Tom's Smart Home

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Check out my latest videos below!
Most beginner Home Assistant users never find these built-in features, even after using it daily. Smart switches used in this video are linked in my Amazon store! 👉 https://geni.us/hhnPAhG Home Assistant Blueprints Exchange: https://community.home-assistant.io/c/blueprints-exchange/53 ==================== Products and Gear ==================== This video is NOT sponsored. Product links are affiliate links so if you buy something, I receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you! ==================== Related Videos ==================== ⚡https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5gJkotgC44&list=PLa_JGr3gZ9jEeoIGOe-Y-pufa0mBwATak&index=4 ⚡https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nkq51_mVVdg&list=PLa_JGr3gZ9jHEIX43aCIB3iViLz2N8_OV&index=6 ==================== Description ==================== Most Home Assistant users think they know their way around -- but these features prove otherwise. They are already built in, require zero add-ons or YAML, and most people scroll right past them every single day. Drop a comment with how many you already knew, and don't cheat by skipping ahead. 😄 ==================== Timestamps ==================== 0:00 - These Features Have Been There the Whole Time 0:17 - Big Timesaver 1:14 - Cleanup in Seconds 2:05 - Toggle cards automatically 3:03 - Save a Scene Automatically 4:37 - Work in automations faster 5:36 - Expert-level automations 6:23 - Figure out why it broke 7:00 - Entity history tweaks
These Home Assistant Features Are HIDDEN In Plain Sight!
Find your next Zigbee coordinator here: 👉 https://geni.us/BtJz4Vx Zigbee coordinators can be confusing sometimes, since there are many from brands like Sonoff, SMLite, Aeotec, or Home Assistant itself. Here's how to choose which one you should get. ==================== Products and Gear ==================== This video is NOT sponsored. Product links are affiliate links so if you buy something, I receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you! Best budget pick 👉 https://geni.us/ITA6XK Best for future proofing (Silicon Labs chip) 👉 https://geni.us/FhEhgb Best if planning for Zigbee and Z-Wave 👉 https://geni.us/QArREs Best for supporting Home Assistant 👉 https://geni.us/GfsGpuT ==================== Related Videos ==================== https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ibi5rX2ZcVs&list=PLa_JGr3gZ9jFR-xPo12mDKq8T6qD-I5dd&index=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lq7-wl_S98I&list=PLa_JGr3gZ9jEeoIGOe-Y-pufa0mBwATak&index=1 ==================== Description ==================== I tested 4 Zigbee coordinators for Home Assistant (ZBT-2, SLZB-06, ZBDongle-E, and Z-Stick 10 Pro) across price, range, compatibility, and form factor so you don't have to guess which one to get started with. Whether you're setting up Zigbee2MQTT or ZHA for the first time, the wrong coordinator can cost you down the line as your smart home expands. This Zigbee coordinator comparison covers everything before you buy, including USB vs PoE, dual-protocol Z-Wave support, and web UI control. ==================== Timestamps ==================== 0:00 - So many different coordinators! 0:34 -The one thing that affects this entire decision 1:39 - The factors you might be overlooking 4:09 - Compatible on paper doesn't mean compatible in practice 6:24 - I ran my own tests 7:45 - The results (and the one that surprised me) 8:00 - Who should actually buy each coordinator 9:53 - Now you can setup your Zigbee network
Best Zigbee Coordinator for Home Assistant? (4 Tested)
Not all Zigbee experiences are the same....what you pick can change your entire setup! Sonoff ZBDongle-E dongle (Amazon) 👉 https://geni.us/ITA6XK ==================== Products and Gear ==================== Sonoff ZBDongle-E dongle (Amazon) 👉 https://geni.us/ITA6XK USB Hub (Amazon) 👉 https://geni.us/ViNQNp Home Assistant Green 👉 https://geni.us/gBon Here are some reliable Zigbee devices I use all the time! (Amazon) 👉 https://geni.us/dREK This video is NOT sponsored. Product links are affiliate links so if you buy something, I receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you! ==================== Related Videos ==================== https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tU8qYrmCMg&list=PLa_JGr3gZ9jHE5UwmDWLDDZLxj-cWXKq0&index=11 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lq7-wl_S98I&list=PLa_JGr3gZ9jG72u-RlBRJtWFOEmpTQKnZ&index=1 ==================== Description ==================== In this