FAQ
Straight answers, including the limits.
Does Homejay work without the internet?
Yes, for compatible local functions, as long as your home’s power and network are on: lights, climate, curtains, routines, the alarm, local speech and your memory keep working. Remote phone access, online music services and optional cloud intelligence wait until the internet returns.
Is Homejay “just a chatbot” in the cloud?
No. Homejay runs on Homejay Core inside your property: essential understanding and control are local. Optional online intelligence can be switched on for richer conversation, and PRIVATE mode blocks it. Basic device control never depends on the cloud.
Will Homejay work with my air conditioning?
Often, but it depends on the system. Split units, chilled-water FCUs, VRF systems and building BMS each connect differently. The inspection identifies your exact equipment and controls; VRF needs a manufacturer-supported gateway for your model. We only quote what we can verify.
I already have smart devices. Can Homejay use them?
Sometimes. Some devices have documented local interfaces Homejay can use; others are cloud-only or unreliable. The engineer lists what can be kept, what should be replaced and why. We never assume something works because the box says “smart”.
Is Homejay always listening or recording?
No. Room nodes listen locally for the wake phrase and have a physical mute. Nothing is saved unless you ask Homejay to record, with a clear chime and indicator; recording stops when you say so. Cameras are optional: you decide whether to have them and in which rooms, indoors or out, and they record when you ask or on events you configure. Your memory is private to you and stored on Homejay Core in your home.
Do I have to have cameras?
No. Cameras are optional, including indoor cameras. Most owners choose a video doorbell and a few exterior views; some add indoor cameras in living areas. Each camera can be set to record on request, on events (such as the doorbell, motion or an alarm), or not at all.
Can Homejay unlock my door by voice?
It is your choice, door by door. A door can require confirmation on your own phone (biometrics or PIN), a two-step approval, or simply a voice command from the people you authorise. We set the front door to phone confirmation by default and explain the trade-offs during the inspection. Homejay relocks only after the door contact reports the door closed.
Can I choose Homejay’s voice?
Yes. You choose the voice Homejay speaks with, such as Justine or Jay, and you can change it at any time. Speech is generated on Homejay Core in your home.
What about fire, smoke and water leaks?
Certified life-safety alarms stay independent and keep their own sirens; Homejay never disables them. Homejay adds leak sensors and appropriate smoke/CO integration, and you decide who hears about what: your family, the building super, your security company. Alerts arrive in the Homejay app and, if you switch them on, by SMS, WhatsApp or phone call; messaging is included in your Homejay package. Water shut-off needs a compatible valve fitted and commissioned.
Are you part of another smart-home company in the UAE?
No. Homejay is independent. We design our own platform, Homejay Core and the Homejay app, and we are not affiliated with any other smart-home or home-automation company in the UAE.
Will Homejay go out of date?
It is built not to. Homejay Core receives signed software updates and new skills over time, checks its own health around the clock, restarts services that stop and flags devices that fail. Hardware is standard and replaceable, so parts can be upgraded as they age instead of replacing the whole system.
What happens if there is a break-in while I am away?
The alarm panel sounds the siren and Homejay alerts the people on your list with what the sensors and cameras show. With one tap on “Send to security” it alerts your security company or building security with your address and access notes. You can also tell Homejay to send it automatically if nobody answers within a few minutes. Every alert has a one-tap button to call 999 (police), 998 (ambulance) or 997 (fire): emergency lines only accept calls placed from a phone, so that call is yours to make.
How does the inspection deposit work?
You book an inspection and pay the deposit online. Our engineers visit, analyse your home, and prepare a final quote for your specific use case. The deposit is credited in full against your final Homejay bill. If you decide not to proceed after the inspection, the deposit is forfeited. The exact booking terms are shown before you pay.
How much does Homejay cost?
It depends on the home and what you want it to do. After the inspection you receive a quote that lists hardware, Homejay features and installation separately. We do not price by bedroom count, because two three-bedroom homes can need very different work.
Who owns the equipment and my data?
The installed equipment is part of your property under your quote and terms. Your household data lives on Homejay Core in your home; you can ask for copies or deletion. Support access by our team is visible, owner-approved and time-limited.
How is Homejay updated?
Homejay Core and the Homejay app receive signed updates from our team. Security fixes are validated and distributed promptly; feature updates are scheduled. An update that fails its health check rolls back.
Where do you install?
We are starting in Dubai. The booking flow shows the communities we currently cover; if yours is not listed, leave your details and we will tell you when we can visit.
Something else? Ask us.