Request client to update sensors

[Kirbo]

Could it be possible to have a possibility for users to request companion to update sensors?
Similar to this:

service: notify.mobile_app_<client name here>
data:
  message: "request_location_update"

iOS/Sources/Shared/Notifications/NotificationCommands/NotificationsCommandManager.swift

Line 20 in 1db6f3c

register(command: "request_location_update", handler: HandlerLocationUpdate())

Perhaps something like:

service: notify.mobile_app_<client name here>
data:
  message: "request_sensors_update"

[zacwest]

For now, request_location_update can be used to do this as it always updates sensors after updating location, too.

[zacwest]

I am not opposed to it; adding this command seems fine. You could also set up Shortcuts to update sensors (using a personal automation) to update sensors—one of the personal automation triggers is battery state.

[Kirbo]

That’s how I currently manage it, but doesn’t the automation update sensors also update location? I’ve set it to update every 5%, instead of polling from HA like once in 5-30minutes, which seems not to drain the battery as much, but it’s still not exactly what I would like to achieve.. :/

[zacwest]

The Shortcut (as in, in Shortcuts.app) called "Update Sensors" does not also update location.

[Kirbo]

Oh, good to know! :) would be cool to be able to request it as well. But as a workaround, I can use the automation (shortcuts) for now

[gonzo8855]

Many HA useres do not need location services in HA companion app at all.
As long as the HA server is not accessable from outside the local network, location services in HA companion app do not provide benefits.
On the other side it is very useful to have access to the mobile phone sensors when you are in the local network. But local push of sensor signals is not working when location services for HA companion app are disabled.

I would propose to allow local push of mobile device sensors even when location service for companion app is disabled.

@zacwest: I do not find in IOS shortcuts.app any function for HA companion app. Shoud I find any?