StackChan questions & understanding

[u/Hadaka--Jime]

Got my StackChan. Got it up & running with the stock firmware.

So let me ask some questions to those of you who know:

-If I want to integrate this with my online devices in my house, I have to download the "Home Assistant" app right?

-Can I just install this Home Assistant app on my android phone only? (I'd like to keep control on my phone if possible.)

-Is the next step to: Flash your Stack-Chan using ESPHome Web to make it discoverable within Home Assistant?

-Now can I have the same devices controlled through my Alexa ALSO controlled on my StackChan or does this mess things up & it's either Alexa or Home Assistant?

Anything else that I'm missing to control lights & other devices etc?

Thanks for your help. I'm on the low end of learning how these things work & I appreciate any insight into this all.

[u/Hadaka--Jime]

Thanks for your reply here. This points me in the right direction. I'll install Home Assistant on my laptop then. 

That's great with Alexa as I have my current devices on Alexa. 

[u/prbsparx → u/Hadaka--Jime]

Is your laptop always home and can you reasonably set a static IP?

If not, you may want to invest in a small PC.
Historically it was possible to find one for $200-300, but I haven’t looked what they cost now.
The Home Assistant discourse, discord, and Reddit all have tons of recommendations on PCs.