Avsnitt
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Neil walks us through how he has managed to leverage AI tools to create his dream smart home with Home Assistant. From automating blinds to automating a winter cottage
Watch this episode on YouTube
Show notes for this episode are available at https://homeassistant.fm/HA239
Support the Podcast
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https://homeassistant.fm/patreon
Share your story
We wouldn't be able to do this podcast without community members and home automation enthusiasts sharing their stories. To register your interest to come share your home automation journey, head over to homeassistant.fm and click share your story.
Chapters
00:00:00 - Welcome
00:01:21 - Neil’s background
00:03:33 - Starting with Google Home
00:04:53 - Lutron and motion sensors
00:06:06 - Complex HVAC challenge
00:08:52 - DIY manifold control
00:10:52 - Radiant cooling by dew point
00:13:23 - Gas vs electrification debate
00:15:51 - Coding with AI tools
00:19:59 - Sauna and smart blinds
00:24:21 - Cottage winter automation
00:31:20 - Remote access choices
00:33:55 - Multi-building MQTT design
00:40:41 - Plant care automation
00:44:54 - Device health monitoring
00:49:59 - Zigbee vs Z-Wave talk
00:55:06 - Future plans and tools
00:59:38 - Wrap-up
This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors
Home Assistant Cloud by Nabu Casa
Easily connect to Google and Amazon voice assistants for a small monthly fee that also supports the Home Assistant project. Sign up for your free trial in your Home Assistant system: https://my.home-assistant.io/redirect/cloud/ or visit https://nabucasa.com
Zooz
If you're looking to upgrade your smart home - you can’t go past Zooz! Zooz offers a range of affordable and innovative devices, including water leak sensors, water valve controllers, smart plugs and scene controllers.
For the best prices on all Zooz products, head over to https://thesmartesthouse.com
Apollo Automation
Apollo Automation are the makers of open source smart home sensors built for the Home Assistant ecosystem. They're an official Open Home Foundation commercial partner and their devices are built with local control, privacy, and reliability in mind, giving you full control and flexibility right out of the box.
Products we Recommend
Hosts
Phil Hawthorne
Website
Twitter: @philhawthorne
Bluesky: @philhawthorne.com
Buy Phil a Coffee
Rohan Karamandi
Website
Twitter: @rohank9
Buy Rohan a Coffee
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy -
Claudia joins Phil and Rohan to share how an orange Philips Hue bulb sparked a full-blown smart home powered by Home Assistant.
Watch this episode on YouTube
Show notes for this episode are available at https://homeassistant.fm/HA238
Support the Podcast
Get early-access to episodes and an ad-free feed by supporting our Patreon.
https://homeassistant.fm/patreon
Share your story
We wouldn't be able to do this podcast without community members and home automation enthusiasts sharing their stories. To register your interest to come share your home automation journey, head over to homeassistant.fm and click share your story.
Chapters
00:00:00 - Intro
00:03:35 - Early lights to Apple Home
00:06:24 - Why local-first and fewer subs
00:07:59 - Server closet hardware and UDM
00:10:24 - Magic lights with mmWave
00:15:12 - Nap-time button and scenes
00:19:22 - Local voice, Music Assistant
00:27:03 - Protocols: Zigbee, Z-Wave, Thread
00:31:00 - Door sensors and recessed mods
00:34:40 - Climate data and ESPHome AC
00:38:30 - Ceiling fans and canopy modules
00:41:30 - Partner approval and tweaks
00:44:30 - Cats: Litter-Robot and cameras
00:45:15 - Robot vacuums and Valetudo
00:48:30 - Dashboards that are simple
00:52:10 - YAML, AI helpers, and costs
00:56:20 - Cloud-optional philosophy
01:01:06 - Robot mowers and real limits
01:01:06 - Humanoid robots chat and wrap
This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors
Home Assistant Cloud by Nabu Casa
Easily connect to Google and Amazon voice assistants for a small monthly fee that also supports the Home Assistant project. Sign up for your free trial in your Home Assistant system: https://my.home-assistant.io/redirect/cloud/ or visit https://nabucasa.com
Zooz
If you're looking to upgrade your smart home - you can’t go past Zooz! Zooz offers a range of affordable and innovative devices, including water leak sensors, water valve controllers, smart plugs and scene controllers.
For the best prices on all Zooz products, head over to https://thesmartesthouse.com
Apollo Automation
Apollo Automation are the makers of open source smart home sensors built for the Home Assistant ecosystem. They're an official Open Home Foundation commercial partner and their devices are built with local control, privacy, and reliability in mind, giving you full control and flexibility right out of the box.
Clean My Mac
Get Tidy Today! Get 7 days free and use our code ASSISTANT for 20% off
Products Discussed
Unifi Dream Machine (UDM) router: https://amzn.to/4wPeLJG
Aqara FP1E mmWave presence sensor (Zigbee): https://amzn.to/4wLIrXY
Products we Recommend
Hosts
Phil Hawthorne
Website
Twitter: @philhawthorne
Bluesky: @philhawthorne.com
Buy Phil a Coffee
Rohan Karamandi
Website
Twitter: @rohank9
Buy Rohan a Coffee
This episode contains affiliate links. If you click on one of them and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy -
Steve from New Zealand (Kiwi Smart Tech) shares his journey from Tuya bulbs to a powerful Home Assistant setup. We dig into garage door woes and wins, cross‑protocol sensors, mmWave presence, and why Apple Home is his go‑to interface
Watch this episode on YouTube
Show notes for this episode are available at https://homeassistant.fm/HA237
Support the Podcast
Get early-access to episodes and an ad-free feed by supporting our Patreon.
https://homeassistant.fm/patreon
Share your story
We wouldn't be able to do this podcast without community members and home automation enthusiasts sharing their stories. To register your interest to come share your home automation journey, head over to homeassistant.fm and click share your story.
Chapters
00:00:00 Intro
00:03:00 Steve’s Kiwi smart home origin
00:10:15 First Home Assistant wins and fails
00:16:00 Garage door saga and ESPHome
00:23:50 Access control
00:28:01 From tinkerer to creator
00:41:00 Apple Home as UI
00:46:30 Ambient alerts: plants, leaks
00:55:10 Appliances, HACS, lock‑in
01:04:00 Cameras and continuous video
01:07:30 Wrap‑up and links
This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors
Home Assistant Cloud by Nabu Casa
Easily connect to Google and Amazon voice assistants for a small monthly fee that also supports the Home Assistant project. Configuration is via the User Interface so no fiddling with router settings, dynamic DNS, or YAML.
