Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => The Knowledge => OT Knowledge => Topic started by: robgul on 25 June, 2023, 12:50:42 pm

Title: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: robgul on 25 June, 2023, 12:50:42 pm
I can't seem to log in to Hive using Firefox or MS Edge browser* from a PC - ID & PW are correct - message is "An unexpected error . . ."  - trying a deliberately wrong PW gives "ID/PW wrong . .. " so looks like a system issue.

Hive, of course, needs you to log in to report or ask anything in true Catch22 style.

Anyone else with the same issue as at this moment (it's been like it since I first tried about 1500 on Sat 24 Jun)

*everything else works on other sites so looks like Hive at fault
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 25 June, 2023, 04:09:29 pm
No problems using the app
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: robgul on 25 June, 2023, 04:22:23 pm
No problems using the app

Ditto her BUT with the Hive stuff we have - as well as CH/HW/TRVs we have lamps and plug sockets doing all sorts of stuff and making changes with the app is a PITA - hence the web-browser being the best way.
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: Jaded on 25 June, 2023, 04:55:46 pm
I can get in on a web browser.
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: robgul on 25 June, 2023, 07:07:12 pm
I can get in on a web browser.

Is that PC or Mac and which browser? - still doesn't work here.
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: MattH on 25 June, 2023, 07:21:37 pm
Just dug out a PC and Edge - works for me.
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: Jaded on 25 June, 2023, 07:50:21 pm
Mac, Safari
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: robgul on 25 June, 2023, 08:25:15 pm
All very strange - I've done all the obvious things - reboot, clear cache, clear cookies, troubleshooters . . .  I'll reboot the router when my wife has finished watching Elton John at Glasto tonight - weird thing is that all the other websites I've tried work fine with auto and manual logins.   The only thing that has changed in the last day or three AFAIK is a new version of Firefox.

Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 25 June, 2023, 10:15:09 pm
Have you tried using a browser on your phone or a tablet? I wonder if this is like the issues I have getting on the Sainsbo's groceries website. I can only place orders using the web browser on my phone, it doesn't work on my tablet.
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: Jaded on 25 June, 2023, 10:41:39 pm
Different internet provider, can you hot link to phone or tablet?
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: drossall on 25 June, 2023, 10:44:49 pm
The only thing that has changed in the last day or three AFAIK is a new version of Firefox.
No special knowledge, but that's not totally impossible. We had something at work that was broken the other week by the latest Chrome update. Therefore it broke on Edge as well, since that uses the same browser engine these days. So you could only test by using another browser with a different engine (https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2022/08/which-browser-engine-powers-your-web-browsingand-why-does-it-matter/). Obviously, any affected software providers produce patches within days to get their systems going again.

But, to repeat, I've no special knowledge that that applies here.
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: robgul on 25 June, 2023, 11:18:47 pm
Rebooted  router, tried Firefox on Android tablet and no joy - same error message.
App on tablet works

It must be something at Hive??
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: drossall on 26 June, 2023, 08:34:10 am
Try Chrome. But it's a long shot.
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: robgul on 26 June, 2023, 08:51:53 am
Try Chrome. But it's a long shot.

Nope - tried that - same error message, and ditto when deliberately entering a wrong pw (ID/PW wrong message)

3 different PC browsers and Firefox browser on tablet all throw the same error - nothing else on the PC is affected - logging into all the stuff I usually look at without problem.

I shall be endeavouring to grapple with Hive's "customer service" on the phone.
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: Jaded on 26 June, 2023, 08:54:29 am
Rebooted  router, tried Firefox on Android tablet and no joy - same error message.
App on tablet works

It must be something at Hive??

So, have you tried a different internet provider? Go to a cafe and use their WiFi, or turn off the router altogether and try tethering to a phone, if that is possible on your contract.
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: robgul on 26 June, 2023, 09:21:00 am
Rebooted  router, tried Firefox on Android tablet and no joy - same error message.
App on tablet works

It must be something at Hive??

