U.S. Bans Foreign Robovacs & How Z-Wave is Staying Relevant in 2026 with Guest Avi Rosenthal
About this episode
Andrew discusses the future of smart home technology with Avi Rosenthal, focusing on Z-Wave's relevance and recent government restrictions on smart devices.
In this episode, Andrew sits down with Avi Rosenthal, chair of the Z-Wave Alliance, to explore the future of smart home technology, the role of open standards, and why Z-Wave still matters in a world of Matter, Thread, and Wi‑Fi. They also dig into recent government restrictions on smart devices, the rise of Z-Wave Long Range, and what true interoperability looks like in the connected home. Topics covered: The new ban on foreign robotics to the U.S. New rumors on Apple's smart home timeline A new circulator fan from SwitchBot Homey's new Matter 1.5 certification Why Z-Wave is still worth considering in new and existing smart homes Send me your smart home questions and recommendations with the hashtag #SmartHomeInsider. Tweet and follow your host at: @andrew_osu on Twitter @andrewohara941 on Threads Email me here Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel Subscribe to the Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe. Links from the show Apple's smart home rollout timeline Homey's Matter 1.5 certification SwitchBot Circular Fan 2 Pro Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com
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