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Google Home adds local Matter control for existing Philips Hue bridges
Google's October 14 release notes say Hue bridges upgrade in the background, with no re-pairing. The September 30 notes add Gemini for Home and device control fixes.
Apple announces HomeView, HomePod mini 2, a new Apple TV 4K and Apple Home Collection
HomePod mini 2 ships October 30. HomeView and the new Apple TV 4K follow November 13. The accessories follow in December.
LEDVANCE joins Works with Home Assistant with 116 certified Matter over Wi-Fi devices
Home Assistant announced the lighting maker as a partner on October 13. Every certified LEDVANCE device uses Matter over Wi-Fi and needs no extra gear.
LG and Schneider announce nine Apple Home Collection accessories with Apple
LG makes seven of the nine accessories and Schneider Home makes two. Sales start in December, with select accessories in early 2027.
Samsung SmartThings update adds SmartThings Now, hub local control and Matter 1.6
The update redesigns the Home tab, sends commands directly between phone and hub on the same Wi-Fi network, and adds four Matter 1.6 device categories.
Aqara begins selling in Canadian Tire stores
Aqara announced its first Canadian retail partnership on October 9. Five products are sold at upwards of 500 Canadian Tire locations.
Amazon announces Alexa Tablet 8, 11 and 12 Pro
The Android tablets have Alexa+ built in and full Google Play Store access. Prices start at $229.99. Deliveries start October 14 in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Home Assistant 2026.10 adds OpenStreetMap maps, a trigger ID interface and new Matter controls
The October 7 release rebuilds the Map dashboard and adds a user interface for trigger IDs. Home Assistant Cloud is to be renamed Home Assistant Link in the December release.
Ring announces four 4K cameras and a Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam 2K
The Outdoor Cam 4K Plus, Spotlight Cam 4K Plus, Floodlight Cam 4K Plus and Indoor Cam 4K use Ring's Retinal 4K imaging. The Indoor Cam 4K and Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam 2K are on sale. The three outdoor models are on pre-order.
Ring announces the Smart Lock with a hand-powered backup dial
Announced October 7, the lock uses Amazon Sidewalk for remote functions. A U.S. launch is planned for early 2027 in black, silver and brass. The lock still needs FCC authorization.
Home Assistant Cloud to be renamed Home Assistant Link
Nabu Casa announced on October 2 that the subscription service gets its new name in the December 2026 release. The service stays optional.
Nanoleaf launches an MCP integration for ChatGPT and Claude
Announced September 30, the integration lets compatible AI chatbots control Shapes, Lines, Canvas, Elements, Skylight, 4D and Essentials lights. It runs through the Nanoleaf Desktop App, which must stay open.
Arlo announces the Essential Solar Security Camera
Announced September 29, it is Arlo's first solar-powered camera. It lists at $99.99 in black and white, with pre-orders open and shipping stated for mid-October.
Arlo announces Secure 7 with Threat Assessment and a 24/7 recording plan
Announced September 16, the update adds two AI features and an Ultra Secure plan that records continuously on up to three cameras. The features roll out to Arlo Secure customers over about a month.
Philips Smart Lighting launches Screen Sync and an HDMI 2.1 Sync Box on WiZ
Signify's Wi-Fi lighting brand, separate from Philips Hue, announced five TV lighting kits on September 10. Prices start at $84.99. Availability dates are not stated.
Sonos 27 adds MCP access, portable surrounds and headphone linking
The S2 software update starts rolling out on September 8 with a new app layout and a connector for outside AI assistants, and Sonos announced Beam Ultra and Ace Ultra with it.
Philips Hue announces Custom AI Behaviors, Play Screen Sync and new Play gradient strips
Signify's September 3 release covers Hue software, TV lighting, a Nanoleaf link and new design lines. Dates run from September 3 to late October 2026.