The GT130 gateway and the new Zigbee smart home ecosystem

With the announcement of its new smart home ecosystem, Sinopé Technologies officially became Canada’s largest smart home devices manufacturer, and the North-American company offering the broadest portfolio of energy-efficient smart home devices. The launch also included new products that will be available in the coming weeks and months, including a smart plug and a smart in-wall outlet, as well as a tank level monitor.

Another novelty that revolutionizes Sinopé Technologies' offer is the arrival of the GT130 gateway, which finally allows connecting all Sinopé Zigbee devices to the popular Neviweb app.

What is the difference between the GT130 and the GT125 gateways?

The GT125 gateway is only compatible with Web Programmable devices. It uses a unique communication protocol designed by Sinopé Technologies named "Mi-Wi".

The GT130 gateway uses the Zigbee communication protocol, which is a standard protocol widely used in North America and around the world. The GT130 hub is used to control Zigbee devices designed by Sinopé Technologies. It could potentially be used to control Zigbee devices designed by other companies.

Do I need to change my Web Programmable devices for Zigbee devices?

• Because you want to integrate some new Sinopé products, such as the smart in-wall outlet, the smart plug, or the tank level monitor by Sinopé Technologies. These products use the Zigbee communication protocol, and they are only compatible with the GT130 gateway. It is also expected that Sinopé Technologies will develop and unveil other smart Zigbee devices.
• Because you want to add a device that is no longer available as a Web Programmable version. Sinopé Technologies is specialized in energy efficiency, and our thermostats are very popular. Some products, such as the floor heating or the low-voltage heating thermostats, are no longer available in the Web Programmable version. That's why users can choose to turn to the GT130 gateway to use the Zigbee version of these thermostats.
• To benefit from new features like the ability to create automations with all smart devices.

Are the GT125 and GT130 gateways compatible with voice assistants?

The GT130 gateway allows integration with Amazon Alexa.

The GT125 gateway is only compatible with Amazon Alexa. It was intended to work with the Google Assistant. Unfortunately, shortly before the launch of the new Neviweb app, Google changed the compatibility settings. It was no longer possible for Web Programmable devices to be compatible with the Google Assistant.

However, users of the Web Programmable product line still have access to the features promised when they first bought their smart devices. Users even have access to a few bonuses – the app format now available, the compatibility Amazon Alexa, geolocation, and the integration with dynamic pricing programs.

Can I use my GT125 and GT130 gateways together?

The GT125 gateway controls Web Programmable devices, and the GT130 Gateway is compatible with Zigbee devices. It is possible to control all Sinopé smart devices in a single Neviweb account. However, Zigbee devices and those that are Web Programmable will not be able to interact in the same scenes or automations.

Why does Sinopé Technologies change the communication protocol used?

The technologies around the Internet of Things evolves in a fast-paced environment. In the past years, the Zigbee communication protocol has emerged as the one with the most promising evolution. Many significant companies support this protocol, including Amazon and SmartThings.

Sinopé Technologies chose the Zigbee communication protocol to develop its new ecosystem. There are many benefits to this transition, including the possibility to grow the Sinopé product portfolio more quickly and ultimately facilitating interaction with non-Sinopé branded Zigbee devices.

To learn more about this communication protocol, check out our smart home glossary.

What are the benefits of the GT130 gateway and the Zigbee ecosystem?

The GT130 gateway is compatible with a broader variety of devices. In addition to all thermostats, switches, dimmers, and load controllers, Sinopé Technologies offers several new products.

Besides, the use of the Zigbee protocol has certain advantages, including dynamic communication between the devices and the possibility of compatibility and interoperability with products from other manufacturers.

What will happen to Web Programmable devices?

Web Programmable devices will continue to be supported by Sinopé Technologies. They will not become obsolete or slow. However, Sinopé Technologies will no longer develop new Web Programmable devices. Thus, these will be available for purchase while supplies last.