Zooz
If you're looking to upgrade your smart home - you can’t go past Zooz! Zooz offers a range of affordable and innovative devices, including water leak sensors, water valve controllers, smart plugs and scene controllers.
For the best prices on all Zooz products, head over to https://thesmartesthouse.com
Apollo Automation
Apollo Automation are the makers of open source smart home sensors built for the Home Assistant ecosystem. They're an official Open Home Foundation commercial partner and their devices are built with local control, privacy, and reliability in mind, giving you full control and flexibility right out of the box.
Products we Recommend
Hosts
Phil Hawthorne
Website
Twitter: @philhawthorne
Bluesky: @philhawthorne.com
Buy Phil a Coffee
Rohan Karamandi
Website
Twitter: @rohank9
Buy Rohan a Coffee
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy -
Rohan and Phil are breaking down the 2026.6 release, which features updates for Infrared, Purpose specific triggers and conditions. Plus we talk KVM’s, eInk displays and starting from scratch in 2026.
Watch this episode on YouTube
Show notes for this episode are available at https://homeassistant.fm/HA236
Support the Podcast
Get early-access to episodes and an ad-free feed by supporting our Patreon.
https://homeassistant.fm/patreon
Share your story
We wouldn't be able to do this podcast without community members and home automation enthusiasts sharing their stories. To register your interest to come share your home automation journey, head over to homeassistant.fm and click share your story.
Chapters
00:00:00 - Intro
00:04:30 - New Works With HA gear
00:06:30 - Open Display collab, e‑ink
00:12:00 - E‑ink uses and costs
00:16:30 - OHF privacy paper
00:18:30 - RF and plugs
00:26:00 - JetKVM and PiKVM talk
00:29:30 - 2026.6: IR receivers
00:34:30 - Dashboards and Matter BLE
00:36:32 - Cards and automations
00:42:30 - Z‑Wave, Sonos, Reolink, Tuya
00:47:30 - New integrations roundup
00:54:30 - Breaking changes
00:56:30 - Fresh HA vs restore
01:00:00 - UniFi hiccup resilience
01:02:00 - Wrap‑up and callouts
This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors
Home Assistant Cloud by Nabu Casa
Easily connect to Google and Amazon voice assistants for a small monthly fee that also supports the Home Assistant project. Configuration is via the User Interface so no fiddling with router settings, dynamic DNS, or YAML.
Zooz
If you're looking to upgrade your smart home - you can’t go past Zooz! Zooz offers a range of affordable and innovative devices, including water leak sensors, water valve controllers, smart plugs and scene controllers.
For the best prices on all Zooz products, head over to https://thesmartesthouse.com
Apollo Automation
Apollo Automation are the makers of open source smart home sensors built for the Home Assistant ecosystem. They're an official Open Home Foundation commercial partner and their devices are built with local control, privacy, and reliability in mind, giving you full control and flexibility right out of the box.
Products Discussed
JetKVM IP KVM: https://amzn.to/4wU1bEO
Yale Z‑Wave smart locks: https://amzn.to/4visNSl
MyPropane tank monitor: https://amzn.to/3QjJZbn
Yoto audio player: https://amzn.to/4xlZhNJ
Products we Recommend
Hosts
Phil Hawthorne
Website
Twitter: @philhawthorne
Bluesky: @philhawthorne.com
Buy Phil a Coffee
Rohan Karamandi
Website
Twitter: @rohank9
Buy Rohan a Coffee
This episode contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on one of them and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy -
Imre is a Home Assistant user, who was frustrated with his Google Home mini, so he created a PCB that can turn your Google Home Mini into a Home Assistant Voice Satellite
Watch this episode on YouTube
Show notes for this episode are available at https://homeassistant.fm/HA235
Support the Podcast
Get early-access to episodes and an ad-free feed by supporting our Patreon.
https://homeassistant.fm/patreon
Share your story
We wouldn't be able to do this podcast without community members and home automation enthusiasts sharing their stories. To register your interest to come share your home automation journey, head over to homeassistant.fm and click share your story.
Chapters
00:00:00 - Welcome & sponsors
00:02:30 - Imi’s smart home origin
00:05:00 - Lights first, then sensors
00:07:30 - Heating logic in Node-RED
00:10:00 - Room presence tactics
00:12:30 - Millimeter wave realities
00:15:00 - Cameras, alarms, UniFi
00:17:30 - Notifications via Telegram
00:20:00 - AI greetings at the door
00:22:30 - Protocols: Zigbee to Matter
00:25:00 - Wi‑Fi at scale pitfalls
00:28:30 - Voice stack & languages
00:31:30 - MickiMic: project intro
00:35:00 - Drop‑in PCB details
00:38:00 - HA Voice compatibility
00:41:00 - Gen2 plans & audio
00:44:00 - Echo future & limits
00:47:00 - Firmware hurdles
00:49:30 - Crowdsupply journey
00:53:00 - Pricing & sustainability
00:56:00 - What’s next & thanks
This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors
Home Assistant Cloud by Nabu Casa
Easily connect to Google and Amazon voice assistants for a small monthly fee that also supports the Home Assistant project. Configuration is via the User Interface so no fiddling with router settings, dynamic DNS, or YAML.
Zooz
If you're looking to upgrade your smart home - you can’t go past Zooz! Zooz offers a range of affordable and innovative devices, including water leak sensors, water valve controllers, smart plugs and scene controllers.
For the best prices on all Zooz products, head over to https://thesmartesthouse.com
Apollo Automation
Apollo Automation are the makers of open source smart home sensors built for the Home Assistant ecosystem. They're an official Open Home Foundation commercial partner and their devices are built with local control, privacy, and reliability in mind, giving you full control and flexibility right out of the box.
Products Discussed
MiciMic PCB (Google Home Mini drop-in board): https://www.crowdsupply.com/micimike-rev-devices/micimike-home-mini-drop-in-pcb#products
Google Home Mini (Gen 1): https://amzn.to/3RtvxxG
Products we Recommend
Hosts
Phil Hawthorne
Website
Twitter: @philhawthorne
Bluesky: @philhawthorne.com
Buy Phil a Coffee
Rohan Karamandi
Website
Twitter: @rohank9
Buy Rohan a Coffee
This episode contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on one of them and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy -
Giovanni joins Rohan and Phil to dive into a fully local, privacy-first smart home. We cover Home Assistant on an Intel N100, Shelly devices, Zigbee vs Wi‑Fi, ESP32 Bluetooth proxies, Frigate with a Coral TPU, Reolink cams, and smart lighting with pets.
