a Spotify subscription)
Wired inputs (AUX, HDMI, optical)
Local playback control

Watch the video for a complete analysis of what this means in practice!

Why This Should Matter to You – Even Without Bose

This is the most important message of this article: This story affects every smart home user, not just Bose owners. In the video I explain in detail why this sets a precedent for the entire industry.

Three Important Lessons:

1. Community Power Works

Public attention, critical coverage, and active community engagement can push manufacturers to rethink their decisions. Bose could have simply pulled the plug – but didn’t.

In the video I show how public pressure made a concrete difference.

2. Open Source Protects Your Investments

The more open the systems, the less dependent you are on the manufacturer. Even if a manufacturer drops support, the community can take over the project.

In the video I analyze what this means for your future buying decisions.

3. New Buying Criteria for Smart Home

Before your next purchase, ask:

Is there an open API?
Does an active community exist?
Does the device work locally without the cloud?
Are there already open source alternatives?

In the video I give you a detailed checklist for your next smart home purchase.

What Does This Mean for Other Manufacturers?

The Bose case sends a clear signal to Vorwerk, Belkin, Logitech, Philips, and all other manufacturers shutting down their cloud services:

The community doesn’t give up. If you shut down your cloud, the community will build alternatives. Better to support that actively – the way Bose is doing now.

In the video I explain why manufacturers can actually benefit from this development:

Save their reputation instead of permanently damaging it
Retain existing customers instead of losing them
Build trust for future products

Watch the video for the full analysis!

Practical Tips for SoundTouch Owners

If you own a SoundTouch speaker, in the video I show you exactly what you should do now:

Stay informed: Follow the Github projects and community forums
Test alternatives: Try out Bluetooth, AirPlay, or Spotify Connect now
Support the community: If you can code – join the open source projects!
Be patient: The projects still need time until May 6, 2026

All links to the community projects can be found in the video description!

Conclusion: A Win-Win Situation

At the end of the day, this is a win-win for everyone involved:

For Bose: Cloud costs saved, reputation partially rescued
For users: Devices remain usable, new possibilities through open source
For the community: An important precedent for the future

This shows: Smart home can be sustainable – when manufacturers and communities work together rather than against each other.

In the video I analyze what this development means for the smart home industry in the long run.

Connection to My First Article

This article is an update to: When Your Smart Home Suddenly Gets Dumb – and What You Can Do About It

There I described the problem; here I show the resolution. Exactly how it should work!

Sources and Further Links

Did this article help you? Share it with other SoundTouch owners! For more articles on secure and sustainable smart home solutions, browse the rest of the blog.

Scanne diesen Code
mit Deiner Banking App!

Charging Your EV Without Cloud: EVCC – The Intelligent EV Charger Controller!

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Problem: Wallbox Apps That Drive You Crazy

You have an EV and a wallbox, but you’re frustrated with clunky manufacturer apps and terrible smart home integration? The app is slow, confusing, and sends all your data to the cloud?

There’s a better way! With EVCC, you get a fully local solution for intelligent control of your EV charging – no cloud, no dependency, maximum control.

In the new video, I’ll show you my complete setup and how I saved over €2,500 with it!

To load the video, please click the image. Please note that by doing so, data will be transmitted to YouTube.

What Is EVCC?

EVCC stands for “Electric Vehicle Charge Controller” and is an open-source software for intelligent wallbox control. What makes it special:

✅ Completely local – no cloud connection required
✅ Open source – transparent code, active community
✅ Manufacturer-independent – works with almost any wallbox
✅ Professional UI – more polished than any manufacturer app
✅ Smart Home integration – works perfectly with Home Assistant & more

With or Without a PV System

The brilliant part: EVCC works with AND without a PV system!

With PV: Intelligent surplus charging – make the most of your solar energy
Without PV: Charge on a schedule or with dynamic electricity prices

In the video, I’ll show you both scenarios!

My Setup in Detail

In my setup, I use:

PV system on the roof (optional!)
Home battery storage in the basement (optional!)
Wallbox in the garage (required)
EV (hopefully you have one 😊)
Raspberry Pi 4 running EVCC as a Docker container

My wallbox is connected to the Raspberry Pi via a Modbus cable (20 meters through the basement!). But don’t worry: depending on the wallbox model, this can also work over Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

The best part: You don’t need my complete setup! A single wallbox is enough to get started.

In the video, I’ll show you my complete installation including the wiring!

The EVCC Dashboard: A Dream!

Does this brilliant user interface look like a “hacky” open-source tool to you? I was completely blown away when I first launched it!

What You See at a Glance:

Top: Energy flows

Where is the power coming from? (PV, battery, grid)
Where is it going? (house, car, battery, grid)
Live updates every 10 seconds

Middle: Charging modes

PV: Surplus charging – solar power only
Min+PV: Minimum load + solar
Fast: Full power – regardless of source

Bottom: Details

Current charging power
Battery state of charge
Estimated charging time
Cost overview

Make sure to watch the video to see the display change in real time!

