Internet of Things (IoT)

Home Assistant 2026.1 is rolling out to users of the open-source smart home automation software. This latest release brings improvements for the Home dashboard on mobile and more purpose-specific triggers. It also includes a range of new integrations and a reorganized Settings page.

New IKEA Varmblixt smart lighting products have been announced. The smart lamp and smart pendant light will offer dynamic lighting effects. Expected to be released in the coming months, these products will also support the Matter smart home protocol and come with a smart remote.

Govee has unveiled the new Outdoor Wall Light Pro, which is expected to launch in the US in the near future. This model features a couple of upgrades over its predecessor, including a higher maximum brightness level. Plus, it supports Matter, meaning it will work with many third-party smart home devices.

The Govee Outdoor Chromatic String Lights have appeared on the brand’s official website. Marked as “coming soon”, this appears to be a new premium smart lighting product, with high-density RGB LEDs. Features include preset and customizable dynamic lighting effects and support for the Matter smart home standard.

Govee appears to be working on a smart ceiling fan with integrated lighting. The Govee Ceiling Fan With Lights was recently listed on the CSA website as a Matter certified device. Plus, a second source suggests that it could be an outdoor model, and offers a potentially leaked image of the smart home product.

The TP-Link Tapo C465, a 4K security camera with an integrated solar panel, has been released in the US. Already available in Europe, this model features a subscription-free AI tool and color night vision. Designed for outdoor use, its solar panel and built-in battery should allow it to run with minimal maintenance.

Ultra-Wideband (UWB) devices aim to make homes more intelligent without compromising security. The Aqara Smart Lock U400 detects approaching household members and unlocks automatically. Digital keys stored in smartphones facilitate a hands-free alternative to fingerprint scanning or codes.

TP-Link has launched the Tapo C645D Kit, a solar-powered dual-lens security camera, in the US. Thanks to the lower pan-tilt camera, it can be used to survey a wide area of your property. Smart features include motion tracking, AI identification of people and vehicles, and customizable zones.

IKEA has released the Myggbett Door/window sensor and the Myggspray Wireless motion sensor in the UK. Already available in other countries, these smart home products can be linked to other IKEA devices, like smart bulbs, for automation. Plus, they both support the Matter protocol for a wider range of integrations.

The new eufy Solar Wall Light Cam S4 from Anker is on show at CES 2026. This smart home device combines a 4K security camera and a wall light, with a detachable solar panel for power. Features include motion detection, intruder alarms and compatibility with Apple HomeKit when paired to a HomeBase device.

The price of some of IKEA’s new Matter-compatible smart home products has been lowered in certain countries in Europe and North America. Several of these changes appear to be linked to pricing standardisation across one market, while other products have a new lower price across the board.

The Shelly Wall Display X2i, a smart home control panel, has been quietly released in Europe. It can be used to remotely manage and control connected devices, with support for energy consumption monitoring for certain products. This model shares many similarities with the Wall Display X2 released several months ago, though there are some changes.

IKEA has released another new smart home sensor at its online store in the US. Already available in Europe, the Timmerflotte is designed to take temperature and humidity measurements. It can be connected to the brand’s Dirigera hub, and support for the Matter protocol means it can integrate with third-party systems.

Philips Hue has released the Festavia Permanent Outdoor Lights in Europe. Already available in the US, these outdoor lights can throw white and colored lighting effects onto the walls of your home. This string light is cuttable and extendable, and can be linked to many of the brand’s other products.

The Xiaomi Mijia Three-Zone Washing Machine Pro (14 kg) has been released in China. Compared to its predecessor, each of the model three drums has a larger maximum capacity, allowing you to wash more items at once. Plus, it supports HyperOS Connect and can be remotely controlled via the brand’s app.

Xiaomi is now selling its Smart Camera C500 in two European countries, with a wider rollout expected in the near future. This is the brand’s first 6MP security camera, which is marketed with a 3.5K UHD resolution. Other features include an integrated gimbal stand for motion tracking and support for Amazon Alexa.