Watch this episode on YouTube
Show notes for this episode are available at https://homeassistant.fm/HA234
Support the Podcast
Get early-access to episodes and an ad-free feed by supporting our Patreon.
https://homeassistant.fm/patreon
Share your story
We wouldn't be able to do this podcast without community members and home automation enthusiasts sharing their stories. To register your interest to come share your home automation journey, head over to homeassistant.fm and click share your story.
Chapters
00:00:00 Intro
00:05:00 Local-only gear and protocols
00:12:00 Lighting, presence, and pets
00:18:00 Cameras, Frigate and automations
00:27:20 Media servers
00:33:00 Plex vs Jellyfin
00:41:00 Nextcloud and Immich photos
00:47:00 Backups and offsite strategy
00:53:00 Security, reverse proxy, wrap-up
This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors
Home Assistant Cloud by Nabu Casa
Easily connect to Google and Amazon voice assistants for a small monthly fee that also supports the Home Assistant project. Configuration is via the User Interface so no fiddling with router settings, dynamic DNS, or YAML.
Zooz
If you're looking to upgrade your smart home - you can’t go past Zooz! Zooz offers a range of affordable and innovative devices, including water leak sensors, water valve controllers, smart plugs and scene controllers.
For the best prices on all Zooz products, head over to https://thesmartesthouse.com
Apollo Automation
Apollo Automation are the makers of open source smart home sensors built for the Home Assistant ecosystem. They're an official Open Home Foundation commercial partner and their devices are built with local control, privacy, and reliability in mind, giving you full control and flexibility right out of the box.
Clean My Mac
Get Tidy Today! Get 7 days free and use our code ASSISTANT for 20% off
Products Discussed
Intel N100 mini PC: https://amzn.to/3OP00FI
NVIDIA Shield TV: https://amzn.to/4w9E2Ok
Google Coral USB TPU accelerator: https://amzn.to/4cNVot1
Products we Recommend
Hosts
Phil Hawthorne
Website
Twitter: @philhawthorne
Bluesky: @philhawthorne.com
Buy Phil a Coffee
Rohan Karamandi
Website
Twitter: @rohank9
Buy Rohan a Coffee
This episode contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on one of them and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy -
Mark went from a rocky SmartThings world to a rock-solid Home Assistant install. He shares his tails of disaster and recovery, as well as his journey from Tasmota to ESPHome.
Watch this episode on YouTube
Show notes for this episode are available at https://homeassistant.fm/HA233
Support the Podcast
Get early-access to episodes and an ad-free feed by supporting our Patreon.
https://homeassistant.fm/patreon
Share your story
We wouldn't be able to do this podcast without community members and home automation enthusiasts sharing their stories. To register your interest to come share your home automation journey, head over to homeassistant.fm and click share your story.
Chapters
00:00:00 - Intro
00:02:00 - SmartThings beginnings and first automations
00:06:00 - Old timers to cameras after a theft
00:09:30 - Discovering Home Assistant and server build
00:16:00 - From Node-RED to cleaner HA automations
00:19:50 - Reolink AI triggers outside lighting
00:23:30 - Server failure and Proxmox migration
00:28:30 - UPS woes and garage door backup issue
00:38:00 - Presence, Ecobee, salt and propane projects
00:44:00 - Matter locks, long-range Z-Wave ideas
00:49:00 - New Overview, Alarmo plans, wrap-up
This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors
Home Assistant Cloud by Nabu Casa
Easily connect to Google and Amazon voice assistants for a small monthly fee that also supports the Home Assistant project. Configuration is via the User Interface so no fiddling with router settings, dynamic DNS, or YAML.
Zooz
If you're looking to upgrade your smart home - you can’t go past Zooz! Zooz offers a range of affordable and innovative devices, including water leak sensors, water valve controllers, smart plugs and scene controllers.
For the best prices on all Zooz products, head over to https://thesmartesthouse.com
Apollo Automation
Apollo Automation are the makers of open source smart home sensors built for the Home Assistant ecosystem. They're an official Open Home Foundation commercial partner and their devices are built with local control, privacy, and reliability in mind, giving you full control and flexibility right out of the box.
Products Discussed
Aladdin garage door openers (with battery backup): https://amzn.to/4mxGfPl
Products we Recommend
Hosts
Phil Hawthorne
Website
Twitter: @philhawthorne
Bluesky: @philhawthorne.com
Buy Phil a Coffee
Rohan Karamandi
Website
Twitter: @rohank9
Buy Rohan a Coffee
This video contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on one of them and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy -
We’re diving into Home Assistant 2026.5 and re-capping the highlights from State of the Open Home 2026. There’s new RS-232 serial control, dashboard strategies, and more purpose-specific triggers.
Watch this episode on YouTube
Show notes for this episode are available at https://homeassistant.fm/HA232
Support the Podcast
Get early-access to episodes and an ad-free feed by supporting our Patreon.
https://homeassistant.fm/patreon
Share your story
We wouldn't be able to do this podcast without community members and home automation enthusiasts sharing their stories. To register your interest to come share your home automation journey, head over to homeassistant.fm and click share your story.
Chapters
00:00:00 Intro
00:10:30 Roadmap deep-dive and HTTP 80
00:15:30 Easter eggs, Project BLAST, merch
00:19:30 IR databases and Z-Wave spectrum
00:23:00 2026.5: RS-232 and RF proxies
00:28:30 RF rolling codes and SDR hopes
00:31:30 Dashboards: strategies and shortcuts
00:36:00 Vacuums chat and power strip ad
00:41:00 Purpose-specific triggers (Labs)
00:44:00 MQTT, Matter, ESPHome updates
00:46:30 Shelly, Sonos, groups, and S1/S2
00:50:30 Apple TV typing, WLED, notifications
00:54:00 Immich photos, Subaru, and UniFi
00:57:00 New integrations roundup
01:00:00 Breaking changes: Ring, webhooks
01:01:30 Template docs overhaul
01:02:30 Network outage story and resilience
01:05:30 Wrap-up and sign-off
This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors
Home Assistant Cloud by Nabu Casa
Easily connect to Google and Amazon voice assistants for a small monthly fee that also supports the Home Assistant project. Configuration is via the User Interface so no fiddling with router settings, dynamic DNS, or YAML.
Zooz
If you're looking to upgrade your smart home - you can’t go past Zooz! Zooz offers a range of affordable and innovative devices, including water leak sensors, water valve controllers, smart plugs and scene controllers.
