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Smart home control system comparison 2026

Smart home control system comparison 2026

When building a smart home, one of the most important decisions is choosing the control system that ties everything together. From lighting and climate control to security and entertainment, the platform you select will shape how flexible, future-proof and user-friendly your home becomes. Below, we compare nine of the most widely used smart-home platforms across

Smart Home News Roundup – January 2026

Smart Home News Roundup – January 2026

What’s new in the smart home industry The new year has kicked off with a wave of announcements that make it clear the connected home of 2026 will be faster, smarter and much more interoperable. January’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas delivered a slew of products built on open standards like Matter and the

Zigbee 4.0: The Next Generation of Zigbee

Zigbee 4.0: The Next Generation of Zigbee

The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) recently announced the Zigbee 4.0 specification. Almost ten years after Zigbee 3.0 unified multiple profiles into a single stack, the next generation aims to keep the protocol relevant as Matter gains momentum. In this post we highlight what’s new in Zigbee 4.0, compare it to Zigbee 3.0, and examine how it stacks up against

Australia’s Bushfire & Weather-Ready Smart Home: Automation for Safety

Australia’s Bushfire & Weather-Ready Smart Home: Automation for Safety

Living in Australia means facing unique environmental challenges, from scorching summers and unpredictable storms to the constant risk of bushfires. Fortunately, modern smart home technology can help protect your home and family even when you’re not there. By integrating safety-focused automation and intelligent systems, you can build a home that’s ready to respond when nature

Maximising Solar Power with Smart Home Tech

Maximising Solar Power with Smart Home Tech

Solar power is a game-changer for energy efficiency and sustainability, but its full potential is unlocked when paired with smart home technology. With the right setup, you can optimise energy usage, reduce electricity bills, and minimise your carbon footprint—all while enjoying the convenience of automation. Here’s how smart home tech can help you make the

12 incredibly useful Home automation ideas

12 incredibly useful Home automation ideas

Home automation has come a long way, transforming how we interact with and manage our homes. With the right technology, you can save time, improve energy efficiency, and enhance your comfort and security. Here are 12 incredibly useful home automation ideas to inspire you. 1. Get Notifications for Laundry Never forget about your laundry again!

Keeping your house protected with automations

Keeping your house protected with automations

Home automation isn’t just about convenience and luxury; it’s also a powerful tool for protecting your home and family. In Australia, where extreme weather conditions and unexpected events like bushfires and water leaks can threaten properties, automation can play a vital role in mitigating risks. Let’s explore two key areas where smart home technology can

The Grant home – the ultimate smart house

The Grant home – the ultimate smart house

The Grant Home is a showcase of the cutting-edge smart home solutions designed and implemented by Highlands Smart Homes. With over 250 connected devices, this project demonstrates how technology can enhance energy efficiency, security, convenience, and safety, all while providing a luxurious and intuitive living experience. Our goal was to create a fully integrated, highly

Custom Smart Homes vs. Off-the-Shelf Solutions: Which Is Right for You?

Custom Smart Homes vs. Off-the-Shelf Solutions: Which Is Right for You?

In the rapidly evolving world of smart home technology, homeowners are often faced with a critical decision: should they invest in a custom smart home system tailored to their needs or opt for off-the-shelf solutions that are readily available? Both options have their merits, and understanding the differences can help you make the right choice