Automatically switch between companion app servers based on user's location

[bgoncal]

Problem statement

When the user moves between home/servers, the companion apps always open the default server or the last server used, without an smart logic to know that a server may be more relevant because user is closer to it.

Community signals

No response

Scope & Boundaries

Use user's location to determine which server the companion apps should open instead of the "default" server chosen by the user.
Opt-in

Below is how Apple Home handles it:

In scope

• Automatically switch between servers based on location

Not in scope

• Custom logic to switch between servers (e.g. templating/automations)

Foreseen solution

No response

Risks & open questions

No response

Appetite

No response

Execution issues

No response

Decision log

Date	Decision	Outcome

[jpelgrom]

I actually implemented this for Android based on the home network setting years ago on a branch, as it seemed more logical to link it to the app's existing definition of 'at home' (and it can use an internal URL) than using GPS which may not be available/inaccurate.

At the time Android's WebView sometimes didn't initiate page loads correctly so quickly after a network change so I didn't pursue it and it was never submitted as a pull request. With the architectural changes now it might be different. https://github.com/jpelgrom/home-assistant-android/tree/multiserver-switch-home-wifi

[bgoncal]

@jpelgrom I disagree on this because many people use just 1 URL, and set it as external (or in Android.. just default URL I guess), those people wouldn't be able to auto-switch based on proximity. I'm open to leave it configurable but I do see benefit on GPS/Zone check for that

[jpelgrom]

@jpelgrom I disagree on this because many people use just 1 URL, and set it as external (or in Android.. just default URL I guess), those people wouldn't be able to auto-switch based on proximity. I'm open to leave it configurable but I do see benefit on GPS/Zone check for that

Setting the home network doesn't require you to set an internal URL though? UI is placed next to URLs but could be moved and 'home network' is already used for other features which don't require URL switching, at least on Android.

Edit: to clarify, not strongly opposed to using GPS but I would prefer not having multiple concepts of 'at home' in the app.

[bgoncal]

Setting the home network doesn't require you to set an internal URL though?

Yes

But...
Nowadays we have this just to know when to connect locally, but many users may not care about local connection, so the solution that fit all users is using location. But we could optionally allow being based on SSID as well of course

One good example, for my parents home and one or 2 friends that I configured HA, I did not configured the internal/local URL, I don't remember why but I didn't, I would still like to have my app to be smart enough to know that since I am nearby, I prefer that home assistant server instead the default one