For the best prices on all Zooz products, head over to https://thesmartesthouse.com
Apollo Automation
Apollo Automation are the makers of open source smart home sensors built for the Home Assistant ecosystem. They're an official Open Home Foundation commercial partner and their devices are built with local control, privacy, and reliability in mind, giving you full control and flexibility right out of the box.
Products Discussed
Broadlink RM4 Pro (433 MHz IR/RF blaster): https://amzn.to/4tesZk8
UniFi Protect PoE Smart Siren: https://amzn.to/4w4ZWCh
Products we Recommend
Hosts
Phil Hawthorne
Website
Twitter: @philhawthorne
Bluesky: @philhawthorne.com
Buy Phil a Coffee
Rohan Karamandi
Website
Twitter: @rohank9
Buy Rohan a Coffee
This episode contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on one of them and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy -
We’re sitting down with Nick and Larsen from FireAvert to talk about how FireAvert aims to stop house fires, and how they can tie into smart home systems like Home Assistant
Watch this episode on YouTube
Show notes for this episode are available at https://homeassistant.fm/HA231
Support the Podcast
Get early-access to episodes and an ad-free feed by supporting our Patreon.
https://homeassistant.fm/patreon
Share your story
We wouldn't be able to do this podcast without community members and home automation enthusiasts sharing their stories. To register your interest to come share your home automation journey, head over to homeassistant.fm and click share your story.
Chapters
00:00:00 Intro and Sponsors
00:04:00 What FireAvert Does
00:08:00 Technical Challenges and Detection
00:12:00 Form Factor and Installation
00:16:00 Accuracy, ML, and Notifications
00:20:00 Smart Automations and Control
00:24:00 Product Evolution and Z-Wave/LoRa
00:31:00 Risk Areas: Kitchens, EVs, Dryers
00:35:00 Water Leaks and Mitigation
00:39:00 Startup Lessons and Team
00:43:00 Home Assistant Dev and Roadmap
00:46:00 Global Availability and Wrap-up
This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors
Home Assistant Cloud by Nabu Casa
Easily connect to Google and Amazon voice assistants for a small monthly fee that also supports the Home Assistant project. Configuration is via the User Interface so no fiddling with router settings, dynamic DNS, or YAML.
Zooz
If you're looking to upgrade your smart home - you can’t go past Zooz! Zooz offers a range of affordable and innovative devices, including water leak sensors, water valve controllers, smart plugs and scene controllers.
For the best prices on all Zooz products, head over to https://thesmartesthouse.com
Apollo Automation
Apollo Automation are the makers of open source smart home sensors built for the Home Assistant ecosystem. They're an official Open Home Foundation commercial partner and their devices are built with local control, privacy, and reliability in mind, giving you full control and flexibility right out of the box.
Products Discussed
FireAvert Gas Auto Shut-Off: https://amzn.to/4vLz0rl
Products we Recommend
Hosts
Phil Hawthorne
Website
Twitter: @philhawthorne
Bluesky: @philhawthorne.com
Buy Phil a Coffee
Rohan Karamandi
Website
Twitter: @rohank9
Buy Rohan a Coffee
This episode contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on one of them and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy -
Industrial data pro Mike joins Phil and Rohan to unpack his Home Assistant setup. We dive deep into Node‑RED flows, mmWave presence, actionable dashboards, and AI‑assisted automations—including recognizing his own cat and verifying the right bin is curbside.
Watch this episode on YouTube
Show notes for this episode are available at https://homeassistant.fm/HA230
Support the Podcast
Get early-access to episodes and an ad-free feed by supporting our Patreon.
https://homeassistant.fm/patreon
Share your story
We wouldn't be able to do this podcast without community members and home automation enthusiasts sharing their stories. To register your interest to come share your home automation journey, head over to homeassistant.fm and click share your story.
Chapters
00:00:00 - Intro
00:01:28 - Mike’s background and location
00:03:43 - From OpenHAB to Home Assistant
00:06:11 - Cloud vs local pragmatism
00:09:40 - Zigbee, Thread and Matter lessons
00:12:17 - Distributed hardware and Docker setup
00:16:08 - Family UX and presence ethos
00:20:26 - PIR, mmWave and context signals
00:24:41 - Automations with Node‑RED
00:29:50 - AI‑assisted automation building
00:34:44 - Dashboards and notifications
00:43:42 - Cameras, AI and the cat
00:50:59 - Smarter heating and preheating
01:03:33 - Actionable notifications philosophy
01:05:40 - Evangelizing at work and wrap‑up
This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors
Home Assistant Cloud by Nabu Casa
Easily connect to Google and Amazon voice assistants for a small monthly fee that also supports the Home Assistant project. Configuration is via the User Interface so no fiddling with router settings, dynamic DNS, or YAML.
Zooz
If you're looking to upgrade your smart home - you can’t go past Zooz! Zooz offers a range of affordable and innovative devices, including water leak sensors, water valve controllers, smart plugs and scene controllers.
For the best prices on all Zooz products, head over to https://thesmartesthouse.com
Apollo Automation
Apollo Automation are the makers of open source smart home sensors built for the Home Assistant ecosystem. They're an official Open Home Foundation commercial partner and their devices are built with local control, privacy, and reliability in mind, giving you full control and flexibility right out of the box.
Clean My Mac
Get Tidy Today! Get 7 days free and use our code ASSISTANT for 20% off
Products Discussed
Aqara Cube: https://amzn.to/47C7YIm
Intel N100 Mini PC: https://amzn.to/4v13dC8
Oral‑B Electric Toothbrush: https://amzn.to/4tfVoGV
Products we Recommend
Hosts
Phil Hawthorne
Website
Twitter: @philhawthorne
Bluesky: @philhawthorne.com
Buy Phil a Coffee
Rohan Karamandi
Website
Twitter: @rohank9
Buy Rohan a Coffee
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy -
Electrical engineer Braden joins Phil and Rohan to share practical Home Assistant wins. From migrating to Zigbee2MQTT, taming a Whirlpool ice maker with ESPHome, building a garage door opener, and planning a sensor-packed greenhouse lab.
Watch this episode on YouTube
Show notes for this episode are available at https://homeassistant.fm/HA229
Support the Podcast
Get early-access to episodes and an ad-free feed by supporting our Patreon.
https://homeassistant.fm/patreon
Share your story
We wouldn't be able to do this podcast without community members and home automation enthusiasts sharing their stories. To register your interest to come share your home automation journey, head over to homeassistant.fm and click share your story.
