NEXX NXG-200 Smart Garage Controller (Open Box)

This is a nice device for remotely controlling and monitoring your garage door. I purchased the latest version which has the separate monitoring sensor that attaches direct to the G-door itself. It has an accelerometer like the ones in smart phones and video game controllers which determines if the G-door is moving. Once the door is in motion, a message can appear on your smart phone if you set up that way. The main unit is mounted close to the G-door opener/motor. Set up is easy and here are a few tips: test it by using the supplied piece of insulated wiring to jump the two electrical contacts (screws) that close the circuit on the G-door opener. If it will open/close the door, you're in business. Be sure to do any/all firmware updates AFTER you establish a Wi-Fi connection between the Nexx unit and your home network. SPECIAL NOTE to iPhone users: iOS 13-and-up will not allow firmware updates direct through the phone (for security reasons) so you have to use the Nexx unit as your Wi-Fi internet connection. It seems strange but you just use your phone and connect to the Nexx that shows up in your iPhone's available Wi-Fi networks instead of your home Wi-Fi network; you do this when you have the Nexx website open on your phone. This allows the Nexx unit to run updates & bug fixes. Once you get the updates done, you're ready to mount the unit. You'll need an AC electrical outlet somewhere near the G-door opener and since you have to have one for the opener anyway, you should already have an outlet available. Before mounting, make sure you get a strong enough Wi-Fi signal to the Nexx unit. The Nexx app you previously downloaded will tell you if its getting a good signal from the garage. If your phone shows a good signal, then the app should too. The Nexx unit has a movable antenna you can adjust if necessary. This Nexx version works with Alexa and Siri but at this time not with Apple's Home Kit. Maybe a future update will include it as well. One nice trick I use with Siri is the Shortcuts feature in iOS 13.1. If you have an iPhone 10 or higher, your phone can utilize the NFC app built into the phone for other purposes other than just Apple Pay. I programmed my phone to use the Siri-Shortcut to close my G-door when tapping a NFC tag I have mounted outside the garage. This allows me to close the G-door without having to open the Nexx app or use another opener in my car or house. It's practical and convenient for me because my garage is not attached to my house and sometimes I want to close the door without having to turn off my house alarm system and I'm on foot. As for security, I haven't seen anything unusual so far. But IoT devices have a bad reputation for not being secure. If your Wi-Fi network is secure, then this should be as well. One feature which could be weak spot is the BT connection that the app can use if your Wi-Fi is down. It allows a direct Bluetooth connection to the Nexx unit but this feature is only as secure as your phone. BT has limited range so remote access is unlikely. You can disable this feature in the app.