Re: @PNGuinn - Disturbing
Annnnd yet another argument that can be used in favor of open source, this time hardware and software. If this thing was open source (GPL2 NOT 3) from the get-go then it could be sustained if abandoned. Hell, it could be improved on and support/development continued.
That's not actually the problem here.
The issue lies with a fundamental networking issue that *may* be solved with IPv6, but to be honest I actually like things not being directly addressable. Almost every router on the Net uses Network Address Translation (NAT for short), which is a bit like a lead with one plug and many sockets. The Net only sees the plug, but it doesn't know which socket it's talking to.
This gets in the way of the inbound control you need for home management, so they came up with the idea of making each of those sockets talk to an account of a server on the Internet, through which you then have indeed a tunnel to the right device. The problem: so does the company who owns that server, and anyone who hacks into that stream.
What is now happening is that the people who own the server are about to shut it down. The only aspect that Open Source can help here is by changing the code in the home device, but you still need someone to run that server. Translated: you still need to trust someone to do things right, usually on the other end of the planet and under no obligation because that's the first thing you agree to with any US company ("disclaimer: we may cause your house to blow up or set fire to your curtains, and by using our service you agree you're OK with that and refrain from badmouthing us if we make off with your firstborn in the process.").
I suspect that you will be pushed onto some other server that will either cost you more, or that will walk off with a lot more personal information (remember, it's Google), because otherwise they could have just opened up the code for the device and allow people to create their own fix. The fact that they have not ought to tell you enough not to fall for that again. I've seen bluetooth door locks that genuinely tell you that you'll be safer, if you were just so kind to subscribe..
There is a VERY simple rule with ANY device you want to remote control: if it requires the setup of any account anywhere in a company, avoid. Otherwise you'll find that your next insurance claim will be the source of much merriment on the side of your insurer. On your side, not so much...