guide, we compare the Sonoff ZBDongle-E, SLZB-06, and ZBT-2, then break down ZHA vs Zigbee2MQTT so you know exactly what to choose. We cover adapter firmware types, Mosquitto MQTT setup, device pairing, and what to do when your first pairing doesn't work. By the end, your Zigbee network will be running in Home Assistant with full local device control — no guessing, no cloud required. Z2M Home Assistant app repository: https://github.com/zigbee2mqtt/hassio-zigbee2mqtt ==================== Timestamps ==================== 0:00 - The one thing most Zigbee tutorials skip 0:29 - Which coordinator actually belongs in your setup 1:13 - Why the Sonoff comes in two versions (and why it matters) 2:00 - ZHA vs Zigbee2MQTT — the real difference nobody explains 3:30 - Spare your future self from headaches! 4:12 - Installing Z2M the right way (most guides miss this step) 5:13 - This setting can make or break your entire setup 6:14 - Connect FP300 to Z2M 7:18 - See how all devices relate to each other! 8:10 - What to set up on your Zigbee network next
The Zigbee2MQTT Setup Guide I WISH I Had When I Started…
I compared the Aqara FP300 vs the Aqara FP2 to see which is the better sensor for your Home Assistant setup! Aqara FP300 (Amazon) 👉 https://geni.us/B99TXA0 Aqara FP2 with bracket (Amazon) 👉 https://geni.us/lpWdNk ==================== Related Videos ==================== ⚡https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nkq51_mVVdg&list=PLa_JGr3gZ9jH_eNlAUTBV0ta798l99eJx&index=1 ⚡https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOpTAkesTOg&list=PLa_JGr3gZ9jG72u-RlBRJtWFOEmpTQKnZ&index=1 ==================== Description ==================== The Aqara FP300 and Aqara FP2 are both 60GHz millimeter wave presence sensors — but they work very differently once they're in Home Assistant. Let's break them down across hardware, connectivity, features like zones and multi-target detection, performance, and price to find the better buy. From Zigbee2MQTT and ZigBee Home Automation to the HomeKit integration and occupancy sensor reliability, this is a full side-by-side comparison. If you're choosing between the FP300 and FP2 for smart home automation, room-level presence tracking, or Home Assistant automations, this video is for you. All Thread Border Routers out there today: https://www.matteralpha.com/frequently-asked-questions/complete-list-thread-border-routers ==================== Products and Gear ==================== This video is NOT sponsored. Product links are affiliate links so if you buy something, I receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you! Aqara FP300 (Amazon) 👉 https://geni.us/B99TXA0 Aqara FP2 with bracket (Amazon) 👉 https://geni.us/lpWdNk Aqara FP2 without bracket (Amazon) 👉 https://geni.us/ZE2KvK Here are all the mmWave sensors I've tested! 💪 https://geni.us/exM5o ==================== Timestamps ==================== 0:00 - FP300 vs FP2 0:18 - Hardware: what's actually in the box 1:56 - Connectivity has some quirks 3:04 - The feature gap is real 5:35 - How well do the sensors work? 7:44 - Which one is worth your money 9:35 - One more comparison
Better Presence Sensor For Home Assistant? Aqara FP300 vs FP2
Check out these cheap sensors! (Amazon) 👉 https://geni.us/YVUlC4 Here's what I use! (Amazon) 👉 https://geni.us/eDQnLZU In this smart home update, we cover the biggest changes in Home Assistant 2026.3: Robot vacuum room control using your existing HA areas, a long-overdue automation fix that finally lands in the UI, experimental on-device wake word detection for Android, and energy dashboard improvements that make your usage data easier to read. Watch This Next: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nkq51_mVVdg&list=PLa_JGr3gZ9jG72u-RlBRJtWFOEmpTQKnZ&index=2 Subscribe to my channel! @TomsSmartHome ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 0:00 – What's New in 2026.3 0:20 – Robot Vacuum Areas 1:56 – Finally in the UI 3:36 – Experimental Android feature 5:52 – Energy Dashboard Updates 6:46 – Smaller Changes Worth Knowing Valetudo: https://valetudo.cloud/ 2026.3 Beta Release Notes: https://rc.home-assistant.io/blog/2026/02/25/release-20263/ #HomeAssistant #SmartHome #HomeAutomation About: Welcome to Tom's Smart Home! I cover Home Assistant updates, smart home news, and practical automation insights with a focus on clarity and community for offline smart homes. This video is NOT sponsored. Product links are affiliate links so if you buy something, I receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
See The Coolest New Features In The Home Assistant 2026.3 Beta!