IKEA has released the Bilresa Remote Control in the US. Currently available to purchase as an individual device, with a colorful multipack on the way, this is part of IKEA’s new wider range of smart home products, which support the Matter standard, for integration with third-party ecosystems.

IKEA is now selling the new Timmerflotte Temperature/humidity sensor, smart, online and in some physical stores in the UK. This round Matter-compatible smart home device can be used to show data about the current environment. Users are able to cycle between the two measurements at the push of a button.

Shelly has released a new smart sensor in various markets worldwide: the Wave Door/Window LR. This Z-Wave Long Range device can be used to detect if a window or door is open or closed, triggering an alert or another smart home device. This is a particularly compact, battery-powered model.

Four of IKEA’s new smart home sensors have been released at the brand’s online store in the US. Each of these products is Matter compatible, bringing a wide range of smart home integrations. They can be used to detect air quality, water leaks, motion and open windows and doors.

Xiaomi has released the Mijia Washer Dryer Set Pro in China. Both of the machines included in the set are smart home devices, which can be remotely controlled via the brand's app, and will integrate with its smart home ecosystem. Other features include super electrolysis cleaning technology and intelligent detergent dispensing.

The new Xiaomi Mi Home Air Conditioner Super Energy Saving 1.5 HP has arrived in China. This model features various upgrades over the original, including a higher airflow rate and an energy-saving algorithm. Plus, this HyperConnect device can integrate with the brand's smart home ecosystem, with remote controls available via the brand's app.

The Xiaomi Mi Home Air Conditioner Super Energy Saving 2HP and 3HP are now available to pre-order in China. These two models both offer heating and cooling, and can be remotely controlled via the brand’s app. Plus, each is said to be equipped with an energy-saving algorithm.

Xiaomi has released a new version of the Mijia Smart Gas Water Heater 2 in China. The Waterfall Shower with Zero Cold Water (18L) version has a larger capacity and is said to support a high-pressure shower. It can be remotely controlled via the brand’s app, and HyperConnect allows it to be triggered by other smart home devices.

The new IKEA smart home sensors, bulbs and remote controls are now available at the brand’s online stores in two more European countries. All of these products work with the IKEA Dirigera hub and support the Matter smart home protocol. The range includes a motion sensor, spotlight bulbs and a scroll wheel remote.

The Home Assistant 2025.12 release has arrived. This update brings new experimental features, which can be found under the recently added Home Assistant Labs area. Plus, real-time energy monitoring has been added to the energy dashboard, and there is a new Philips Hue integration.

Some of IKEA’s smart home products, including the Kajplats smart bulbs, the Timmerflotte temperature sensor and the Myggspray motion sensor, have been spotted in the brand’s physical stores in several European countries. All of these devices support Matter, meaning they will integrate with many smart home ecosystems.

The IKEA Bilresa Remote control smart home products are now available in one European country. There are two versions of this product, and customers can purchase a single remote or a set of three. Plus, the pricing of this Matter-compatible accessory has been confirmed for other countries in this market.

Aqara is rolling out an update for the Panel Hub S1 Plus, a smart home device which launched earlier in 2025. This release brings Apple features to the product, including the Siri voice assistant and support for AirPlay. Plus, the software also includes new intercom and chime-related tools.

Philips Hue has released a new update for its app, version 5.56. This is a relatively minor release, resolving several issues with the software. Users are still waiting on a couple of features, at least one of which is expected to be added to the app before the end of 2025.

The Home Assistant app for iOS has been updated to version 2025.11.0. This is a relatively large update, bringing a new onboarding process, as well as improvements linked to CarPlay and the Apple Watch version of the app. Plus, users are now asked to choose between two connection security levels.

TP-Link is rolling out the Tapo C615G Kit security camera in Europe. Currently available to order in two countries in the region, this is a solar-powered model with a SIM card slot, meaning it can connect to 4G LTE networks. Other features include color night vision, AI tracking, and human and vehicle detection.