So, have you tried a different internet provider? Go to a cafe and use their WiFi, or turn off the router altogether and try tethering to a phone, if that is possible on your contract.

I've used our neighbour's wifi (BT hotspot) with our router switched off and same result.
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: Jaded on 26 June, 2023, 09:33:34 am
OK, that eliminates that as a cause.

Does sound like the Hive account has some kind of set-up fault.
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: robgul on 26 June, 2023, 02:14:03 pm
It seems that Hive has changed to a further level of authentication with a code sent to a mobile - and they don't have my mobile number on the account (I tried to avoid texts!)

OK, I suppose, but they might a) have notified customers (they say they did, no message received - and they say only 1 message was sent about 10 days ago) and b) an on-screen error message saying why would have been useful. Aaaaaaaargh!

I now have to delete Chrome which has invaded my machine trying to change default programs.  More Aaaargh!
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: drossall on 26 June, 2023, 05:23:37 pm
... they don't have my mobile number on the account...

... they say only 1 message was sent about 10 days ago...
Is anyone else seeing a connection here? ;D
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: robgul on 26 June, 2023, 06:03:20 pm
... they don't have my mobile number on the account...

... they say only 1 message was sent about 10 days ago...
Is anyone else seeing a connection here? ;D

The plot thickens slightly because they do, indirectly, presumably have my mobile number as the Hive app installed on the phone . . 
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: ian on 26 June, 2023, 09:19:22 pm
They sent me an email saying they would enforce two-factor authentication post-31st May. The app on your phone doesn't know your mobile number unless you tell it.
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: MattH on 08 November, 2023, 03:15:04 pm
Just had an email from them saying that from 1st June 2024 you won't be able to access your system using a web browser. You'll have to use an "up to date" Android or iOS device.

I'm really pleased that I didn't go all-in on Hive when I replaced our failed old-school heating timer and added home automation stuff at the same time (was tempted to spend a lot on Hive, but ended up going Zigbee and home assistant to minimise lock-in and need to talk to the cloud to turn on a lightbulb). I have zero confidence in them maintaining a running service for one second past the time they deem it to not be having the returns they want.
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: Kim on 08 November, 2023, 03:22:36 pm
Just had an email from them saying that from 1st June 2024 you won't be able to access your system using a web browser. You'll have to use an "up to date" Android or iOS device.

This trend for everything-on-mobile is a creeping form of enshittification that's almost as bad as services closing down completely.  Some of us have a Perfectly Good Real Computer (or perhaps a Jam-Filled Babbage Engine working out its retirement in a convenient location) and would much rather use it than groping around on a tiny touchscreen.

This goes double for things like the Octopus app - who wants to perform data analysis on their phone, when they could do it on their computer where it's not a complete pain to copy things into a spreadsheet or whatever?

No, the answer isn't for Windows to run Android apps.  FFS.
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: robgul on 08 November, 2023, 03:34:00 pm
I had the same email a few moments ago . . .  seems a backward step to me given the easier access with a "proper keyboard & sceen" rather than a phone or tablet - although I've been a bit pissed off that the web access has for a while required a second level access with an SMS code. 

[Unlike many people I am not Velcroed to my phone - it's usefull to make calls when I'm out - and receive calls diverted from my landline when I'm out - but that's about it]

I have to say, despite Hive abandoning the peripheral CCTV and alarm stuff I can't see them stopping the basic CH/HW stuff as that's core business whereas the "wraparound home" approach wasn't.  Hopefully the useful plug/sockets and light bulbs will continue to be supported.

We've had Hive for about 7 years - 3 in one house and approaching 4 in this one and it works fine for our needs.
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: Jaded on 08 November, 2023, 03:37:56 pm
I got the email too. I tend to use the Webpage for editing strings and the app for looking, boosting etc. The app wasn't very good for changing settings, from memory.

They have maybe discovered that there isn't an income stream from selling hardware that has a (somewhat) limited market, and be looking to reduce costs and ultimately go for subscription.
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: robgul on 08 November, 2023, 03:41:16 pm
I got the email too. I tend to use the Webpage for editing strings and the app for looking, boosting etc. The app wasn't very good for changing settings, from memory.