👉 SwitchBot RGBICWW Floor Lamp (Amazon) https://geni.us/aJhM 👉 Check out my verified Home Assistant gear! https://geni.us/hhnPAhG The SwitchBot RGBICWW Floor Lamp was recently released, but should you get it? This hands-on review breaks down everything you need to know before buying. ==================== Description ==================== I tested it in real-world setups — including corner ambience, under-couch lighting, custom effects, and smart home automation — to see if it lives up to the hype. This review covers both the strengths and the limitations so you can decide whether it deserves a spot in your lineup. It includes initial setup, app experience, and Home Assistant integration. If you're building a smart lighting setup and want smooth gradients, automation, and flexible mounting options, this video will help you decide if this floor lamp is the right fit for you! ==================== Products and Gear ==================== This video is NOT sponsored. Product links are affiliate links so if you buy something, I receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you! SwitchBot RGBICWW Floor Lamp: https://geni.us/aJhM Switchbot mmWave Presence Sensor: https://geni.us/hKG7z1 👉 Shop my verified Home Assistant gear! https://geni.us/hhnPAhG ==================== Related Videos ==================== https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESbbpRPV-GM&list=PLa_JGr3gZ9jHIIdwQFJBSIh5EmL6mFCjg&index=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nkq51_mVVdg&list=PLa_JGr3gZ9jG72u-RlBRJtWFOEmpTQKnZ&index=1 ==================== Timestamps ==================== 0:00 Is the SwitchBot Floor Lamp Worth It? 0:35 Price & Key Features (Matter, RGBICWW) 1:15 Assembly & Build Quality 2:24 Mounting Options & Creative Uses 3:38 Brightness & Color Accuracy Test 5:00 App & Effects 5:39 Matter Setup 7:26 Matter Limitations & Workaround 8:27 Local Control & Internet Blocking 9:02 Final Verdict 9:53 Motion Sensor Automation Video
Is the New SwitchBot Floor Lamp Actually Worth It?
Home Assistant 2026.2 Beta is out: here’s what changed. Join the discussion and share your thoughts on this update in the comments! In this smart home news update, we walk through Home Assistant 2026.2 and highlight the changes worth paying attention to. Toward the end, I also introduce a new recurring segment aimed at highlighting community-led projects and resources. If you follow Home Assistant closely and want clear, level-headed updates, this video is for you. Watch This Next: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nkq51_mVVdg&list=PLa_JGr3gZ9jH_eNlAUTBV0ta798l99eJx&index=1 Check out my Amazon store! https://geni.us/hhnPAhG Subscribe to my channel! https://www.youtube.com/@TomsSmartHome ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 0:00 – What This Update Covers 0:26 Home Assistant 2026.2 Overview 1:22 How to find compatible devices! 2:51 More triggers/condition updates 5:11 THIS dashboard is now the default! 6:07 Hidden Home Assistant feature 6:54 Community Spotlight Open Home Foundation dashboard: https://openhomefoundation.grafana.net/public-dashboards/1cb22c82e90c4f64afb366c6125a8489 Receipts project: https://www.reddit.com/r/homeassistant/comments/1q55lpv/using_home_assistant_to_be_more_analog_in_2026/ #HomeAssistant #SmartHomeNews #HomeAutomation About: Welcome to Tom's Smart Home! I cover Home Assistant updates, smart home news, and practical automation insights with a focus on clarity and community for offline smart homes. This video is NOT sponsored. Product links are affiliate links so if you buy something, I receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
Smart Home News: HA 2026.2 Features and Receipts Project!
Emerson Smart Plug https://geni.us/qRofp Emerson Smart Fan: https://geni.us/XDi6N (Amazon links) This video shows 5 different smart home devices that went under the radar at CES 2026! Smart home tech at CES 2026 had a fair number of good updates, like the Aqara Smart Lock U400. But I thought there were some devices that flew under the radar compared to the regular press coverage, and in today's video I share those with you! ⚡https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nkq51_mVVdg&list=PLa_JGr3gZ9jG72u-RlBRJtWFOEmpTQKnZ&index=1 ⚡https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMGOnPqTLUI&list=PLa_JGr3gZ9jG72u-RlBRJtWFOEmpTQKnZ&index=5 TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Intro 0:25 Item 1 2:48 Item 2 3:56 Item 3 5:25 Item 4 6:58 Item 5 This video is NOT sponsored. Product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something, I'll receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you! Emerson Smart: https://emersonsmart.com/ Hummingbird Smart Home: https://www.hummingbirdsmarthome.com/ Bloomin8 E-Ink display: https://www.bloomin8.com/ Bloomin8 Home Assistant integration: https://github.com/ARPOBOT-BLOOMIN8/eink_canvas_home_assistant_component Petkit Home Assistant integration: https://github.com/Jezza34000/homeassistant_petkit
I Found 5 Underrated Smart Home Products at CES 2026
Here's how to connect the Switchbot Presence sensor's circular base to the sensor. #switchbot #smarthome #homeassistant
Quickly Assembling The Switchbot Presence Sensor Circular Mount
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