Latest news with #HomeAssistant
Forbes
2 days ago
- Forbes
Home Assistant Proves Z-Wave's Longevity With New Official Hardware
The new Connect ZWA-2 from Home Assistant has been built with Z-Wave Long Range in mind. Home Assistant Home Assistant is giving Z-Wave a serious range boost with its latest bit of official hardware: the Connect ZWA-2, which has just been officially announced. Built by Nabu Casa (as all official Home Assistant hardware is), the Connect ZWA-2 is a $69 USB adapter designed to tap into the latest performance improvements from the 25 year old smart home standard. The ZWA-2 is purpose-built by the Home Assistant team with a precisely tuned antenna and base that match Z-Wave's ideal wavelength, helping signals punch through thick walls, dodge interference, and reach places your Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and Bluetooth gear can only dream about. With support for Z-Wave Long Range (currently in North America and Europe), it can link devices far beyond your living room, think a motorized gate at the end of your driveway or a mailbox sensor down the street. Theoretically ZWLR boasts a range of up to 1.5 miles in ideal conditions, with no signal repeaters or awkward routing needed and there are already a bunch of devices, such as Shelly's new range of devices, which went live last month. The Connect ZWA-2 is powered by the latest 800-series Z-Wave chipset from Silicon Labs and plays nicely with all Z-Wave generations, from early gear to Z-Wave Plus V2. Home Assistant's software does the heavy lifting, with S2 security, SmartStart, OTA firmware updates, and a setup wizard that walks you through getting online in minutes. If you are already running Z-Wave on another adapter, then Home Assistant are stating that the migration process takes via a new software wizard. The design, while perhaps a touch clunky due to the antenna size, is designed to blend into home décor; it even glows softly, candle-style. Inside, you'll find a Silabs ZG23 Z-Wave chip and ESP32-S3 USB bridge, with full documentation and firmware available for tinkerers. The ZWA-2 is the second release in the Home Assistant Connect line, following the Zigbee/Thread-friendly Connect ZBT-1 in 2022. Available now for $69 in the US and €59 in Europe, the Connect ZWA-2 is Home Assistant's clearest signal yet that Z-Wave still has a long future ahead, even in an ever-increasingly Matter-connected world. 'Home Assistant supports a lot of different smart home standards, and while Z-Wave may be a couple of decades old, it has many strengths,' explained Paulus Schoutsen, founder of Home Assistant. 'Connect ZWA-2 makes the most of those strengths with its optimized antenna and support for the new Z-Wave Long Range standard. We want to breathe new life into this standard and keep the millions of Z-Wave devices in people's homes working great far into the future.'
Business Wire
10-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Aqara Expands Security Camera Portfolio with First Doorbell Camera Hub
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aqara, a global leader and pioneer in IoT, today announced the global availability of its next-generation video doorbell, the Doorbell Camera Hub G410. This 2K doorbell camera features enhanced image quality, a built-in presence sensor, on-device facial recognition, and seamless smart home integration. It also functions as a multi-protocol Matter hub, offering users a versatile solution for connecting their indoor and outdoor smart devices. New Doorbell Camera Hub G410 combines AI-powered security with a Matter smart home hub, transforming your doorstep into a home security center. Share Equipped with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz), Thread, Zigbee, and Bluetooth connectivity, the Doorbell Camera Hub G410 is designed to be the cornerstone of a smart home. As a Matter Controller, Thread Border Router, and Aqara Zigbee hub, it not only connects an assortment of Aqara devices but also supports more than 50 types of third-party Matter-compatible devices. These include locks, sensors, switches, lights, and even newer connected products like robovacs, home appliances, and EV chargers. The G410 captures every detail at the doorstep with its 2K lens, f/1.8 aperture, and 175° wide-angle field of view. It also packs a millimeter-wave (mmWave) sensor for more accurate presence detection while minimizing false alerts. Its on-device facial recognition capability can identify visitors and trigger notifications or automations, all without requiring a subscription. Additionally, with the new Advanced Matter Bridging feature, users can bridge facial recognition as an automation trigger to third-party Matter platforms such as Home Assistant, maximizing the doorbell's AI capability. The Doorbell Camera Hub G410 can be seamlessly integrated into users' existing smart home setups. It works with Apple Home and supports HomeKit Secure Video 1, making it the ideal choice for iOS users, especially those seeking a battery-operated doorbell. It also streams to Alexa-, Google Home-, and SmartThings-compatible smart displays. Supporting RTSP protocol 2, the G410 can stream to third-party clients like Home Assistant over the local network and supports NVR software such as Frigate and Blue Iris. Designed for flexibility, the G410 doorbell offers both cloud and local storage options. Storage on the Aqara cloud is end-to-end encrypted for enhanced privacy protection, with users receiving 1-day free storage for 6 months or 90-day storage with a HomeGuardian subscription. iCloud storage is also available with the appropriate iCloud subscription. For local storage, a microSD card of up to 512 GB is supported 3, and it is housed in the chime to prevent tampering from the