Chapters
00:00:00 - Intro
00:01:23 - Meet Brayden in Windy Indiana
00:03:35 - From Hue to Home Assistant
00:08:50 - Greenhouse Lab Plans
00:12:45 - Nursery Voice and Motion Tactics
00:18:20 - RFID Cards for Kids’ Media
00:29:00 - Zigbee2MQTT, Aqara, Litter Box Hack
00:36:40 - ESPHome: Ice Maker and Garage
00:43:40 - Power Monitoring and Breakers
00:47:00 - Unifi, Cameras, and ZBT-2
00:52:30 - Agents, Dashboards, and Presence
01:00:20 - Wrap-up and Thanks
This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors
Home Assistant Cloud by Nabu Casa
Easily connect to Google and Amazon voice assistants for a small monthly fee that also supports the Home Assistant project. Configuration is via the User Interface so no fiddling with router settings, dynamic DNS, or YAML.
Apollo Automation
Apollo Automation are the makers of open source smart home sensors built for the Home Assistant ecosystem. They're an official Open Home Foundation commercial partner and their devices are built with local control, privacy, and reliability in mind, giving you full control and flexibility right out of the box.
Zooz
If you're looking to upgrade your smart home - you can’t go past Zooz! Zooz offers a range of affordable and innovative devices, including water leak sensors, water valve controllers, smart plugs and scene controllers.
For the best prices on all Zooz products, head over to https://thesmartesthouse.com
Notion
Notion is an AI-powered, connected workspace for teams. Notion brings all your notes, docs, and projects into one space that just works. Try Custom Agents now at https://notion.com/homeassistant
Hosts
Phil Hawthorne
Website
Smart Home Products
Twitter: @philhawthorne
Bluesky: @philhawthorne.com
Buy Phil a Coffee
Rohan Karamandi
Website
Smart Home Products
Twitter: @rohank9
Buy Rohan a Coffee
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy -
Home Assistant 2026.4 is here! We break down Infrared as a first‑class feature with IR proxies, expanded purpose‑specific triggers, dashboard background colors, favorites for lights/covers, Matter lock credential management, and more. We also cover a critical HA OS/Supervisor security patch you should apply now.
Watch this episode on YouTube
Show notes for this episode are available at https://homeassistant.fm/HA228
Support the Podcast
Get early-access to episodes and an ad-free feed by supporting our Patreon.
https://homeassistant.fm/patreon
Share your story
We wouldn't be able to do this podcast without community members and home automation enthusiasts sharing their stories. To register your interest to come share your home automation journey, head over to homeassistant.fm and click share your story.
Chapters
00:00:00 Intro, sponsors, housekeeping
00:02:30 2026.4 overview and event
00:05:00 Security alert and patch tips
00:07:30 New Works With partner: HeatIt
00:10:00 Feedback: Frigate and Litter‑Robot
00:12:30 Thread/Matter experiences and FP300
00:15:00 Local LLMs and home agents
00:17:30 Cat litter → RoboRock cleanup
00:20:00 Entity naming change delayed
00:23:00 Infrared goes first‑class
00:26:00 IR proxies now, RF coming
00:28:30 Purpose‑specific triggers expand
00:31:00 Dashboard background colors
00:33:30 Favorites for lights and covers
00:36:00 Matter lock credentials, locks
00:38:30 Robots: Roborock Q10, SmartThings
00:41:00 Jellyfin and Proxmox updates
00:43:30 Voice cleaning, backup progress
00:46:00 Markdown actions, LG IR nuances
00:48:30 New integrations roundup
00:51:00 E‑ink, energy, access, breaking changes
This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors
Home Assistant Cloud by Nabu Casa
Easily connect to Google and Amazon voice assistants for a small monthly fee that also supports the Home Assistant project. Configuration is via the User Interface so no fiddling with router settings, dynamic DNS, or YAML.
Zooz
If you're looking to upgrade your smart home - you can’t go past Zooz! Zooz offers a range of affordable and innovative devices, including water leak sensors, water valve controllers, smart plugs and scene controllers.
For the best prices on all Zooz products, head over to https://thesmartesthouse.com
Apollo Automation
Apollo Automation are the makers of open source smart home sensors built for the Home Assistant ecosystem. They're an official Open Home Foundation commercial partner and their devices are built with local control, privacy, and reliability in mind, giving you full control and flexibility right out of the box.
Hosts
Phil Hawthorne
Website
Smart Home Products
Twitter: @philhawthorne
Bluesky: @philhawthorne.com
Buy Phil a Coffee
Rohan Karamandi
Website
Smart Home Products
Twitter: @rohank9
Buy Rohan a Coffee
This video contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on one of them and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy -
Director-turned-vanlifer Mike from the YouTube channel SmartyVan shows how he turned a bare Mercedes Sprinter into a fully automated, off‑grid smart RV powered by Home Assistant and ESPHome. We cover DC power realities, alternator charging vs solar, Starlink on the move, Bluetooth presence, wired vs Zigbee sensors and PoE cameras with Frigate. Perfect for vanlife, RV, and tiny home builders.
Watch this episode on YouTube
Show notes for this episode are available at https://homeassistant.fm/HA227
Support the Podcast
Get early-access to episodes and an ad-free feed by supporting our Patreon.
https://homeassistant.fm/patreon
Share your story
We wouldn't be able to do this podcast without community members and home automation enthusiasts sharing their stories. To register your interest to come share your home automation journey, head over to homeassistant.fm and click share your story.
Chapters
00:00:00 - Intro, sponsors, Mike arrives
00:05:00 - From Sprinter shell to smart RV
00:10:00 - Power: solar, alternator, efficiency
00:16:00 - Home Assistant in a DC world
00:22:00 - Pi 4, microSD, backups
00:28:00 - Internet, Starlink, offline logic
00:35:32 - Van automations that matter
00:41:00 - Service mode and shop visits
00:47:00 - Presence without motion sensors
00:53:00 - OBD-II, WICAN, vehicle data
00:59:00 - Wired sensors vs Zigbee
01:05:00 - Cameras, Frigate, PoE control
01:09:00 - What’s next and where to find
This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors
Home Assistant Cloud by Nabu Casa
Easily connect to Google and Amazon voice assistants for a small monthly fee that also supports the Home Assistant project. Configuration is via the User Interface so no fiddling with router settings, dynamic DNS, or YAML.
Zooz
If you're looking to upgrade your smart home - you can’t go past Zooz! Zooz offers a range of affordable and innovative devices, including water leak sensors, water valve controllers, smart plugs and scene controllers.
