Unable to command Siri to start watering
I‘m having trouble to get Siri to interact with the Rainmachine.
I have a Pro-8 that is integrated with HomeKit and doing its thing. I can also manually start/stop zones in HomeKit.
But when I try to command Siri to do so or give me the state of the device, I always get the response „devices not responding“ (I have Siri set to german, so the english phrase might be different).
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Hi, GEORGzer
This is a known issue that we have with Apple devices updated to iOS 14 and up.
We will need to address this with a new firmware update. It will take some time, but as soon as we have a fix we will announce it.Devices using iOS 13 and down, doesn't have this issue with Apple Siri voice commands.
Thank you for your report and for your patience and understanding.
Julian
RainMachine Support -
Yes. Unfortunately there is an issue with Siri commands on iOS 14 and up. Manual commands are working through the Apple Home app.
We will have to fix this and we are working on that.
We will announce here when a Beta firmware with the fix will be available.
Thank you for your understanding and patience.Julian
RainMachine Support -
Hi
I identified this issue in May 2021 and reported this to support in early June. I have undertake extensive testing requested by support, as they didn’t think there was a Siri issue.
I’ve undertaken the following with no change to some Siri commands not responding and some working:- unpaired and repaired the RainMachine to HomeKit with several reboots
- restored previous configuration
- removed all firewall rules (HomeKit and Eero rules)
- tried direct Ethernet connection and remote connection
- all HomeKit UI screen commands still work but Siri commands do not work
- Changed all zone names to single names rather than zone 1, zone 2, etc
- Implemented another brand of wireless networking to see if that made a difference
Prior to May 2021, Siri commands were working. However they still are not working.
Can you confirm when the Beta software will be available and compatible with for IOS 14 Siri?
Am I correct in assuming that all rainmachine Pro’s do not currently work with IOS 14 Siri commands?
Can you confirm when the Beta software will be available and compatible with for IOS 15 and Siri?
Rodney
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Hi, Rodney
We can confirm that the Apple Homekit Siri voice commands do not work on iOS 14 and up. We will need to update the RainMachine firmware for that. We are working on it, but it takes time and tests to be done.
When the Beta with the fix will be available, we will announce.Thank you for your understanding!
Julian
RainMachine Support -
Yes, we understand your frustration. We have it too.
Unfortunately, Apple HomeKit Irrigation profile has some bugs that has been introduced with the iOS 14 and up update releases.See attached how Siri Voice commands work on iOS 13, before the iOS 14 update.
The voice commands are flawless paired with a RainMachine device updated to the latest firmware.
We let Apple know about the issue and waiting for their fixes.
Tried all the workarounds on our side, but it didn't worked.
Thank you for your patience and understanding!
Julian,
RainMachine Support -
Hi, rodelbow
We do recommend using a human readable short names so that Siri and other voice commands platform could understand.
So, instead using "Zone 2" with 2 as number, try renaming your zone using just "Two" or if your zone has flowers, use "Flowers" and so on.
Also, please try to type your command and see how Siri understands it.Hope this helps.
Thank you
Julian
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