outside. Furthermore, users can back up their videos to a local NAS system for expanded storage capacity and centralized access. The G410 can be used with or without a power cable, offering convenience and flexibility. For uninterrupted use and continuous 24/7 recording, users can hardwire the doorbell to a low-voltage AC/DC power supply 4. Alternatively, it can run on six AA batteries, offering up to five months of battery life 5. The Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410 is now available for purchase through Aqara's official website, authorized retailers, and major e-commerce platforms such as Amazon (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, UK, US). For more information on the new doorbell camera, please visit the Aqara website. HomeKit Secure Video requires an iCloud subscription and an Apple home hub, with a resolution limitation of 1200p. The RTSP support is only available when the doorbell is hardwired to a low voltage power supply. The microSD card is not included. 24/7 recording requires a microSD card and a constant power supply via a cable. The 5-month battery life is based on the assumption of 10 device wake-ups per day. Actual battery life may vary depending on the particular use case and environment, as frequent activation reduces battery life.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Aqara Smart Lock U200 Lite Brings Smart Access Control to More European Households
New retrofit lock supports Matter out of the box, blending a keyless lifestyle with future-proof interoperability across brands and ecosystems NEW YORK, June 17, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aqara, global leader and pioneer in IoT, unveils the new Smart Lock U200 Lite, offering effortless access control, enhanced security, and a modern keyless lifestyle to more European households, particularly those seeking budget-friendly solutions. Designed for DIY installation, the U200 Lite features a retrofit design compatible with most Euro mortise locks. It also supports Matter over Thread to ensure compatibility with a wide range of connected devices and seamless integration into users' existing smart home setup. Built upon the Thread protocol, which is purposely developed for IoT devices, the Smart Lock U200 Lite is Matter-certified and integrates with major platforms – including Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, Home Assistant, and SmartThings – without the need for a proprietary hub1. As an integral part of a connected home, the U200 Lite can be integrated with a variety of smart devices, from video doorbells, surveillance cameras to smart sensors, enabling users to create a customized and enhanced smart security system. The U200 Lite is compatible with Euro mortise locks with the Emergency Function2, and supports EU profile and select Scandi profile cylinders. Its hassle-free retrofit design offers homeowners and renters an instant update to their existing locks, without the need for complex installations, key changes, or door modification. Multiple secure door entry options are offered by the U200 Lite. Family members can conveniently unlock it using mobile apps (Aqara Home and other Matter-enabled apps) or voice commands via Siri and Alexa. More intuitively, they can also unlock by simply tapping their iOS and Android phones on the provided NFC Sticker Card, which can be placed on the outside of the front door. Even when away, homeowners can remotely open the door for visitors using the mobile app. All remote functionalities, such as real-time alerts, device logs, and remote unlocking, are provided subscription-free. With its built-in gyroscope, the U200 Lite provides acoustic reminders if the door is not properly closed, ensuring it is never left unsecured. Once closed, it automatically locks, and there is no need for an external door sensor —offering a more aesthetically pleasing and cost-effective solution3. Other popular features that the U200 Lite model retains from its predecessor, the U200, include: Quiet Mode reduces the noise level during unlocking and locking3. Pull Spring automatically retracts the door latch upon unlocking3. Turn to Lock/Unlock allows effortless manual locking/unlocking3. Equipped with a 2,000 mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery, the U200 Lite offers a battery life of up to 6 months on a single charge4, eliminating the hassle of frequent battery swaps and promoting an eco-friendly lifestyle. The Aqara Smart Lock U200 Lite is now available for purchase through Aqara's official website, authorized retailers, and major e-commerce platforms such as Amazon (France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, UK). For more information on the new smart lock, please visit the Aqara website. A Matter controller with Thread Border Router functionality is required for connecting the Smart Lock U200 Lite to any third-party Matter-enabled system, locking/unlocking remotely via a mobile app, and locking/unlocking with voice commands. The Emergency Function enables the cylinder to be unlocked from the outside using a key, even if another key is already inserted on the inside. The Auto Lock, Quiet Mode, Pull Spring, and Turn to Lock/Unlock features are disabled by default and can be only activated in the Aqara Home app setting. The 6-month battery life is based on the assumption of 8 cycles of unlocking and locking per day. View source version on Contacts For Media Inquiries: media@
Geeky Gadgets
23-05-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
How to Set Up Home Assistant on a Mini PC for a Smarter Home