For the best prices on all Zooz products, head over to https://thesmartesthouse.com
Notion
Notion is an AI-powered, connected workspace for teams. Notion brings all your notes, docs, and projects into one space that just works. Try Custom Agents now at https://notion.com/homeassistant
Products Discussed
Google Coral USB TPU accelerator: https://amzn.to/4cNVot1
Aqara contact sensors: https://amzn.to/4utywFk
Hosts
Phil Hawthorne
Website
Smart Home Products
Twitter: @philhawthorne
Bluesky: @philhawthorne.com
Buy Phil a Coffee
Rohan Karamandi
Website
Smart Home Products
Twitter: @rohank9
Buy Rohan a Coffee
This episodes contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on one of them and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy -
We’re diving into Kaden’s cat-first smart home: Reolink + Frigate for pet detection, PetLibro feeders, and a Litter-Robot 4 all tied together with Home Assistant and LLM-generated dashboards.
Watch this episode on YouTube
Show notes for this episode are available at https://homeassistant.fm/HA226
Support the Podcast
Get early-access to episodes and an ad-free feed by supporting our Patreon.
https://homeassistant.fm/patreon
Share your story
We wouldn't be able to do this podcast without community members and home automation enthusiasts sharing their stories. To register your interest to come share your home automation journey, head over to homeassistant.fm and click share your story.
Chapters
00:00:00 Intro
00:03:35 From HomeBridge to Home Assistant
00:07:20 Cat cams and Frigate detection
00:12:45 Smart feeders and litter box
00:16:40 Human presence and privacy
00:20:50 Garage automation journey
00:24:42 State models and sponsor break
00:30:50 Wall tablet dashboards
00:36:27 Water monitoring with RTL-SDR
00:40:32 Energy tracking and panel CTs
00:44:52 Cutting server power draw
00:48:06 WLED beats Govee cloud
00:51:00 BLE proxies and neighbors
00:54:00 On-call alerts and alarms
00:56:20 Wrap-up and links
This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors
Home Assistant Cloud by Nabu Casa
Easily connect to Google and Amazon voice assistants for a small monthly fee that also supports the Home Assistant project. Configuration is via the User Interface so no fiddling with router settings, dynamic DNS, or YAML.
Zooz
If you're looking to upgrade your smart home - you can’t go past Zooz! Zooz offers a range of affordable and innovative devices, including water leak sensors, water valve controllers, smart plugs and scene controllers.
For the best prices on all Zooz products, head over to https://thesmartesthouse.com
Clean My Mac
Get Tidy Today! Get 7 days free and use our code ASSISTANT for 20% off
Products Discussed
PetLibro automatic feeder: https://amzn.to/4bh3Nnj
PetLibro water fountain: https://amzn.to/4aIDjLs
Whisker Litter-Robot 4: https://amzn.to/4ch47DI
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Plus: https://amzn.to/4rVv0lm
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti: https://amzn.to/4tZ8Nod
Google Coral AI Accelerator (referenced): https://amzn.to/4r44S6E
Home Assistant Connect ZWA2 radio (ad): https://amzn.to/47jdYp3
Hosts
Phil Hawthorne
Website
Smart Home Products
Twitter: @philhawthorne
Bluesky: @philhawthorne.com
Buy Phil a Coffee
Rohan Karamandi
Website
Smart Home Products
Twitter: @rohank9
Buy Rohan a Coffee
This episode contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on one of them and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy -
Phil and Rohan go deep on practical AI for Home Assistant. We cover LLM Vision for doorbell and perimeter alerts, HACS add‑ons like AI Agent and AI Suggester, and using GitHub Copilot to generate YAML automations. Rohan shares his Ollama + LiteLLM routing setup and why private cloud models might beat pay‑per‑token APIs. Phil battles OpenClaw (aka MoltBot/Claude Bot) to control lights via MCP
Watch this episode on YouTube
Show notes for this episode are available at https://homeassistant.fm/HA225
Support the Podcast
Get early-access to episodes and an ad-free feed by supporting our Patreon.
https://homeassistant.fm/patreon
Share your story
We wouldn't be able to do this podcast without community members and home automation enthusiasts sharing their stories. To register your interest to come share your home automation journey, head over to homeassistant.fm and click share your story.
Chapters
00:00:00 - Intro
00:02:02 - Rohan’s AI stack today
00:09:00 - HA’s built-in AI + Copilot
00:18:00 - HACS: AI Agent & Suggester
00:26:24 - LLM Vision in practice
00:37:00 - OpenClaw, MCP, and gotchas
00:47:00 - Do we need agents? Use cases
00:51:00 - Costs, feedback, and outro
This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors
Home Assistant Cloud by Nabu Casa
Easily connect to Google and Amazon voice assistants for a small monthly fee that also supports the Home Assistant project. Configuration is via the User Interface so no fiddling with router settings, dynamic DNS, or YAML.
Zooz
If you're looking to upgrade your smart home - you can’t go past Zooz! Zooz offers a range of affordable and innovative devices, including water leak sensors, water valve controllers, smart plugs and scene controllers.
For the best prices on all Zooz products, head over to https://thesmartesthouse.com
Products Discussed
Reolink AI Security Cameras: https://amzn.to/3OwwLH2
Hosts
Phil Hawthorne
Website
Smart Home Products
Twitter: @philhawthorne
Bluesky: @philhawthorne.com
Buy Phil a Coffee
Rohan Karamandi
Website
Smart Home Products
Twitter: @rohank9
Buy Rohan a Coffee
This episode contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on one of them and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy -
Breaking down Home Assistant 2026.3: map vacuum rooms to Areas for voice control, set HA as your default Android assistant with wake word support, SendSpin multi-room updates, Python 3.14 performance gains, and new integrations for Ghost, Proxmox, SwitchBot AI Art Frame, Trane HVAC, and NYC MTA.
Mailbag: NFC dash buttons, Aqara FP300 presence tips, bed sensors, and listener automations for pets and babies.
Watch this episode on YouTube
Show notes for this episode are available at https://homeassistant.fm/HA224
Support the Podcast
Get early-access to episodes and an ad-free feed by supporting our Patreon.
https://homeassistant.fm/patreon
Share your story
We wouldn't be able to do this podcast without community members and home automation enthusiasts sharing their stories. To register your interest to come share your home automation journey, head over to homeassistant.fm and click share your story.
