News
5 articlesopenHAB 5.1 Release22 min
openHAB 5.1 introduces a modernized Main UI with upgrades to Vue 3 and Framework7 v7, enhancing performance on older devices. A new HomeKit Binding allows integration of Apple HomeKit devices with local control, eliminating cloud dependency. Additionally, the release includes significant updates to JavaScript and Python scripting, improving automation and configuration capabilities.
CES 2026: What to expect at the show for the smart home2 min
CES 2026 will spotlight advanced home robots like the Roborock Saros Z70, capable of tasks beyond vacuuming, including lawn mowing and pool cleaning. AI integration will enhance smart home devices, offering improved energy management and security through smarter cameras. Expect further advancements in device interconnectivity, with Matter playing a key role in seamless smart home automation.
Five Matter milestones achieved in 20255 min
In 2025, Matter made significant strides with the release of Matter 1.5, adding comprehensive camera support, including floodlight cameras and video doorbells, with secure streaming via WebRTC. Ikea launched a new range of affordable Matter products, transitioning from Zigbee. Thread 1.4 improved network unification, easing device onboarding. These advancements enhance interoperability and user experience across platforms like Samsung SmartThings and Home Assistant.
LG will let TV owners remove Microsoft's Copilot app after backlash2 min
LG Smart TV users can now remove the previously unremovable Microsoft Copilot shortcut after user backlash. The shortcut, added via a webOS update as part of LG's AI TV initiative with Microsoft, led to significant frustration. LG clarified that the Copilot icon is a browser shortcut for AI-based features, not an installed app, and will now allow its removal.
Dozens of Flock AI camera feeds were just out there3 min
Over 60 Flock AI surveillance camera feeds were exposed online, allowing anyone with the link to view live footage without credentials. These cameras, capable of panning, tilting, and zooming, tracked people and vehicles, capturing detailed activities. The exposure also allowed access to admin panels, enabling video downloads and settings changes. Flock claims the issue was a limited misconfiguration now resolved.
Products
5 articlesDoor lock with Matter support, universal cylinder and quiet brush motor – Nuki Smart Lock Ultra review8 min
The Nuki Smart Lock Ultra is a premium door lock featuring Matter and Thread support, enabling seamless integration with Apple Home, Google Home, and Alexa. It includes a universal cylinder for versatile installation and offers extensive app controls, such as auto-unlock and 200 user authorizations. Despite its quieter brush motor, the lock can still be loud, and the non-replaceable battery lasts about five months. Priced at $350, it's ideal for tech-savvy users seeking advanced smart home security.
Shelly introduces new Wall Display smart home hub for remote device control2 min
Shelly's new Wall Display X2i is a smart home hub for managing connected devices and monitoring energy use. Priced under €200, it features a 6.95-inch touchscreen with gesture controls, automatic brightness adjustment, and compatibility with the Shelly app and Home Assistant. Available in Europe and the UK, it offers real-time power consumption display with Shelly PM products and supports flexible wall mounting.
The best Matter devices we saw in 20258 min
The top Matter devices of 2025 include the Aqara FP300, a versatile 4-in-1 sensor with Thread and Zigbee support, and the Haojai Switch, a comprehensive smart switch with customizable buttons and motion sensing. Govee's UpDown Wall Light offers stylish outdoor lighting at an affordable price, outperforming competitors like Philips Hue. These devices highlight Matter's growing influence with enhanced functionality and integration, setting a high bar for 2026.
SwitchBot S20 Review: The Ultimate Robot Vacuum? | The Smart Home Blog7 min
The SwitchBot S20 robot vacuum offers a significant upgrade with 10,000 Pa suction and a roller mop applying 1kg of pressure, scrubbing 300 times per minute for effective cleaning. It supports Matter, integrates with Apple HomeKit and Home Assistant, and features AI obstacle recognition. The S20's base station automates refills and drying, minimizing user interaction. Its advanced mapping and custom room cleaning enhance convenience, making it a top choice for smart home enthusiasts.
I finally found a compact smart heater that warms up any room it's in (and it's priced well)5 min
The Dreo Smart Wall Heater, priced at $130, effectively warms rooms with its 1,500W power and smart features, including scheduling and Alexa voice control. Its compact design and remote control make it ideal for spaces like basements or bedrooms. While the oscillating fin has limited stopping positions, the heater's performance and ease of use make it a standout choice for those needing reliable warmth without floor clutter.