Xiaomi has launched the Mijia Smart Gas Water Heater 2 Constant Temperature Zero Cold Water 16L edition in China. This upgraded model is said to deliver instant hot water around your home. It offers app-based controls and support for HyperOS Connect, which means it can be linked to other smart home devices.

Xiaomi has released the Smart Door Lock M40 in China. This is a cheaper alternative to the recently launched Smart Door Lock M40 Pro, with only one difference between the two models. It supports various unlocking methods, including facial recognition and a fingerprint scanner.

On the surface, the internet seems to be decentralized. In reality, only a few global players ensure the functionality of websites and apps. Cloudflare, one of the largest, was rendered unavailable for hours on Tuesday, November 18th. What initially seemed like an attack turned out to be a simple mistake.

Shelly has released the Dimmer Gen4 in Europe. This smart home gadget is designed to turn your existing lights into smart lights, which can be controlled with an app or voice commands. Compared to the older Dimmer Gen3, the new model has a couple of upgrades, including multiprotocol support and Matter certification.

A recent report suggests that Philips Hue has released a new feature for users of the recently launched Hue Secure Wired video doorbell. It has been suggested that there is new motion-triggered functionality, which should make it easier for visitors to spot your doorbell at night.

Qualcomm is expanding its product range with new processors, specifically for professional applications. These processors also deliver relatively high performance for accelerating AI models, enabling the simultaneous analysis of sensor data across multiple dimensions.

IKEA has released two updates in quick succession for the Home Smart app, version 1.57.0 and version 1.57.1. With the release, the company is bringing support for Matter to all users, marking the end of the beta testing of this functionality. Plus, thanks to Thread 1.4, users now have more control over their connected Thread network.

The Aqara Presence Multi-Sensor FP300 has been released in various countries globally. This 5-in-1 device can perform motion and motionless detection, and can also measure ambient light, humidity and temperature. It supports Zigbee, Thread and Matter, with a range of settings available through the brand’s app.

A new update is rolling out for the Philips Hue app for iOS and Android. With version 5.55, some users get a supposedly easier way to create automations for their smart lights and accessories. Plus, there are two further changes bringing shortcuts to some notifications and a tweak for the security timeline.

TP-Link has released the Tapo C465 Enhanced AI Solar Security Camera in Europe. This 4K 8MP model was unveiled earlier this year, and it offers features like AI detection and color night vision. Plus, it is designed for use outdoors, with a solar panel to extend the device’s battery life.

Philips Hue has released its new Omniglow Strip Light in three lengths across Europe. This product first launched in the US in September 2025. It uses micro LED technology for smooth white and colored lighting effects, and it is said to deliver up to 4,500 lumens of brightness at 6,500 K.

Tapo has released the S110E Smart Switch Module in Europe. This smart home gadget is currently available in one country and expected to arrive in another in the near future. It offers dry and wet contact modes, making it compatible with a wide range of devices, with support for the Matter standard.

The Philips Hue Bridge v2 and the Philips Hue Bridge Pro are receiving new software updates. Both releases resolve a Matter-related problem for users of these smart home devices. Plus, the change log indicates that there are other minor improvements, though these are not explained in detail.

Three new IKEA smart home products have been revealed. In a recent announcement, the company confirmed plans to release two Bilresa remote controls and a Grillplats smart plug, each of which supports the Matter protocol. Expected to launch early next year, the pricing of some products has been announced for one market.

IKEA has officially announced five new smart home sensors: the Myggspray, the Myggbett, the Timmerflotte, the Alpstuga and the Klippbok. Functionality includes motion detection, contact detection, water detection, and air quality measurements. Each of these upcoming products supports the Matter protocol for integration with a wide range of ecosystems.

Home Assistant 2025.11 has been announced. The release brings a range of new features for users of the smart home automation platform, including a handy target picker tool. It also includes improvements to the automations editor, another option for the device energy graph, and fresh integrations.

The IKEA Kajplats smart light bulbs range has been officially announced. Set for launch in markets worldwide, the line-up includes white and white and color options, with varying brightness levels. Customers will be able to choose between spotlights, decorative bulbs and standard bulbs, all of which will support the Matter protocol.