Good morning and Happy Christmas! Smart Home professionals. As hardware becomes a commodity, your value as a consultant is shifting from “setting up gadgets” to “architecting the building’s digital skeleton.”
In Today’s Rundown:
- Structural Integration: August founders launch “Doma” to embed smarts into doors.
- The iRobot Pivot: Ownership shifts to a supplier, signaling a move toward “service-only” robotics.
- SmartThings Matter 1.5: The first ecosystem to officially deploy the new camera standard.
- The Desktop Dashboard: Amazon launches a web-based portal to control Alexa homes.
- Huawei’s “Professional” Pivot: Launching whole-home smart living packages for consultants.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
August Founders Launch Doma: The Move to Structural Intelligence
The Rundown: Jason Johnson and Yves Béhar, the creators of August Home, have unveiled “Doma,” a company focused on “architectural” smart products that are built into the home’s infrastructure. The Details:
- Doma products include intelligent doors and windows with embedded sensors, motors, and locks.
- The system is designed to be hardwired into the building’s electrical system, eliminating the need for batteries.
- It targets architects and high-end consultants rather than the DIY “aftermarket” retail shopper.
Why it matters: This is the end of the “gadget” era. You can now specify high-margin, structural components during the construction phase, positioning yourself as an indispensable partner to developers and architects.
iRobot Handed Over to Supplier Following Chapter 11 Filing
The Rundown: iRobot has filed for bankruptcy and transferred ownership to its primary contract manufacturer, Shenzhen PICEA Robotics, shifting the company toward a private, service-oriented model. The Details:
- Ownership moves from a public tech company to its secured lender and manufacturer.
- The move aims to stabilize supply chains, but it creates uncertainty regarding the long-term stability of cloud services.
- Industry analysts suggest a shift toward “Hardware-as-a-Service” to sustain the brand. Why it matters: This is a “Cloud-Lock” warning bell. When hardware giants go private or bankrupt, client systems break. Use this to pitch Local-First robotics (like 1X or Home Assistant integrations) that don’t depend on a manufacturer’s stock price to function.
SmartThings Is the First Platform to Native Support Matter 1.5
The Rundown: Samsung SmartThings has become the first global platform to officially implement Matter 1.5, specifically enabling standardized camera support. The Details:
- Users can now view live video from Matter-certified cameras directly in the SmartThings app.
- Includes support for PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) and two-way talk without proprietary APIs.
- Rollout begins this week for existing SmartThings Hubs (V2, V3, and Station).
Why it matters: Matter 1.5 is no longer just a “spec”—it’s live. You can now offer clients a multi-brand camera system that doesn’t require a dozen different cloud accounts, dramatically simplifying your handover process.
Amazon Launches New Alexa Website for Home Management
The Rundown: Amazon has released a comprehensive web portal that allows users to control their smart home, view Ring cameras, and interact with Alexa through a desktop browser. The Details:
- Provides a centralized “Smart Home” section for controlling lights, plugs, and locks via mouse and keyboard.
- Allows for easier file uploading and document summarization using the new “Alexa+” AI features.
- Syncs voice conversations from the living room to typed chats on the desktop.
Why it matters: This bridges the gap for “Home Office” clients who want professional control without picking up a phone. You can now set up permanent, browser-based “Command Centers” on client PCs as a value-added service.
Huawei Unveils Whole-Home “Professional” Packages
The Rundown: Huawei has launched three tiers of HarmonyOS whole-home intelligent living packages, with the “Professional” tier focusing on air quality and dynamic lighting. The Details:
- Packages range from $1,421 (Starter) to $14,210 (Premium).
- The “Professional” package ($8,526) includes PLC connectivity, fall detection for seniors, and sensor-driven interactions.
- Native support for Wi-Fi 7 and deep integration with Mate TV surround sound.
Why it matters: Large-scale manufacturers are now packaging “Professional Services.” To compete, you must emphasize your Platform-Agnostic expertise. Use these as a benchmark for your own consulting packages to show clients why a custom-architected solution is superior to a pre-packaged bundle.
QUICK HITS
- Aqara Rolls Out Siri support for Panel Hub S1 Plus: Users can now use Apple’s voice assistant locally on the wall panel. Source -> Better local control for HomeKit.
- Linkind Launches Solar Matter Spotlight: One of the first solar-powered floodlights to use the Matter standard. Source -> Easier outdoor integration for consultants.
- DeepSeek AI Named China’s Word of 2025: Highlighting the global shift toward open-source LLMs in smart devices. Source -> AI is the new infrastructure.
- Eureka J15 Max Ultra Detects “Transparent Liquids”: New AI sensors prevent the robot from mopping over water or pet waste spills. Source -> Fewer maintenance-related support calls.
- Dolby & LG Launch Atmos FlexConnect Soundbar: Wireless speakers that automatically calibrate to room acoustics. Source -> High-end audio made easier.
- Smart Home “Resilience” Trends for 2026: New market reports show security and energy independence are the top consumer priorities. Source -> Sell peace of mind, daily.
👉 Download the free Smart Home Consultant Launch Kit
See you next week,
Gerard Founder, Certified Smart Home Consultant Program