They have maybe discovered that there isn't an income stream from selling hardware that has a (somewhat) limited market, and be looking to reduce costs and ultimately go for subscription.

Precisely - the nail and the hammer in perfect alignment.
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: rogerzilla on 08 November, 2023, 03:50:01 pm
Also in the email:

Quote
IFTTT Automation partnership is ending From 31st January 2024 ‘If This Then That’ (IFTTT) applets will no longer be supported within the Hive app. From this date any automation you have created using IFTTT will not work. This change doesn’t impact our other partnerships.

So your automated home won't be as automated.  Centrica really do suck.
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: robgul on 08 November, 2023, 04:11:35 pm
I didn't know anything about IFTTT until about 10 minutes ago - a quick Google and I found a summary of features - have to say I can't envisage significant numbers of users wanting any or all of the features - "the link from Strava to signal Hive to boost your HW as you near the end of a run?"  - "your BMW, when it's 30 miles from, home telling Hive to start the CH?" - and more . . .  "a command that activates the thermostat and hot water control as soon as the temperature outside drops below 5°C" - the Thermostat user-set minimum temperature setting for the interior of the house is surely more relevant and economical?

. . . again there's logic in BG sticking to its core business.
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: Kim on 08 November, 2023, 06:13:55 pm
Can you tell it *not* to run heating if $condtion?  Because that's definitely useful.  My heating controller is programmed not to run the heating if a window[1] or door[2] is open, for example.


[1] Other than the bathroom.
[2] Other than the front door, when someone hasn't pressed the squelch button before opening it.
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: lissotriton on 09 November, 2023, 02:11:55 pm
I didn't know anything about IFTTT until about 10 minutes ago - a quick Google and I found a summary of features - have to say I can't envisage significant numbers of users wanting any or all of the features - "the link from Strava to signal Hive to boost your HW as you near the end of a run?"  - "your BMW, when it's 30 miles from, home telling Hive to start the CH?" - and more . . .  "a command that activates the thermostat and hot water control as soon as the temperature outside drops below 5°C" - the Thermostat user-set minimum temperature setting for the interior of the house is surely more relevant and economical?
Depends on the heating system, but maybe more efficient if you factor in the outside temperatures and weather. ie you could maintain a constant indoor temperature, by turning on the heating before the temperature drops.
Or could vary the flow temperature. Or switch to a different source of heating.

Though I'm sure there are better ways of doing that, instead of relying on IFTTT.
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: robgul on 09 November, 2023, 02:37:18 pm
I didn't know anything about IFTTT until about 10 minutes ago - a quick Google and I found a summary of features - have to say I can't envisage significant numbers of users wanting any or all of the features - "the link from Strava to signal Hive to boost your HW as you near the end of a run?"  - "your BMW, when it's 30 miles from, home telling Hive to start the CH?" - and more . . .  "a command that activates the thermostat and hot water control as soon as the temperature outside drops below 5°C" - the Thermostat user-set minimum temperature setting for the interior of the house is surely more relevant and economical?
Depends on the heating system, but maybe more efficient if you factor in the outside temperatures and weather. ie you could maintain a constant indoor temperature, by turning on the heating before the temperature drops.
Or could vary the flow temperature. Or switch to a different source of heating.

Though I'm sure there are better ways of doing that, instead of relying on IFTTT.

I've fiddled around with time periods etc for the CH and what we have set seems to work for us/our house . . . the house excluding 2 bedrooms and sitting room : on at 19 from 0630-0830, on at 19 from 1615-1815 and 20 from 1815-21.45 - then with sitting room on too (using a Hive TRV) 1715-2100.  No heat overnight.  Unless it's really cold outside it's OK - if necessary we sometimes give in and override the schedule about 1500.   