Live Demo: How Surplus Charging Works

In the video, I’ll walk you through three live scenarios:

Scenario 1: No Sun, No Car

PV system produces little (November fog)
Home battery covers household consumption
No charging possible

Scenario 2: Lots of Sun, No Car

PV system produces a decent amount
Home battery is full
Surplus is exported to the grid (wasted)

Scenario 3: Sun + Car Plugged In 🎉

PV system is producing
Household consumption is covered
Surplus flows into the car!
EVCC adjusts automatically every 10 seconds

The dynamic adjustment is impressive – check it out in the video!

Dynamic Electricity Prices: Saving Money on Autopilot

For me, this is the killer feature: EVCC supports dynamic electricity prices!

How It Works:

Create a charging plan
- When do you need the car? (departure time)
- How full should it be? (target state of charge)
EVCC automatically calculates
- When is electricity cheapest?
- How long does charging take?
- What will it likely cost?
Car charges automatically at the best time
- No manual intervention needed
- Maximum savings
- Ready on time for departure

In the video, I’ll show you the charging plan in action!

My Experience With Tibber

I’ve been using Tibber for two years – essentially the pioneer of dynamic electricity tariffs in Germany.

What Makes Tibber Special?

✅ Price changes every 15 minutes
✅ No smart meter required – works with a standard meter
✅ Perfect EVCC integration
✅ Transparent pricing

Making Use of Price Dynamics

In the video, I’ll show you the Tibber app:

You can see the price curve for the next 24 hours. The dynamics are impressive:

🟢 Cheap times: Often at night, when there’s a lot of wind/solar on the grid
🔴 Expensive times: Usually in the evening during peak grid load

EVCC automatically charges during the green phases!

The Result: €2,500 Saved!

EVCC logs all charging sessions and calculates your savings. In my case, it’s now over €2,500 euros!

If I’ve sparked your interest: Use my Tibber link in the description. We both get €50 for the Tibber Store. You support the channel and save money yourself – win-win!

Do you already have a dynamic electricity tariff? Tibber is one of the first providers to offer such a tariff in Germany. I’ve been a customer since October 2022, and it’s been a thoroughly positive experience. Tibber offers a clearly structured, modern app where you always have full oversight of your electricity tariff and costs. Pricing is very transparent: Tibber only charges what electricity actually costs on the exchange at any given moment (plus standard grid fees, etc.), plus a service fee of just €3.99 per month.

If Tibber sounds like an option for you, I’d be glad if you sign up via my referral link. That gets both you and me €100 for the Tibber Store, where you can buy various IoT hardware for your smart home. If you’re already a Tibber customer and haven’t used a referral link, you can still do so within 14 days — use code vkccaupl.

Have questions or still unsure? Don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m happy to help you figure out whether Tibber is the right choice for you. And if it turns out it isn’t — you can cancel Tibber month by month at any time!

Thank you for your support! It makes it possible for me to keep creating videos for you.

― Joachim

Installation: Easier Than You Think

EVCC runs as a Docker container on a Raspberry Pi 4 at my place. The installation is surprisingly straightforward:

Option 1: Docker (My Choice)

# Download and start the container
docker run -d \
  --name evcc \
  -p 7070:7070 \
  -v $(pwd)/evcc.yaml:/etc/evcc.yaml \
  evcc/evcc:latest

Advantages:

✅ Quick to set up
✅ Other services can run in parallel
✅ Easy updates

Option 2: Home Assistant Add-on

If you’re using Home Assistant OS, there’s an official add-on!

Installation:

Open the Add-on Store
Search for “EVCC”
Install & start

Even easier than Docker!

In the video, I’ll show you both options!

Configuration: YAML or Web UI

For initial configuration, you have two paths:

Classic: YAML File

This is how I did it. You edit a text file:

site:
  title: My EVCC
  meters:
    grid: ...
    pv: ...
  
chargers:
  - name: Garage Wallbox
    type: ...

For: Tinkerers who enjoy writing code Against: Slightly steeper learning curve

Modern: Web UI

Since a few versions back, there’s a graphical configuration interface!

For: Beginners who prefer simplicity Against: (None, really 😊)

In the video, I’ll show you the Web UI – super intuitive!

Wallbox Compatibility: A Huge Selection

My wallbox is connected via Modbus cable. But EVCC supports an incredibly wide range of wallboxes:

Supported Connection Types:

Modbus (my setup)
Wi-Fi
Ethernet
Cloud (if necessary)

Supported Manufacturers:

The list is impressively long:

ABL
EVSE WiFi
go-eCharger
KEBA
Mennekes
Phoenix Contact
Wallbe
… and many, many more!

Check the EVCC documentation – I haven’t found a wallbox yet that isn’t supported!

Link to the full list in the video and description!

Manufacturer Independence: The Big Advantage

What makes EVCC truly special: you can mix and match manufacturers freely!

