>>pictur+(OP)
What are alternatives for things like light bulbs, switches, sockets, etc other? We are currently building a new house and I have requested non-smart wall switches/sockets etc. The default (as our build is off a standardised plan) is for 'smart' switches/sockets using some brand of Cloud-based service which I believe isn't an open protocol like Zigbee. It seems to me that no matter which ecosystem it's always attached to the cloud somehow.
It is a shame Phillips Hue has gone down this path as I would have seriously considered their gear otherwise.
Maybe I'm a luddite but I can't see any advantage installing with gear reliant on cloud access.