Introducing the Latest Updates in Home Automation
The most recent update in open-source home automation offers a notable feature that Apple’s app had already introduced. With version 2026.3, users can now control robot vacuums on a room-by-room basis. This update allows users to associate each room identified by the vacuum with configured zones in Home Assistant. Subsequently, users can utilize automations, interface controls, or even a voice assistant to instruct the vacuum to clean specific areas. This enhancement caters to all Matter-compatible robots capable of room management, initially available for Roborock and Ecovacs products.
In addition to these changes, the latest update includes significant improvements in the energy dashboard. The settings have been streamlined into three sections for managing electricity, water, and gas consumption. Furthermore, the “Now” view, introduced in Home Assistant 2025.12, now displays real-time electricity, water, and gas consumption using indicators on the screen. The electricity view has been reorganized to provide better insights into overall statistics, especially on mobile devices. Moreover, a useful option has been highlighted for automations, enabling actions to proceed in case of errors, enhancing the efficiency of the automation process.
Another noteworthy addition is that Android devices now support voice-activated Home Assistant. The associated app now detects voice triggers locally, offering convenience despite increased energy consumption. This feature is particularly beneficial for Android tablets displaying dashboards. For smartphones, users can toggle this feature within automations, linking it to device charging or geolocation services when away from home. The update also expands integration support, including Liebherr connected appliances and advancements in Matter standard compatibility.
Moreover, backend enhancements such as the update to Python promise performance improvements, notably faster startup times. Detailed information regarding these updates is available in the accompanying blog post. Stay updated with the latest innovations in the Apple community by supporting MacGeneration through Tipeee and explore their new offerings and discounted Club iGen subscriptions. Join the largest French-speaking Apple community and delve into the realm of iOS 26, Home Assistant, macOS Sonoma, data backups, and Mac/iPad keyboard shortcuts. MacGeneration SARL has been proudly publishing content since 1999 and is a recognized online press service endorsed by CPPAP under number 0929 W 93490, with all rights reserved.
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