This Week's Essential Smart Home Reading #10
News
Third-party speakers are finally getting Gemini for Home support
Gemini for Home's expansion to third-party speakers means millions can now enjoy enhanced voice control and AI features, transforming how you interact with your smart devices.
howtogeek.comSmartThings’ Matter camera support is around the corner
SmartThings is set to lead the charge in Matter camera support, promising enhanced compatibility and competition in the smart home market—essential reading for enthusiasts tracking Matter's evolution.
matteralpha.comWhat’s Matter certifies Thread-based vibration sensor
Matter's certification of a Thread-based vibration sensor opens new avenues for security and monitoring in smart homes. Essential reading if you're enhancing your home security setup.
matteralpha.comMore devices, more choice: celebrating a massive year for certification
This year's surge in certified devices for Home Assistant enhances your smart home options, ensuring better privacy and local control without cloud dependencies.
home-assistant.ioSIMO.io
This new open-source smart home system prioritizes security and reliability, offering a wired solution that empowers pros to take control of their automation without cloud dependency.
simo.ioProducts
August’s founders are back with a smart front door
Doma's innovative motorized door integrates Matter and advanced sensors, promising seamless entry and enhanced security—ideal for anyone upgrading their home entrance.
theverge.comThe 3 best cheap video doorbells – budget Ring alternatives recommended by a smart home tech expert
If you're looking for budget-friendly video doorbells without subscription fees, check out these three solid alternatives to Ring that offer great features and storage options.
techradar.comHomey Pro mini Smart Home Hub arrives globally
The Homey Pro mini hub offers local control and broad compatibility at an accessible price, making it ideal for new smart home users and those looking to simplify their setups.
the-ambient.comThis Aqara smart camera is more than meets the eye
The Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro combines advanced security features with smart home hub capabilities, making it a versatile choice for enhancing your home security system.
howtogeek.comShelly looks to raise the bar for smart plugs with its 4th-gen device
The Shelly Plug Gen4 stands out with Matter certification, dual connectivity, and advanced automation options, making it a top choice for smart home beginners and enthusiasts alike.
pcworld.comProjects
How I turned my old Samsung phone into a smart home sensor
Transform your old Samsung phone into a smart sensor with Galaxy Upcycle, enhancing your smart home without spending a dime. Perfect for DIY enthusiasts!
howtogeek.comSmart plug automations give me something that money can’t buy
Transform your smart plugs into peace-of-mind solutions with automations that alert you if devices are left on, ensuring safety and convenience when you're away.
howtogeek.comMusic Assistant is the Home Assistant add-on your speakers need
Unlock the potential of your speakers with Music Assistant, allowing seamless playback from multiple sources and easy automation through Home Assistant.
howtogeek.comPrivacy-First Home Security Camera System | Joe IQ
Unlock the secrets to building a privacy-first home security camera system using SSH tunnels and self-hosted solutions—perfect for privacy-conscious DIY enthusiasts!
joeiq.comBored of your Home Assistant dashboard? Spruce it up with these animated cards
Transform your Home Assistant dashboard with animated cards using simple YAML and CSS tweaks. Perfect for those wanting a lively and personalized smart home interface.
xda-developers.comPerspectives
Chamberlain blocks smart home integrations with its garage door openers — again
Chamberlain's new Security+ 3.0 locks out third-party integrations, forcing users into its subscription model. Essential reading if you want to avoid being trapped in a closed ecosystem.
theverge.comThe tech world is sleeping on the most exciting Bluetooth feature in years
Understand why Auracast could revolutionize audio accessibility but remains under-discussed by manufacturers, limiting its potential impact on everyday life.
theverge.comAmazon's Ring rolls out controversial, AI-powered facial-recognition feature to video doorbells | TechCrunch
Understand the implications of Amazon's new facial recognition feature for Ring doorbells and why privacy advocates are raising alarms about its rollout.
techcrunch.comHow Ikea Masters The Combination Of Thread And Zigbee
Understand how Ikea's new Matter-enabled products seamlessly integrate Zigbee and Thread, simplifying smart home setups without the need for a hub.
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