Projects
5 articlesIntegrating the NOUS E10 ZigBee Smart CO₂, Temperature & Humidity Detector with ZHA4 min
Integrating the NOUS E10 ZigBee Smart CO₂, Temperature & Humidity Detector with ZHA requires creating a custom 'quirk' due to its Tuya rebranding. The quirk translates proprietary Zigbee data into standard Home Assistant entities, enabling full functionality. Using AI tools like Google Gemini, the author developed and tested the quirk, contributing it to the Zigpy ZHA Device Handlers Repository for broader use. Users can implement it immediately by adding the code to a custom directory in Home Assistant.
I built a Skylight calendar clone thanks to Home Assistant6 min
A DIY Skylight calendar clone was built using Home Assistant and an Android tablet, offering a cost-effective alternative to the $300 Skylight Calendar. The project integrates Google Calendar, allowing for independent calendar views and seamless two-way sync. This setup enhances family scheduling with customizable dashboards and potential for calendar-based automations, leveraging Home Assistant's flexibility and local processing for improved performance.
Pi-hole changed my network, but AdGuard Home made me forget Pi-hole existed6 min
Switching from Pi-hole to AdGuard Home on an OPNsense router streamlines network-wide ad and tracker blocking. AdGuard integrates directly with OPNsense, eliminating the need for separate machines or Docker setups and simplifying management. This setup enhances privacy across all devices without the hassle of individual configurations, making it a seamless and efficient solution for home network protection.
5 ways your Home Assistant server can use an air quality monitor6 min
Integrating an air quality monitor with Home Assistant enables powerful automations. You can receive alerts when PM 2.5 levels rise, helping to protect your home from smoke. Humidity tracking can trigger heating or cooling systems to maintain comfort. Additionally, VOC detection can prompt ventilation alerts, enhancing indoor air quality. The IKEA Vindstyrka monitor, compatible with Zigbee, offers a cost-effective solution for smart home enthusiasts.
I'm running a 120B local LLM on 24GB of VRAM, and now it powers my smart home12 min
A 120B parameter local LLM, gpt-oss-120b, can run efficiently on a 24GB VRAM GPU with 64GB RAM, enabling fast voice assistant and smart home automation. This setup uses a Mixture of Experts model, activating only 5.1B parameters per token, reducing computational load. Integration with Home Assistant via Proxmox LXCs and Whisper allows seamless voice control, leveraging the model's efficient CPU-GPU data handling for real-time interactions.
Perspectives
5 articlesHow Matter has finally given Apple a path out of the HomeKit mess6 min
Matter offers Apple a way out of HomeKit's challenges by enabling broader device compatibility and local control. This new standard, developed with major tech companies, reduces fragmentation and supports seamless integration across ecosystems like Apple Home, Google Home, and Alexa. Matter's use of Thread protocol ensures efficient, reliable connections without internet dependency, making smart home setups more flexible and future-proof.
Understanding the ROI of Smart Homes - Smart Home World Magazine23 min
Smart homes offer substantial ROI beyond utility savings by enhancing comfort and long-term value. Experts highlight the benefits of integrated systems, such as smart lighting and climate control, which provide energy efficiency and convenience. Emerging technologies like AI-driven automation and predictive maintenance promise further ROI by optimizing daily routines and reducing energy waste. The key is seamless integration, making homes more intuitive and future-ready.
When disasters strike, home batteries could be a lifeline5 min
Home batteries can be crucial during disasters, providing local power when grids fail. In Australia, household batteries are increasingly used to store solar energy, with government programs aiming for 1 million installations by 2030. Batteries can operate in 'islanding' mode to support essential services independently. Linking them through virtual power plants could enhance disaster resilience, powering critical infrastructure during emergencies. Subsidy programs might be reshaped to boost energy resilience in disaster-prone areas.
Will Your Smart Vacuum Still Work After It Stops Being Supported?6 min
Smart vacuums like Neato and Roomba face functionality loss when cloud support ends, as seen with Neato's server shutdown. Users can switch to manual operation or use Home Assistant for local control. Roomba users should prepare for potential disruptions by stockpiling parts and exploring local control options like rest980. Matter's local control capabilities offer a future-proof solution, enabling vacuums to operate without cloud dependence.
How AI broke the smart home in 202511 min
In 2025, generative AI assistants like Alexa Plus struggle with basic smart home tasks, despite their conversational improvements. While they can handle complex commands, their inconsistency in simple actions like turning on lights frustrates users. The shift from reliable command-based systems to AI-driven models has led to unpredictability, as companies prioritize potential over precision. Experts suggest we're beta testers in a long-term improvement process, with no quick fixes in sight.