Have you ever felt like your smart home setup is more chaotic than convenient? With countless devices, apps, and cloud services vying for your attention, managing it all can feel overwhelming. Enter Home Assistant—a powerful, open source platform that puts you back in control. But here's the twist: while many people turn to the Raspberry Pi for their Home Assistant setup, it's no longer the best option. In fact, a mini PC offers superior performance, better value, and greater scalability, making it the smarter choice for 2025 and beyond. In this learning tool, Paul Hibbert of Hibbert Home Tech will guide you through the process of setting up Home Assistant on a mini PC, proving that you don't need a Raspberry Pi to create a seamless, privacy-focused smart home. By following this guide by Paul Hibbert , you'll unlock the potential of a mini PC to transform your smart home experience. From replacing the pre-installed operating system with Linux to configuring Home Assistant for your devices, this step-by-step walkthrough will empower you to build a system that's faster, more reliable, and future-proof. Along the way, you'll discover why mini PCs are not just an alternative but a leap forward in smart home technology. Whether you're frustrated by the Raspberry Pi's availability issues or simply looking for a more robust solution, this guide will show you how to take control of your smart home like never before. Because sometimes, the best tools are the ones you didn't expect. Home Assistant on Mini PC Why a Mini PC is Better Than a Raspberry Pi While the Raspberry Pi has been a popular choice for Home Assistant setups, recent challenges have made it less practical for many users. Mini PCs, on the other hand, offer several distinct advantages that make them an excellent alternative: Enhanced Performance: Mini PCs are equipped with more powerful processors, larger memory capacities, and better overall hardware, making sure smoother performance even in complex smart home environments with numerous devices. Mini PCs are equipped with more powerful processors, larger memory capacities, and better overall hardware, making sure smoother performance even in complex smart home environments with numerous devices. Cost Efficiency: With the rising prices of Raspberry Pi boards, mini PCs often provide better value for the hardware you receive, making them a more economical long-term investment. With the rising prices of Raspberry Pi boards, mini PCs often provide better value for the hardware you receive, making them a more economical long-term investment. Improved Availability: Mini PCs are widely available from various manufacturers, eliminating the frustration of sourcing hard-to-find Raspberry Pi models. Mini PCs are widely available from various manufacturers, eliminating the frustration of sourcing hard-to-find Raspberry Pi models. Scalability: Mini PCs offer greater flexibility for future upgrades, allowing you to expand your smart home system without worrying about hardware limitations. By choosing a mini PC, you're laying the groundwork for a more robust, scalable, and efficient smart home system. Preparing Your Mini PC for Installation Before installing Home Assistant, you'll need to prepare your mini PC by replacing its pre-installed Windows operating system with Linux (Ubuntu). This process involves creating a bootable USB drive and configuring your mini PC for the installation. Follow these steps to get started: Download Ubuntu: Visit the official Ubuntu website and download the latest version of the operating system. Ensure you select the version compatible with your mini PC's architecture (usually 64-bit). Visit the official Ubuntu website and download the latest version of the operating system. Ensure you select the version compatible with your mini PC's architecture (usually 64-bit). Create a Bootable USB Drive: Use a tool like Rufus or Balena Etcher to create a bootable USB drive. These tools are user-friendly and designed specifically for this purpose. Use a tool like Rufus or Balena Etcher to create a bootable USB drive. These tools are user-friendly and designed specifically for this purpose. Disable Secure Boot (if necessary): Some mini PCs come with Secure Boot enabled, which may prevent the installation of Linux. Refer to your mini PC's manual for instructions on how to disable this feature if required. Once these steps are complete, your mini PC will be ready for the installation process. Ensure you back up any important data on the device, as the installation will overwrite the existing operating system. Home Assistant Setup Guide 2025 Watch this video on YouTube. Browse through more resources below from our in-depth content covering more areas on Home Assistant. Installing Home Assistant on Your Mini PC With your mini PC prepared, you can now proceed with the installation of Home Assistant. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth setup: Boot from USB: Insert the bootable USB drive into your mini PC and restart it. Access the boot menu (usually by pressing a key like F12 or Esc during startup) and select the USB drive as the boot device. Insert the bootable USB drive into your mini PC and restart it. Access the boot menu (usually by pressing a key like F12 or Esc during startup) and select the USB drive as the boot device. Install Ubuntu: Follow the on-screen instructions to install Ubuntu on your mini PC. This process will erase the existing Windows operating system, so double-check that you've backed up any important files. