News
5 articlesYour Ring doorbell can talk to visitors for you3 min
Amazon's new Alexa+ Greetings feature for Ring doorbells uses conversational AI to manage visitors and deliveries when you're unavailable. It identifies visitors using Ring AI Video Descriptions, allowing Alexa to engage in context-aware conversations based on your instructions. Available to Early Access users in the US and Canada, it requires a Ring Video Doorbell Pro (3rd Gen) or Plus (2nd Gen) and a Ring Home Premium Plan. Privacy concerns arise as interactions are recorded and stored, highlighting the trade-off between convenience and data security.
Homey Takes On Home Assistant With Software-Only Smart Home Solution3 min
Athom introduces the Homey Self-Hosted Server, a software-only version of Homey Pro, allowing users to run the system on their own hardware like Raspberry Pi or mini PCs. This option targets users seeking local control without the complexity of YAML, offering full Homey features for $4.99/month or $149 lifetime. It supports LAN, cloud services, Matter, and Thread, but requires a Homey Bridge for Zigbee, Z-Wave, and other protocols.
Music Assistant 2.7 - Taking over the airwaves8 min
Music Assistant 2.7 introduces a visual overhaul and new features like user profiles and remote streaming. The update includes the Sendspin protocol for synchronized multimedia streaming across devices, enhancing integration with Google Cast and AirPlay 2. Lyrics support, smart fading, and expanded audio providers like Spotify Connect and Niconico are also featured, offering a comprehensive music management experience.
iRobot’s bankruptcy isn’t the end — it’s a reboot, says CEO7 min
iRobot, maker of the Roomba, has filed for bankruptcy but plans a comeback by selling to its Chinese manufacturer, Picea Robotics. This move aims to stabilize the company, maintain its Boston headquarters, and keep 500 employees. Under Picea's ownership, iRobot launched new products featuring lidar navigation and innovative features like dust-compacting bins. CEO Gary Cohen envisions a consumer-led future, leveraging the brand's strong name and Picea's manufacturing prowess to regain market leadership.
Apple's HomePod Mini 2 Might Not Get This Rumored Feature After All4 min
The upcoming HomePod mini 2 is unlikely to feature Apple's new N1 networking chip, according to a code analysis. Instead, it will use MediaTek's "Sunrise" wireless system, contradicting previous rumors of an N1 upgrade. The N1 chip, which supports Bluetooth 6, Wi-Fi 7, and Thread, is reserved for premium devices, enhancing efficiency and reliability through better integration with Apple's hardware and software.
Products
5 articlesSONOFF PoE Dongle Max Review vs Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2Zigbee & Thread Coordinators15 min
The Sonoff PoE Dongle Max offers superior placement flexibility and stronger radio performance for Home Assistant users, thanks to its PoE support and dual-chip design. It outperforms USB-only coordinators like the ZBT-2 by allowing central placement away from server interference, enhancing Zigbee and Thread coverage. Although setup can be tricky and multi-protocol support is still developing, it provides excellent value and performance for its price, making it ideal for robust smart home setups.
Best smart home security cameras: Wireless and wired smart cam picks10 min
This guide reviews top smart home security cameras, highlighting options like the Reolink Altas and Duo 3 WiFi for subscription-free use, and the EufyCam S3 Pro for high-quality 4K video. Reolink Altas offers continuous recording with a large battery and solar charging, while Duo 3 WiFi provides a 180-degree ultra-wide view. EufyCam S3 Pro excels with adaptive night vision and local AI detection. The Philips Hue Secure Wired Camera integrates with Hue lighting for enhanced security, though it requires a subscription for advanced features.
I tested a tiny plug-in that promises to stop electrical fires - here's my buying advice now8 min
The Ting Smart Sensor is a $99 device designed to prevent electrical fires by monitoring wiring for arcing events. It provides weekly reports on power usage trends but lacks comprehensive outage mapping compared to utility services. While it offers peace of mind by detecting no issues over months of use, it's not a substitute for professional electrical inspections. The app's real-time monitoring features are limited, showing only brief snapshots of activity.
The most bizarre smart home gadget I've tested this year had my dog jumping up and down6 min
The Power Pet Roll Up Door by High Tech Pet automates pet entry and exit with a collar-triggered sensor, offering a seamless experience for pets and owners. Priced at $630, it installs easily on sliding glass doors and features adjustable sensors for sensitivity control. While it lacks third-party integrations and Matter support, it provides a reliable solution for pet independence, despite occasional app connectivity issues.
