Athom's Homey hub now lets users update Matter, Z-Wave, and Zigbee smart home devices directly from its app, without opening separate manufacturer apps. For Matter devices specifically, Homey pulls firmware information straight from the Connectivity Standards Alliance's Distributed Compliance Ledger, bypassing the need for manufacturers to build update support into their own apps. Z-Wave and Zigbee updates depend on developer support, with an initial vendor list including IKEA, Aeotec, INNR, and others.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-09-18
A review roundup names four top Alexa-enabled smart speakers for 2026: the Echo Dot Max, Echo Dot (5th Gen), Echo Show 11 and Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen). The Echo Studio (2nd Gen) and Echo Spot (2nd Gen) also earn honorable mentions for their audio quality and compact design respectively, with the Studio singled out for its powerful, clear sound from three 1.5-inch drivers and a 3.75-inch woofer.
wired.com
· 2026-09-05
Aqara used IFA to introduce a broad range of new smart lighting products, including the 4.6-foot Floor Lamp T1 with RGBIC lighting and 18 addressable zones, outdoor permanent lights, RGBIC string lights, an upgraded LED light strip, and second-generation downlights. All the new devices support Matter through Thread, letting them work with platforms like Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings, Home Assistant, and Homey. Aqara has not yet announced pricing or release dates for any of these products.
theverge.com
· 2026-09-04
Philips Hue is partnering with rival Nanoleaf to bring Hexagon, Triangle, and Mini Triangle wall panels into its smart lighting system via a new $39.99 Wall Light Module, available starting September 3rd. The module contains Hue's full connectivity stack—Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Thread—letting users control the panels through the Hue app or Matter-compatible apps like Apple Home, while also unlocking Hue scenes, automations, and entertainment features.
theverge.com
· 2026-09-03
Athom-owned Homey has unveiled the Homey Portal, a 2.8-inch round touchscreen device with a stainless steel dial that lets users tap and twist to control lights, speakers, thermostats, and shades. Preorders start today at $249/€249, with shipping planned for December, and the device supports over 70,000 products from 2,000+ brands via Matter, Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Thread.
theverge.com
· 2026-09-01
Homey has introduced a new Device Updates feature that lets users install over-the-air firmware updates for smart home devices across Matter, Zigbee, and Z-Wave protocols directly within its app. Zigbee and Z-Wave updates come through their respective sub-apps, while Matter updates are pulled from the Connectivity Standards Alliance's Distributed Compliance Ledger. The feature is rolling out with Homey app version 9.10.0 and later across Homey Cloud, Homey Pro, Homey Pro mini, and Homey Self-Hosted Server.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-08-27
GoKawiil