All articles tagged with #zigbee
Aqara has launched its first battery-powered presence sensor, the FP300, which can operate for up to three years on two CR2450 batteries, using PIR and radar sensors to detect movement and support various smart home automations across multiple platforms, though it lacks some advanced features of higher-end models.
IKEA is shifting from Zigbee to Thread for its smart home products, adopting the Matter standard, which is seen as more open but has limitations such as device incompatibility and licensing costs. The move has sparked debate over the openness and security of Matter and Thread, with concerns about closed ecosystems, device certification, and network fragmentation. Despite some frustrations with current smart home ecosystems, many users value the stability and flexibility offered by platforms like Home Assistant, which can integrate various protocols and devices, though they face challenges with device reliability and network complexity.
Hue has launched a larger, more expensive version of its Smart Button, which controls Hue smart lights via Zigbee and is compatible with Matter platforms. The new button features a bigger design, a magnetically attachable metal plate, and a longer-lasting battery, but its US price has increased to $32.99, possibly due to tariffs, signaling a potential price hike for other Hue products in the US.
The author, initially dismissive of Zigbee and Z-Wave in favor of newer smart home standards, now acknowledges their reliability and value after experiencing issues with other technologies. Philips Hue and Ikea's savvy use of Zigbee impressed the author, leading to a newfound admiration for the technology. The author's review of the Homey Pro and direct experience with Zigbee and Z-Wave further solidified their belief in the enduring relevance of these older standards in modern smart homes.
Calvin Wankhede of Android Authority shares his experience building a fully offline smart home, emphasizing the benefits of privacy, cost savings, and independence from third-party servers. He uses Home Assistant, an open-source platform, to integrate various devices like smart bulbs, switches, and sensors, recommending Zigbee over Wi-Fi for better reliability and speed. The article also touches on the potential of Thread and Matter protocols but maintains Zigbee as the current best choice. Wankhede acknowledges that while an offline smart home setup may not be for everyone, it offers significant advantages for those willing to invest the time and effort.
The Homey Pro is a specialized smart home hub designed for those who prefer local control and want to integrate primarily Zigbee or Z-Wave devices. Priced at $400, it offers robust local or cloud backups, advanced automation, and a custom scripting language. However, it lacks the extensive compatibility of open-source projects and major smart home platforms. While it excels at adding Zigbee and Z-Wave devices, compatibility with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-based devices is mixed. Overall, the Homey Pro is a particular choice for those who prioritize local control and have already invested in compatible hardware.
Ikea has unveiled three new affordable smart home sensors as part of its ongoing efforts to democratize the smart home market. The sensors include Parasoll, a door and window sensor; Vallhorn, a motion sensor; and Badring, a water leakage sensor. Priced at less than $10, these sensors will be available globally in the first half of 2024. The sensors can be paired with Ikea smart bulbs and integrated into Ikea's smart home ecosystem. However, they are not compatible with older Trådfri Home Smart gateways. Ikea plans to eventually enable support for the Matter smart home standard.
Amazon is offering a discount on Philips Hue's Lightstrip Plus HomeKit Starter Kit, which includes the latest iteration of Lightstrip Plus and a bridge that enables HomeKit, Alexa, and Assistant control. The bundle is priced at $59.15, down from its regular price of $95, and is the first discount of the year. The kit is a great way to bring 6-feet of multicolor illumination to your space, with both Bluetooth and Zigbee control. The Philips Hue Gradient Light Tube is also on sale at Amazon, priced at $169.99, down from $200.
The Home Assistant SkyConnect dongle is a combination Zigbee and Matter/Thread device that adds interoperability to smart home gadgets. Home Assistant is a free and open-source home automation software that can run on single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi. The SkyConnect is a great excuse to start fresh and convert your whole house to Home Assistant. The slow, painful process of dismantling everything connected to the Philips Hue Hub is worth it for the control and customization that Home Assistant provides.