Chapters
00:00:00 - Intro
00:02:40 - News: Partners, Event, Merch
00:03:54 - Dark Sky Returns: Acme Weather
00:08:02 - Mailbag: AI, Accessibility, Pets
00:12:56 - Gear Talk: Aqara, NFC, Bed Sensors
00:19:09 - 2026.3 Release Overview
00:21:56 - Vacuum Room-to-Area Mapping
00:27:42 - App & Voice: Python, Dashboards, Assist
00:32:15 - SendSpin Sync & Visuals
00:36:30 - Matter, Docker, AI, Energy
00:41:30 - Devices & Integration Highlights
00:44:24 - New Integrations Roundup
00:51:48 - Breaking Changes To Note
00:55:30 - Wrap-Up & What’s Next
This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors
Home Assistant Cloud by Nabu Casa
Easily connect to Google and Amazon voice assistants for a small monthly fee that also supports the Home Assistant project. Configuration is via the User Interface so no fiddling with router settings, dynamic DNS, or YAML.
Zooz
If you're looking to upgrade your smart home - you can’t go past Zooz! Zooz offers a range of affordable and innovative devices, including water leak sensors, water valve controllers, smart plugs and scene controllers.
For the best prices on all Zooz products, head over to https://thesmartesthouse.com
Products Discussed
HEIMAN smoke and CO alarms (Matter over Thread): https://amzn.to/4smRtrv
Open Home Foundation merch (hat, hoodie): https://store.openhomefoundation.org/
Neakasa M1 automatic litter box: https://amzn.to/3NdtiNd
Petlibro RFID pet feeders: https://amzn.to/4se0XFo
Owlet Dream Sock: https://amzn.to/4b0kHFI
Samsung Frame TV: https://amzn.to/3N40VAW
SwitchBot AI Art Frame (color e‑ink): https://amzn.to/4u0qLXr
Hosts
Phil Hawthorne
Website
Smart Home Products
Twitter: @philhawthorne
Bluesky: @philhawthorne.com
Buy Phil a Coffee
Rohan Karamandi
Website
Smart Home Products
Twitter: @rohank9
Buy Rohan a Coffee
This episode contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on one of them and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy -
Andrew joins Phil and Rohan to share how he outgrew Apple HomeKit and built a powerful multi-user smart home in Home Assistant. We cover presence detection with ESP32s and sensors, ditching MyQ for a Meross garage opener, Yale smart locks, bathroom humidity fan automations, and fun ESPN sports goal alerts.
Watch this episode on YouTube
Show notes for this episode are available at https://homeassistant.fm/HA223
Support the Podcast
Get early-access to episodes and an ad-free feed by supporting our Patreon.
https://homeassistant.fm/patreon
Share your story
We wouldn't be able to do this podcast without community members and home automation enthusiasts sharing their stories. To register your interest to come share your home automation journey, head over to homeassistant.fm and click share your story.
Chapters
00:00:00 - Welcome, Sponsors, Intro
00:02:00 - Andrew’s Tech Beginnings
00:05:00 - From Apple Home to HA
00:08:00 - Breaking HomeKit Limitations
00:11:00 - Hardware: Pi to Proxmox
00:14:00 - Backups, Restores, Cleanup
00:16:30 - Multi-User Automation Challenges
00:19:00 - Presence Without Phone Tracking
00:22:00 - Buttons, Switches, Voice Balance
00:25:00 - ESP32 Presence And Motion
00:29:00 - Bathroom Humidity Fan Logic
00:33:00 - Sensor Health & Batteries
00:36:00 - Lighting Philosophy & Accents
00:39:00 - WLED, TV Backlights, Aesthetics
00:41:30 - Goals For The Year, Wrap-Up
This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors
Home Assistant Cloud by Nabu Casa
Easily connect to Google and Amazon voice assistants for a small monthly fee that also supports the Home Assistant project. Configuration is via the User Interface so no fiddling with router settings, dynamic DNS, or YAML.
Zooz
If you're looking to upgrade your smart home - you can’t go past Zooz! Zooz offers a range of affordable and innovative devices, including water leak sensors, water valve controllers, smart plugs and scene controllers.
For the best prices on all Zooz products, head over to https://thesmartesthouse.com
Notion
Notion is an AI-powered, connected workspace for teams. Notion brings all your notes, docs, and projects into one space that just works. Try Custom Agents now at https://notion.com/homeassistant
Products Discussed
Meross Smart Garage Door Opener (with reed sensor): https://amzn.to/4ratgV5
Third Reality Smart Switch (Toggle/rocker add-on): https://amzn.to/4kupS4S
Aqara Temperature & Humidity Sensor: https://amzn.to/4twysV1
Philips Hue Dimmer Switch: https://amzn.to/3MskUZN
Philips Hue Lightstrips: https://amzn.to/465QhA5
Govee Floor Lamp: https://amzn.to/4rfMRDv
Hosts
Phil Hawthorne
Website
Smart Home Products
Twitter: @philhawthorne
Bluesky: @philhawthorne.com
Buy Phil a Coffee
Rohan Karamandi
Website
Smart Home Products
Twitter: @rohank9
Buy Rohan a Coffee
This episode contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on one of them and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy -
Will joins Phil and Rohan to share how he tamed a period UK home and a remote Canary Islands vacation property with Home Assistant, ESPHome, and Zigbee. We dive into DIY pool chemistry control, fridge monitoring with a ‘strawtenna’, tactile dashboards, AI‑assisted heating, and why Shelly is everywhere
Watch this episode on YouTube
Show notes for this episode are available at https://homeassistant.fm/HA222
Special Thanks to Today's Guest
Will Osborne-Kennedy
Website
Support the Podcast
Get early-access to episodes and an ad-free feed by supporting our Patreon.
https://homeassistant.fm/patreon
Share your story
We wouldn't be able to do this podcast without community members and home automation enthusiasts sharing their stories. To register your interest to come share your home automation journey, head over to homeassistant.fm and click share your story.
Chapters
00:00:00 Welcome
00:03:30 Will’s origin story and tinkering
00:08:30 Finding Home Assistant and ESPHome
00:12:00 Hot tub and pool control projects
00:17:00 Remote Canary Islands setup
00:22:00 Zigbee vs Wi‑Fi in old homes
00:27:00 Antennas and fridge sensor hacks
00:32:00 Dashboards and tactile panels
00:37:00 AI and heating optimizations
00:42:00 Remote access: fiber and TailScale
00:46:00 Multi‑site management and ideas
00:50:00 Favorite automations and LLM Vision
00:56:00 Home lab, IPTV, and Channels DVR
01:00:00 2026 goals: energy, irrigation, WLED
01:05:00 Shelly scripts and local‑first
01:07:00 Community vendors
This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors
Home Assistant Cloud by Nabu Casa
Easily connect to Google and Amazon voice assistants for a small monthly fee that also supports the Home Assistant project. Configuration is via the User Interface so no fiddling with router settings, dynamic DNS, or YAML.
