Smart Home, Smart Live, Smart Solutions
With the Homematic IP Door Lock Drive – Pro*, eQ-3 AG is launching a revised version of its smart door drive*. The Pro version not only expands the existing system with new functions such as an especially quiet whisper mode, but also places a greater emphasis on security and everyday usability. In addition to a slimmer design, the device is available in several color options […]
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Home Assistant version 2026.4 is a particularly comprehensive update, bringing both new features and fundamental improvements to existing Home Assistant systems. The focus is on better integration of older devices, significantly simplified automation creation, and a further improved user interface. With this update, Home Assistant continues its monthly release cycle […]
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With Navimow Update V4.0.0, Segway has released a new firmware and app update for the Navimow i-series. This update affects the i105e and i108e robotic lawnmowers. The update primarily includes new smart home features, minor improvements, and various bug fixes. The update was rolled out in early 2026 and is intended for owners of the i105e and i108e models. Since […]
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The SwitchBot Plug Mini is a compact smart plug from Matter that integrates standard household appliances into a smart home system. Aimed primarily at beginners and budget-conscious users, the device even undercuts the price of the recently introduced IKEA GRILLPLATS smart plug. While the IKEA plug is currently available for around €8.99, the […]
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Integrating the Segway Navimow robotic lawnmower into Home Assistant was long only possible via workarounds. With Navimow app version 4.1.0, there is now an official solution for the first time. This guide will show you step-by-step how to set up your Navimow in Home Assistant, what prerequisites must be met, and which functions are currently available […]
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With the GRILLPLATS smart plug, IKEA is launching a new, particularly affordable Matter-compatible smart plug. It can be used not only within the IKEA ecosystem but also easily integrated into open systems like Home Assistant. In this article, we test how the integration with Home Assistant works and what features the smart plug offers. What is IKEA GRILLPLATS? […]
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With the GRILLPLATS, the Swedish furniture company IKEA expands its smart home range with a new smart plug. This compact device transforms conventional electrical appliances into intelligent components of a connected home. Smart plugs are among the simplest ways to transform an existing home into a smart home. They are plugged in between the wall socket and the appliance, enabling control […]
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To kick off the gardening season, there's an attractive spring offer for the new Navimow i2 series*. This model range was recently introduced and brings modern technologies for automated lawn care to any garden. Now is the perfect opportunity to switch to an intelligent robotic lawnmower from the i2 series and let the robot take care of your lawn for you. Newly introduced: […]
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At the Light + Building 2026 trade fair in Frankfurt, smart home manufacturer eQ-3 will present numerous expansions to its Homematic IP portfolio. More than 20 new products and solutions are designed to enhance the system in the areas of security, lighting, and smart home control, creating additional application possibilities for new construction and modernization projects. New security solutions are a key focus. […]
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Home Assistant has released its monthly update, version 2026.3. The new version brings several practical improvements for automations, energy monitoring, and voice control. Particularly interesting are a new feature for robot vacuums, an enhanced energy dashboard, and experimental wake word detection on Android smartphones. What is Home Assistant? Home Assistant is an open platform for smart home systems that allows users to […]
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The Shelly Plug M Gen3 is a smart Wi-Fi socket for indoor use that combines classic switching functions with modern technology. In addition to remote control of connected devices, the plug offers integrated power metering and Matter support for seamless integration into smart home systems such as Home Assistant. Installation and setup: Installing the Shelly Plug M Gen3 […]
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With the SONOFF Orb wall switches and wall sockets, Sonoff is launching a new generation of smart flush-mounted components on the European market. The series is designed for European Type E and Type F (Schuko) sockets and is permanently integrated into a standard flush-mounted box. Depending on the model, SONOFF uses either Matter over Wi-Fi or Zigbee, thus covering various smart home applications […]
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With the official announcement of the Navimow i2 LiDAR Pro, Segway expands its portfolio in the cordless robotic lawnmower segment with a more powerful version of the recently introduced i2 series. The new Pro version is specifically designed for properties with challenging topography – including slopes, uneven terrain, and complex garden layouts. The Navimow i2 LiDAR Pro features all-wheel drive for up to […]
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The recently introduced Homematic IP wall switch – 6-gang, 230 V – clearly focuses on simple and direct operation of the smart home system. Many smart home systems increasingly emphasize app control. Switching lights on or off, operating blinds, adjusting heating settings, or activating security functions – all of this is done […]
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IKEA has released a new firmware update for its smart KLIPBPOK water leak sensor: Version 1.0.11 is now available via Home Assistant and can be updated directly from the dashboard. The water leak sensor is based on the open Matter standard, is small, easy to install, and has already proven popular with many users for monitoring critical areas such as under […]
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I'm a big fan of Home Assistant because hardly any other smart home system evolves so consistently and regularly. With each update, not only does the range of functions grow, but also its everyday usability. This was also the case in February: On February 4, 2026, Home Assistant 2026.2 was released – a release that focuses primarily on clarity, user-friendliness, and […]
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With the KLIPBPOK water leak sensor, IKEA expands its portfolio with a small but extremely useful safety device. The sensor detects leaking water early and uses the open Matter standard. This makes KLIPBPOK particularly suitable for users of open platforms like Home Assistant, but it is also compatible with common systems from Amazon, Apple, Google, Homey, and Samsung. […]
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With the Navimow i2 series, Segway is launching the official successor to the popular i1 series, the i105 and i108 models, on the European market. The new model range focuses on wireless navigation, advanced sensors, and easy setup via an app. The target group is primarily private garden owners who want to automate lawn care without laying a traditional boundary wire […]
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The Home Assistant community regularly generates new ideas for controlling a smart home efficiently and elegantly. Besides classic dashboards on tablets or wall displays, an alternative approach is increasingly coming into focus: a dedicated display with an E-Ink screen. A project recently presented in the subreddit demonstrates how an e-paper display can serve as a stylish control element […]
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With the latest generation Echo Show 8, Amazon is focusing its smart speakers more on smart home use. The device no longer functions solely as an Alexa voice assistant with a screen, but instead integrates several key wireless standards into a single system. These include Zigbee, Matter, and Thread, which acts as a border router. This allows the Echo […]
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