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Ubuntu on your mini PC. This process will erase the existing Windows operating system, so double-check that you've backed up any important files. Install Home Assistant: Once Ubuntu is installed, open a terminal and follow the official Home Assistant installation guide. This typically involves downloading the Home Assistant image and setting it up as a supervised or containerized installation. By completing these steps, your mini PC will be transformed into a dedicated Home Assistant hub, ready to manage your smart home devices efficiently. Configuring and Customizing Home Assistant After installing Home Assistant, the next step is to configure and customize it to suit your specific smart home needs. Here's how to get started: Access the Home Assistant Dashboard: Open a web browser on any device connected to the same network and navigate to the local web address provided during the installation process. This will take you to the Home Assistant interface. Open a web browser on any device connected to the same network and navigate to the local web address provided during the installation process. This will take you to the Home Assistant interface. Set Up Your Profile: Create a user account and configure basic settings, such as your location, time zone, and preferred units of measurement. Create a user account and configure basic settings, such as your location, time zone, and preferred units of measurement. Integrate Devices: Add your IoT devices, such as smart lights, thermostats, cameras, and sensors, to Home Assistant. Many devices can be integrated automatically, while others may require manual configuration. Add your IoT devices, such as smart lights, thermostats, cameras, and sensors, to Home Assistant. Many devices can be integrated automatically, while others may require manual configuration. Customize the Dashboard: Organize your dashboard by adding widgets, creating groups, and setting up automation rules. This allows you to control and monitor your devices more efficiently. Organize your dashboard by adding widgets, creating groups, and setting up automation rules. This allows you to control and monitor your devices more efficiently. Enable Privacy Features: Home Assistant prioritizes local control, but you can further enhance privacy by disabling unnecessary cloud integrations and securing your setup with strong passwords and encryption. These steps will ensure your Home Assistant setup is fully operational and tailored to your preferences, providing a seamless smart home experience. Key Considerations for a Successful Setup Before proceeding with the installation, keep the following important points in mind: Data Backup: Installing Home Assistant will permanently remove the Windows operating system from your mini PC. Ensure you back up any important files or data before starting the process. Installing Home Assistant will permanently remove the Windows operating system from your mini PC. Ensure you back up any important files or data before starting the process. Hardware Compatibility: Verify that your mini PC meets the minimum hardware requirements for running Ubuntu and Home Assistant. This includes sufficient RAM, storage, and processing power. Verify that your mini PC meets the minimum hardware requirements for running Ubuntu and Home Assistant. This includes sufficient RAM, storage, and processing power. Learning Curve: While the installation process is designed to be beginner-friendly, some technical knowledge may be required. Take your time to follow the instructions carefully and consult online resources if needed. While the installation process is designed to be beginner-friendly, some technical knowledge may be required. Take your time to follow the instructions carefully and consult online resources if needed. Future Updates: Regularly update Home Assistant and its integrations to ensure optimal performance and security. The platform's active community frequently releases updates and new features. By addressing these considerations, you can avoid potential issues and ensure a smooth and successful setup experience. Media Credit: Paul Hibbert (Hibbert Home Tech) Filed Under: Hardware, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Geeky Gadgets
22-05-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
Home Assistant 2025.5: The Smart Home Update You've Been Waiting For
What if your smart home could anticipate your needs, troubleshoot itself, and adapt to your preferences with unprecedented ease? The Home Assistant 2025.5 release promises exactly that. Packed with innovative updates, this release redefines what's possible in home automation, blending innovative features with user-friendly design. From intelligent backup systems that safeguard your data to automation tools that cater to both beginners and power users, this update is all about making your smart home smarter, more reliable, and deeply personal. Whether you're a tech-savvy tinkerer or someone just starting their smart home journey, these upgrades are set to transform how you interact with your devices. Everything Smart Home go through the most exciting features of Home Assistant 2025.5, including streamlined Z-Wave integration, advanced text-to-speech customization, and a redesigned user interface that simplifies everything from setup to daily use. You'll also discover how new network troubleshooting tools and expanded device compatibility make managing your smart home more seamless than ever. But it's not just about convenience—these updates are designed to empower you to build a system that feels uniquely yours. So, what does the future of home automation look like? Let's take a closer look. Home Assistant 2025.5 Update Backup System Enhancements The revamped backup system introduces greater flexibility and control, allowing you to tailor your backup strategy to your specific needs. You can now set unique retention preferences for different storage locations, such as NAS or Google Cloud, making sure that your data is stored exactly where and how you want it. Additionally, default backup settings are now customizable, including the option to enable automatic backups