Fitting the Hive TRVs to use as "time switches" on 2 rads in the sitting room last winter made about 12.5% difference (reduction) in our gas consumption compared with the previous year.  The TRvs are set at the same temperature as the main thermostat so will match the house temperature for their scheduled period - they do not speak to the boiler.
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: L CC on 05 January, 2024, 01:28:51 pm
Does anyone have a refer a friends code for Hive they'd like to bung me???
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: robgul on 05 January, 2024, 01:38:20 pm
Does anyone have a refer a friends code for Hive they'd like to bung me???

No code - but Hive website is showing 20% off pretty much everything for the next 4 days or so????
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: L CC on 05 January, 2024, 01:44:52 pm
Indeed. But any referral code would make a big dint in the cost of this EV charger thingy.
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: MattH on 05 January, 2024, 02:14:08 pm
I can generate a code that gives you £30 off orders of the EV charger made on the Hive website. Is that the one you mean?

Edit: if that is the one, Robgul, you could try in the app, go to Account, Refer a Friend, and it comes up with a page about getting a free light if your referee buys the hub. But, at the bottom of that page is a "give £30 off" which is for the EV charger. As the referrer, you get £15 off. I don't intend buying any more Hive kit so wouldn't use that £15, but if you would, and it's the code L CC wants, then go for it...
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: L CC on 05 January, 2024, 02:28:07 pm
I can generate a code that gives you £30 off orders of the EV charger made on the Hive website. Is that the one you mean?

That is the one!

Thank you  :-*
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: robgul on 05 January, 2024, 02:36:39 pm
I can generate a code that gives you £30 off orders of the EV charger made on the Hive website. Is that the one you mean?

That is the one!

Thank you  :-*

I've just done that and sent you a PM with a code - hope it works!
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: rogerzilla on 15 February, 2024, 11:07:56 am
The shysters have illegally signed everyone up for Heating Plus without their consent.  It is chargeable after the trial period.  I recommend you all open the Hive app and cancel the subscription forthwith.
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: robgul on 15 February, 2024, 11:50:29 am
The shysters have illegally signed everyone up for Heating Plus without their consent.  It is chargeable after the trial period.  I recommend you all open the Hive app and cancel the subscription forthwith.

Good call Roger (esp as I'm going away for a month from today!) - cancelling requires some non-obvious extra swipes on the website too .... fuckers.  However, AFAIK I have no payment method set up with Hive so I'm not sure how they could get payment?
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: Jaded on 15 February, 2024, 12:38:28 pm
I have "No active subscriptions"
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: MattH on 15 February, 2024, 12:47:48 pm
From the email entitled "Team up with your new best friend – Hive Heating Plus" sent to me four days after it was activated (activated 20/1, email 24/1)

Quote
After the 1 month's free trial, this subscription will not automatically renew and you will not charged.

So I'm not seeing a problem. I also have no active payment methods.
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 15 February, 2024, 06:26:19 pm
just checked on mine, and it says ''start your free months trial of heating plus', by pressing the blue button, which i havn't done. So where are they tricking you?
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: MattH on 15 February, 2024, 06:43:53 pm
I didn't start the trial, they did it automatically and sent an email a few days later, which I don't really care about - I'm not going to use any of the features, they can't bill me, so whatever. But I'm not sure what RZ has seen.
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: ian on 15 February, 2024, 08:30:11 pm
just checked on mine, and it says ''start your free months trial of heating plus', by pressing the blue button, which i havn't done. So where are they tricking you?


Indeed. I also didn't click the button (I have no idea what Heating Plus is). While I am opposed to ads injected into apps on the moral principle they make me feel murdery, this one was easily evaded.


It will save pounds off my bill apparently. So would moving to an equatorial climate.
Title: Re: Anyone have Hive for CH/HW etc?
Post by: rogerzilla on 15 February, 2024, 08:39:04 pm
just checked on mine, and it says ''start your free months trial of heating plus', by pressing the blue button, which i havn't done. So where are they tricking you?
They told me they'd opted me in anyway.  I definitely clicked "remind me later" (there was no "knob off and never bother me again" option).