IKEA’s Bang & Olufsen-alike speakers are now available to buy – here's how much they cost3 min
IKEA's new speaker collection, designed with Tekla Evelina Severin, features three vibrant Bluetooth models: a portable orange speaker, a medium-sized green one, and a larger wall-mounted version. Based on the minimalist SOLSKYDD range, these colorful speakers are now available on IKEA's online store, with prices ranging from $80 to $140. The accompanying lamp speakers, however, are not yet available.
Projects
5 articlesUse Home Assistant notifications? You should be using these tricks5 min
Enhance your Home Assistant notifications with actionable alerts, specific page openings, and tag replacements. Actionable notifications allow direct smart home control from alerts, such as confirming medication intake or setting reminders. Open specific dashboards or external sites by tapping notifications, streamlining access. Use tags to prevent notification clutter by replacing old alerts with new ones, ensuring you stay updated without overload.
Controlling devices with gesture detection wearable16 min
A wearable device using the XIAO nRF52840 Sense enables hand gesture control of devices via BLE, allowing for hands-free operation of appliances like lights. The project leverages Edge AI and the Edge Impulse platform to train a model on hand motion data, achieving 96% accuracy in gesture recognition. This innovation showcases the potential of low-cost, on-device AI for real-world applications, with source code and designs available for replication.
Automating My Gas Fireplace with Home Assistant and Shelly11 min
Transform your gas fireplace into a smart heating solution using Home Assistant and Shelly devices. A Shelly 1 Gen 4 relay and Shelly PM Gen 3 enable automated control and power monitoring, while dual thermostats ensure optimal comfort in different zones. Safety features include a manual cutoff switch and automations to prevent operation during sleep or absence, making it a cost-effective and efficient alternative to space heaters for North Dakota winters.
Home Assistant: Track Who's in Each Room with ESPHome + Bermuda BLE14 min
Utilize ESPHome with Bermuda BLE Trilateration for room-level presence detection in Home Assistant. Cheap ESP32 devices act as Bluetooth proxies, identifying who or what is in each room for personalized automations. The Seeed Xiao ESP32-C6 and C3 are recommended for their affordability and capability, with the C6 offering future-proofing. This setup enables dynamic dashboards and customized settings based on individual presence, enhancing smart home functionality.
5 easy projects to get you started with ESPHome5 min
ESPHome allows you to create custom smart home devices using ESP32 boards without traditional coding. Projects include setting up Bluetooth proxies, motion sensors, and door/window sensors, all easily integrated with Home Assistant. These projects use affordable components like PIR motion sensors and magnetic reed switches, enabling cost-effective automation and presence detection. ESPHome simplifies smart home customization with YAML configurations, providing flexibility and local control.
Perspectives
4 articlesHow Roomba invented the home robot — and lost the future11 min
iRobot, the pioneer of the Roomba, has filed for bankruptcy, marking a significant shift in home robotics. Despite its early success and innovation, iRobot struggled against regulatory challenges and competition from Chinese manufacturers like Roborock. The company's reliance on camera-based navigation and failure to adopt lidar technology contributed to its decline, alongside a blocked acquisition by Amazon. iRobot's legacy in consumer robotics remains influential, but its future is uncertain.
Texas just put smart TV privacy lawsuit on trial, and it could affect your home2 min
Texas has filed a lawsuit against Sony, Samsung, LG, Hisense, and TCL over alleged privacy violations involving smart TVs. The lawsuit claims these companies used Automated Content Recognition (ACR) to track viewing habits without proper consent, potentially compromising sensitive data. The case also raises concerns about data access due to Hisense and TCL's connections to China. This could influence future privacy standards for smart TVs.
Feedback on Ikea Bilresa remotes brings out the unsolved issues with Matter5 min
Ikea's Bilresa remotes highlight issues with the Matter standard, particularly in automation and ecosystem support. Users report inconsistent physical feedback and difficulty automating intuitive controls like dimming. While Home Assistant offers better support, platforms like Google and Alexa struggle with basic Matter features. The remotes are seen as unnamed shortcut switches, complicating user experience across ecosystems.
CES 2026 Signals a New Era for AI in the Smart Home4 min
CES 2026 highlights a shift to AI-driven smart home devices, with LG showcasing AI-enhanced appliances like conversational refrigerators and vision-powered ovens. However, compatibility remains a challenge as AI platforms like LG, Samsung SmartThings, and Amazon Alexa excel within their ecosystems but struggle to integrate across brands. The future lies in a unified orchestration layer to connect diverse devices, transforming isolated smart products into a cohesive intelligent home.