before updates. This proactive feature minimizes risks during system updates. Real-time notifications during backup processes further enhance reliability by helping you monitor progress and prevent interruptions. These updates ensure that your data remains secure, accessible, and easy to manage. Automation and Script Editor Updates Managing automations and scripts has become more intuitive with the updated editor. The ability to copy and paste automation or script code directly into the interface simplifies the process of importing workflows, saving time and effort. Partial YAML editing is now supported, allowing you to fine-tune templates without disrupting the visual editor. This hybrid approach caters to both beginners and advanced users, making it easier to build and manage complex automation scenarios. These enhancements empower you to create more efficient and personalized smart home routines with minimal hassle. Everything New in Home Assistant 2025.5 Watch this video on YouTube. Expand your understanding of home automation with additional resources from our extensive library of articles. User Interface Improvements The user interface has undergone significant refinements to improve navigation and usability. The enhanced entity picker now displays assigned areas, devices, and entity types, making it easier to locate and manage entities within your system. Additionally, the ability to rename devices during setup eliminates the need for post-setup adjustments, streamlining the onboarding process. These updates are designed to make the interface more intuitive and efficient, making sure that users of all experience levels can navigate and manage their smart home with ease. Network Troubleshooting Tools New network troubleshooting tools have been introduced to provide deeper insights into your system's connectivity. Panels for DHCP, SSDP, and ZeroConf offer detailed information about your network, helping you identify and resolve connectivity issues more effectively. Whether you're adding new devices or diagnosing existing ones, these tools simplify the troubleshooting process and improve overall reliability. By addressing network issues proactively, you can ensure a smoother and more consistent smart home experience. Z-Wave Support Z-Wave functionality has been significantly enhanced with the introduction of Z-Wave Smart Start. This feature allows you to set up devices using QR codes, streamlining the onboarding process and reducing setup time. Additionally, Z-Wave Long Range support eliminates the need for a traditional mesh network by relying on a single antenna for extended coverage. These updates make integrating and managing Z-Wave devices faster, more efficient, and more reliable, particularly in larger homes or setups with complex layouts. Text-to-Speech Updates The text-to-speech feature now offers thousands of new voice variants, providing greater flexibility for customizing interactions with your smart home. You can choose from a wide range of emotions, styles, and tones, such as friendly, whispering, or even angry voices. These options allow you to personalize your smart home experience, making interactions more engaging and tailored to your preferences. Whether you're issuing commands or receiving notifications, the expanded text-to-speech capabilities add a new layer of customization. Additional Features This release introduces several new integrations and features to expand functionality and improve the overall smart home experience: OpenAI now supports PDF content generation, simplifying document creation and sharing directly from your smart home system. SwitchBot roller shades and the Hub Mini are now compatible, offering more options for device integration and automation. Matter 1.4 adds support for water heater devices, broadening the range of compatible appliances and enhancing home automation possibilities. A new media player action enables media search, making content discovery more straightforward and user-friendly. A template function has been added to retrieve device names, streamlining automation scripting and improving efficiency. New Integrations Cloud storage options have been expanded with the addition of Amazon S3 and S3-compatible providers as backup targets. This integration offers a scalable and reliable solution for storing your backups, making sure that your data is secure and easily accessible. Additionally, one integration that previously required YAML configuration can now be managed entirely through the user interface. This change reduces complexity and makes the system more accessible to users who prefer a visual approach to configuration. Breaking Changes While most updates enhance functionality, some changes may require attention. Updates to theming and fonts could impact older custom themes. If you rely on custom visual elements, it is essential to verify their compatibility with the new updates to avoid disruptions. These adjustments ensure that the platform remains modern and visually cohesive while maintaining flexibility for customization. Optimizing Your Smart Home Experience The Home Assistant 2025.5 release focuses on delivering a smoother, more customizable smart home experience. With flexible backup options, enhanced automation tools, and expanded device compatibility, this update enables users to optimize their systems. Improvements to the user interface, network troubleshooting tools, and Z-Wave support ensure that managing your smart home is more intuitive and efficient. Whether you're a seasoned user or new to Home Assistant, these updates provide the tools you need to personalize and enhance your smart home setup. Media Credit: Everything Smart Home Filed Under: Guides, Hardware Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
