Weekly Roundup
Week of October 13, 2026
Exegin has become one of the first vendors to receive certification for Zigbee's new sub-GHz technology, as announced by the Connectivity Standards Alliance. This new technology aims to enhance the performance and range of smart home devices by operating in the less congested sub-GHz frequency bands. The certification signifies a step forward in the interoperability and reliability of connected home technologies.
Silicon Labs has launched its Matter Smart Energy Solutions, designed to enhance energy management in smart homes. These solutions aim to provide seamless integration with Matter-enabled devices, allowing users to monitor and control their energy consumption more effectively. This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve interoperability among smart home technologies.
Shelly has announced that its wall display will now function as a Matter controller, allowing users to manage their smart home devices more effectively. This integration aims to enhance interoperability among various smart home products, making it easier for consumers to connect and control their devices. The move is significant as it aligns with the growing trend of Matter adoption in the smart home industry.
The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) has announced the opening of certification for Suzi, a new sub-gigahertz mesh technology that complements Zigbee. Suzi aims to enhance connectivity options for Internet of Things (IoT) devices, particularly in environments where traditional Wi-Fi and Zigbee may struggle. This certification is a significant step towards broader adoption of Suzi in smart home applications.
The 2026 Matter Developer Conference showcased significant advancements in smart home technology, including the introduction of NFC touch pairing for device connectivity and the inclusion of cameras in the Matter ecosystem. Additionally, the conference highlighted the launch of seamless door locks that enhance user convenience. These developments signal an acceleration in the integration of smart home devices, promising improved user experiences.
Apple's 'Welcome Home' launch event is scheduled for October 13th at 9 AM ET in New York. The event is expected to feature updates to the Apple TV and HomePod Mini, along with the introduction of a new smart home hub and a potential new platform named homeOS. Additionally, partnerships with LG for smart home devices may be announced.
The Connectivity Standards Alliance has announced that its Zigbee Long-Range specification, known as Suzi, is now open for smart home devices to get certified. This development aims to enhance the connectivity and interoperability of smart home gadgets, allowing them to communicate over greater distances. As a result, consumers can expect improved performance and reliability from their smart home ecosystems.
Switching to a smart thermostat offers homeowners enhanced energy efficiency, convenience, and potential cost savings. These devices can learn user preferences and adjust settings accordingly, leading to optimized heating and cooling. As smart home technology continues to evolve, integrating a smart thermostat can be a significant step towards a more connected and efficient home.
The Kiwibit Bird Feeder 2 Pro, priced at $269, initially attracted numerous colorful birds to the author's garden, providing a delightful viewing experience through its AI-driven alerts and 4K HDR video recording. However, the excitement waned as the novelty wore off, leading to a sense of loss for the vibrant visitors. This experience highlights both the potential and limitations of smart bird feeders in enhancing backyard wildlife observation.
Apple has scheduled a surprise launch event for October 13th at 9 AM ET in New York, focusing on smart home products. The event, titled 'Welcome home,' is expected to unveil a new smart home hub with a display, an updated HomePod Mini, and a new Apple TV. Additionally, Apple is rumored to collaborate with LG on new smart home devices, including a video doorbell and thermostat.
Recent leaks have revealed several new smart home devices developed by Apple in collaboration with LG, including a thermostat with a unique display feature and a smart deadbolt lock. While specific details about pricing and availability remain unknown, these devices are expected to integrate with Apple's upcoming smart home hub, set to launch on October 13th. This collaboration marks a significant step in the evolution of smart home technology from two major tech companies.
Amazon has introduced its first smart lock, designed to eliminate the need for a physical backup key in case the rechargeable battery dies. The innovative lock features a thumb-turn dial that allows users to generate power by turning it, providing enough energy to unlock the door and recharge the battery. This new design aims to enhance convenience and security for smart home users.
During Amazon's October Prime Day, several robot vacuum and mop hybrids are available at discounted prices, making it a great time for consumers to invest in smart cleaning devices. Not only are deals available for Amazon Prime members, but other retailers like Best Buy are also participating in the sales event. This presents an opportunity for those looking to automate their cleaning tasks without breaking the bank.
The Aiper Irrisense 2 is a smart watering device designed to provide precision watering for gardens while conserving water. This device integrates technology to optimize irrigation, making it a practical choice for homeowners looking to enhance their garden care. Its smart features aim to simplify the watering process and promote sustainable gardening practices.
Nabu Casa has announced the renaming of its Home Assistant Cloud service to Home Assistant Link. This change reflects the company's commitment to providing a private, optional service free from the pitfalls of traditional cloud offerings, such as high subscription costs and data harvesting practices. The new name aims to better align with the values of transparency and user control.
Onvis has launched a new line of smart power devices that support Matter over Thread 1.4, enhancing compatibility with various smart home ecosystems. This development reflects a growing trend in the smart home market towards unified standards that improve device interoperability. As consumers increasingly seek seamless integration of their smart devices, this advancement positions Onvis favorably in a competitive landscape.
Apple's upcoming smart home hub, named HomeView, is expected to be available in both countertop and wall-mounted versions starting mid-November. The countertop model features a metal speaker base, while the wall-mounted variant includes a flat, square base for secure installation as a home control panel. This launch marks Apple's entry into the smart display market, aiming to enhance home automation and control.
Apple is set to unveil its new smart display in less than two weeks, according to a recent Bloomberg report. The leak provides insights into the design of the highly anticipated smart home hub, which is expected to enhance the Apple ecosystem for smart home users.
Ring's upcoming Smart Lock addresses the common issue of battery failure with a unique hand crank feature that allows users to generate power manually. This innovative design aims to ensure that homeowners can always access their property, even during power outages. The concept was introduced by Ring founder Jamie Siminoff, highlighting the importance of reliability in smart home security.
Apple has officially scheduled a 'Welcome home' event for October 13, where it is expected to unveil new smart home products, including a long-rumored smart display. This announcement follows earlier speculation about the event date and comes with an official teaser video from Apple. The event could mark a significant development in Apple's smart home ecosystem.
The smart home developments that matter every week — platforms, security, home robots, energy, and lighting. No hype, no filler.
