Do I *need* to buy a new Hive Hub?

Comyface

Hi all

I got my Hive Hub a while ago (maybe ~2014) and I only use it to control my heating. I have recently received an e-mail from Hive, titled 'We're discontinuing your old Hive Hub', warning that 'it won't work with our latest products and updates' after next August (2023). I can buy a new one half price now if I want.

My question is, should I buy a new one now? I have no intention of using it for anything other than my heating control so I'm not concerned about 'latest products', but what about 'updates'? Will my existing hub stop working when it is 'discontinued'? I've tried searching online but no joy.

Thanks for any help.

Billxx

Cannot be sure but I suggest it will keep working, but any bug fixes or new security fixes will not be applied.  I have a hive hub, albeit a few years younger.

bob_a_builder

Hive seem to be 'discontinuing' support for a number of items at the moment

"Your camera will still work until the three-year support period ends on 01/08/25.
After this, you can take it to your local Household Waste Recycling Centre.."

Not sure how relevant it is to your case, but worth a check

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6371288/hive-dropping-support-for-their-smart-cameras/p1

Bendy_House

Hi Comfy.

You don't have a paid service with Hive? It's purely stand-alone? If so, chances are that what you have will continue to operate for years.

If/when the time comes that some Hive system revision renders it u/s, you should be able to pick up a more current hub at a discount quite easily. Mine was free - I bought a full kit on an ebay auction which comprised the mini stat + receiver, nano 2 hub, and 2 smart lights. I kept the hub, and sold the other two items for the original cost.

(On a note similar to your issue, I managed to get my new SLT5 'stat and my existing, but older, BG 'stat (WPT1) connected, but the latter wouldn't allow something, I think perhaps a review of previous weeks' temps or something. I chatted with Hive, and the guy was gobsmacked - my WPT shouldn't have connected at all..)

Keithy13

I am in the same situation and got the same email. As I understand it, the hub will continue to control your heating through the thermostat, however, the remote operation through the internet (Hive servers) will not work after August 2023. Although they are offering a new hub at half price £30 I am not sure if the thermostat will also need to be replaced.
Aside from this I have been disappointed that if the hub connection drops out for any reason the only way to reconnect is to pull the plug out, wait a few minutes and plug it back in, which is ridiculous for a product which is promoted as being able to control your heating from anywhere. 

Bendy_House

Comfy and Keithy, which model hubs do you have?

Comyface

Hi Bendy_House
 

I’m not sure! The thermostat is the old one. On the back of the hub it says:
Nano Hub 
Hub ID DLR-526
Batch code 15w14
Sales code HUB317

Im going to leave it for now, thanks for your reply. I don’t pay monthly, that wasn’t even an option when I got it! I paid ~£200 if I remember correctly and that’s all. 

Bendy_House

The HUB317 is, I understand, the first generation. There are lots of Nano 2 out there, usually HUB 320, and now even Nano 2.5 (although I didn't bother going for that).

(The Hub ID is your own personal ID, used to set that hub up to your account.)

What type of room stat do you have? I presume that will work ok with the newer hub?!

The paid-for service adds other features, not sure what they are. But are not required for straight-forward CH control.

J_B

Ours are circa 2018. We've not had an email from Hive, does that mean we are 'safe'?

Bendy_House

J_B said:

Ours are circa 2018. We've not had an email from Hive, does that mean we are 'safe'?

Which model is it?

I'd guess, tho', that you are good for a few years yet.