Zooz
If you're looking to upgrade your smart home - you can’t go past Zooz! Zooz offers a range of affordable and innovative devices, including water leak sensors, water valve controllers, smart plugs and scene controllers.
For the best prices on all Zooz products, head over to https://thesmartesthouse.com
Clean My Mac
Get Tidy Today! Get 7 days free and use our code ASSISTANT for 20% off
https://clnmy.com/ASSISTANT
Products Discussed
Shelly Bluetooth button/tile: https://amzn.to/4bJcvvy
Orbit B‑Hyve irrigation controller: https://amzn.to/4bJcvvy
HDHomeRun TV tuner: https://amzn.to/4klnoFU
Philips Hue Outdoor Motion Sensor: https://amzn.to/4cf3r1p
Hosts
Phil Hawthorne
Website
Smart Home Products
Twitter: @philhawthorne
Bluesky: @philhawthorne.com
Buy Phil a Coffee
Rohan Karamandi
Website
Smart Home Products
Twitter: @rohank9
Buy Rohan a Coffee
This episode contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on one of them and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy -
Mike joins Phil and Rohan to share how he hides smart tech in a 1953 mid‑century home so it looks analog but works like magic. Plus: Roborock tricks, leak sensors that turn rooms blue, HomePod TTS vs Sonos ducking, Samsung Frame art‑mode headaches, and running full HA OS in a VMware Fusion VM on a Mac mini.
Watch this episode on YouTube
Show notes for this episode are available at https://homeassistant.fm/HA221
Support the Podcast
Get early-access to episodes and an ad-free feed by supporting our Patreon.
https://homeassistant.fm/patreon
Share your story
We wouldn't be able to do this podcast without community members and home automation enthusiasts sharing their stories. To register your interest to come share your home automation journey, head over to homeassistant.fm and click share your story.
Chapters
00:00:00 Welcome
00:03:00 Lighting gateway and Hue hack
00:05:30 Sneaking tech and dance reveal
00:08:00 From HomeKit/HomeBridge to HA
00:10:30 Dashboards and camera setup
00:12:30 Bulbs vs switches in 50s home
00:14:30 Bathroom fan and comforts
00:16:30 Homelab and Zigbee backbone
00:19:00 LLMs and announcements
00:21:30 Laundry alerts and Mac lab
00:25:30 Presence sensing strategy
00:28:00 Leak sensors and water safety
00:31:00 Light signals around the home
00:33:00 Roborock automations and hacks
00:40:30 Bedroom presence routines
00:43:00 Bayesian sensors and design
00:49:50 Time Machine and Frame TV
00:54:30 Pool fountain control
00:56:30 Power and crawlspace cabling
00:59:10 Party trick and outro
This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors
Home Assistant Cloud by Nabu Casa
Easily connect to Google and Amazon voice assistants for a small monthly fee that also supports the Home Assistant project. Configuration is via the User Interface so no fiddling with router settings, dynamic DNS, or YAML.
Zooz
If you're looking to upgrade your smart home - you can’t go past Zooz! Zooz offers a range of affordable and innovative devices, including water leak sensors, water valve controllers, smart plugs and scene controllers.
For the best prices on all Zooz products, head over to https://thesmartesthouse.com
Products Discussed
Philips Hue bulbs and lightstrips: https://amzn.to/4k7paur
Aqara T2 wall switch: https://amzn.to/4jUTZm1
Samsung The Frame TV (43"): https://amzn.to/4t5mTnr
Zigbee main water shutoff valve (generic): https://amzn.to/4aURldj
Aqara water leak sensors: https://amzn.to/3Nest6A
Aqara door/window sensors: https://amzn.to/49hmu9B
Third Reality sensors: https://amzn.to/455ZR5F
Ecobee thermostat with room sensors: https://amzn.to/4t4XYjO
Bond Bridge (ceiling fan RF hub): https://amzn.to/3YAbHBm
Aqara roller shade controllers: https://amzn.to/3O8ihwI
Level Lock: https://amzn.to/3ZcU3Ug
SwitchBot Lock (with keypad/fingerprint accessory): https://amzn.to/4a55H92
Hosts
Phil Hawthorne
Website
Smart Home Products
Twitter: @philhawthorne
Bluesky: @philhawthorne.com
Buy Phil a Coffee
Rohan Karamandi
Website
Smart Home Products
Twitter: @rohank9
Buy Rohan a Coffee
This episode contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on one of them and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy -
We break down Home Assistant 2026.2: the Home Dashboard is now default, the new Command‑K command palette, a dedicated Matter dashboard, and add‑ons renamed to Apps. Plus: CES 2026 highlights, the Open Home Foundation device database and a Google Home outage.
Watch this episode on YouTube
Show notes for this episode are available at https://homeassistant.fm/HA220
Support the Podcast
Get early-access to episodes and an ad-free feed by supporting our Patreon.
https://homeassistant.fm/patreon
Share your story
We wouldn't be able to do this podcast without community members and home automation enthusiasts sharing their stories. To register your interest to come share your home automation journey, head over to homeassistant.fm and click share your story.
Chapters
00:00:00 Intro
00:03:00 CES Highlights and Shoutouts
00:06:00 Device Database and Open Home
00:11:30 Cloud Outage and Local Control
00:13:50 Listener Feedback and Tips
00:21:20 2026.2 Release Overview
00:23:20 Home Dashboard Becomes Default
00:26:45 Command Palette and Shortcuts
00:29:40 Matter Dashboard and Apps Rename
00:32:40 Automations, Cards, and Buttons
00:37:10 Music Assistant, Media, Sponsor Break
00:41:10 New Integrations Roundup
00:46:25 Breaking Changes: Groups, Tuya
00:49:38 Closing Thoughts and Predictions
This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors
Home Assistant Cloud by Nabu Casa
Easily connect to Google and Amazon voice assistants for a small monthly fee that also supports the Home Assistant project. Configuration is via the User Interface so no fiddling with router settings, dynamic DNS, or YAML.
Zooz
If you're looking to upgrade your smart home - you can’t go past Zooz! Zooz offers a range of affordable and innovative devices, including water leak sensors, water valve controllers, smart plugs and scene controllers.
For the best prices on all Zooz products, head over to https://thesmartesthouse.com
Hosts
Phil Hawthorne
Website
Smart Home Products
Twitter: @philhawthorne
Bluesky: @philhawthorne.com
Buy Phil a Coffee
Rohan Karamandi
Website
Smart Home Products
Twitter: @rohank9
Buy Rohan a Coffee
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy - Visa fler