In my setup:

Wallbox: Manufacturer A
PV inverter: Manufacturer B
Home battery storage: Manufacturer C (added just recently!)

All from different manufacturers who normally don’t work together. With EVCC? No problem!

In the video, I’ll tell you how seamlessly my new home battery storage was integrated!

5 Reasons Why EVCC Impresses Me

1. Completely Local

No cloud, no dependencies. Your data stays with you. Even during an internet outage, local control keeps working!

2. Open Source With a Professional UI

The code is public, the community is active. But the user interface looks like it came from a professional team!

3. Massive Hardware Support

Almost every wallbox, almost every inverter, almost every EV is supported. The community keeps growing.

4. Intelligent Charging Control

With a PV system and/or dynamic electricity prices, you save real money. In my case: over €2,500!

5. Manufacturer Independence

You’re not locked in. Switching wallbox? No problem. New battery storage? Works!

Even my in-laws are now using EVCC – and without any issues!

Who Is EVCC For?

✅ Perfect if you:

Have an EV and a wallbox
Want control over your data
Like saving money (PV or dynamic tariffs)
Are familiar with Raspberry Pi or Home Assistant
Value manufacturer independence

⚠️ Less suitable if you:

Have no technical interest
Need everything “out of the box”
Have no time for setup

But honestly: The setup is easier than you’d think!

Frequently Asked Questions

“Do I need a PV system?”

No! EVCC works without one too. You can:

Charge on a schedule
Use dynamic electricity prices
Simply enjoy the better UI

“Does my wallbox work with it?”

Very likely! Check: https://docs.evcc.io/docs/devices/chargers

The list is impressive. In the video, I’ll show you where to look!

“Is the installation complicated?”

No! If you’ve used Docker or Home Assistant before, it’s a breeze.

“How much does EVCC cost?”

EVCC is free! Open source, no license fees. You only pay for the hardware (Raspberry Pi, wallbox).

Your Path to EVCC

Step 1: Check your hardware

Do you have a supported wallbox?
Do you have a Raspberry Pi or NAS?

Step 2: Installation

Docker or Home Assistant add-on
Download and start EVCC

Step 3: Configuration

Connect the wallbox
Optional: PV system, battery storage, electricity meter

Step 4: Enjoy!

Open the dashboard
Try out the charging modes
Save money 😊

I’ll walk you through all the steps in detail in the video!

Your Experiences?

Write me in the comments:

How do you charge your EV at home?
Are you already using EVCC?
Did I spark your curiosity?
Which wallbox do you have?

Be sure to watch the video – there you’ll see the dashboard live, the charging modes in action, and my complete installation!

Open Source on Smart Home? Sure — But Secure!

Bose Had to Back Down! Open Source Community Saves SoundTouch Speakers

The Turnaround: When Community Pressure Works

What Exactly Happened?

1. Bose Opens Up the API

2. More Time for Development

3. The App Stays Available

The Community Was Ahead of Bose

What Still Works After May?

❌ Gone after May 6, 2026:

✅ Still functional:

Why This Should Matter to You – Even Without Bose

Three Important Lessons:

1. Community Power Works

2. Open Source Protects Your Investments

3. New Buying Criteria for Smart Home

What Does This Mean for Other Manufacturers?

Practical Tips for SoundTouch Owners

Conclusion: A Win-Win Situation

Connection to My First Article

Sources and Further Links

Charging Your EV Without Cloud: EVCC – The Intelligent EV Charger Controller!

The Problem: Wallbox Apps That Drive You Crazy

What Is EVCC?

With or Without a PV System

My Setup in Detail

The EVCC Dashboard: A Dream!

What You See at a Glance:

Live Demo: How Surplus Charging Works

Scenario 1: No Sun, No Car

Scenario 2: Lots of Sun, No Car

Scenario 3: Sun + Car Plugged In 🎉

Dynamic Electricity Prices: Saving Money on Autopilot

How It Works:

My Experience With Tibber

What Makes Tibber Special?

Making Use of Price Dynamics

The Result: €2,500 Saved!

Installation: Easier Than You Think

Option 1: Docker (My Choice)

Option 2: Home Assistant Add-on

Configuration: YAML or Web UI

Classic: YAML File

Modern: Web UI

Wallbox Compatibility: A Huge Selection

Supported Connection Types:

Supported Manufacturers:

Manufacturer Independence: The Big Advantage

5 Reasons Why EVCC Impresses Me

1. Completely Local

2. Open Source With a Professional UI

3. Massive Hardware Support

4. Intelligent Charging Control

5. Manufacturer Independence

Who Is EVCC For?

✅ Perfect if you:

⚠️ Less suitable if you:

Frequently Asked Questions

“Do I need a PV system?”

“Does my wallbox work with it?”

“Is the installation complicated?”

“How much does EVCC cost?”

Your Path to EVCC

Your Experiences?

Further Reading