[dotancohen]

I think that I could get by even with the Chinese menus, but the real problem for me is the mobile app. Is the mobile app strictly _required_ or is it an optional feature? I won't use a device that requires an app on my phone to function.

[r3bl]

I have never touched their air purifier, but I did three other gadgets (TV box, some indoor camera, some light bulbs).

If privacy is your concern, I wouldn't recommend them. If stability is your concern, I wouldn't recommend them.

The light bulb works with an app only (probably to remove the need for a separate hub), the camera could be rooted to work offline-only (which is why I bought it, but I gave up after a couple of shots and it's currently sitting in my drawer), and the TV box is by far the noisiest device in my local network. It's like 60% of all DNS requests blocked by my Pi-hole.

Their devices are also the most unstable devices I own, to the point where I'm considering just throwing them in the trash and re-investing in another camera and a TV box. I've already replaced the bulb I've purchased with a Philips Hue system. Quite more expensive, but truly works locally.

[joshefin]

I have the same experience - Xiaomi makes good and cheap hardware, but the software and reliability are bad. And if you want to keep your data private, skip them.

[dotancohen]

Is it linux or freebsd based? Can the firmware be reflashed?