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Smart Home Hub Bridges Old Tech to New
12 Nov
Summary
- The Aux-2 connects Bluetooth devices, older audio equipment, and serial devices.
- It simplifies integrating sensors for fridge temperature and setting up in-wall speakers.
- Based on ESPHome, it offers a user-friendly entry into smart home DIY.
Home Assistant has introduced the Connect Aux-2, a compact $69 device designed to enhance smart home integration. This multi-function box simplifies bringing various devices into a smart home ecosystem, building upon Home Assistant's user-friendliness. It features Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, USB ports, an audio jack, a Grove port, and RS-232 serial connections.
The Aux-2 effectively bridges Bluetooth devices into Home Assistant setups and can relay Z-Wave or Zigbee antennas. It enables control of devices like TVs and inverters via serial connections. Additionally, its audio jack allows streaming music to older audio equipment by connecting amplifiers or powered speakers.
This device leverages Home Assistant's open-source capabilities, built on the ESPHome platform. Setting up the Aux-2 proved surprisingly easy, involving firmware installation via a browser and final configuration within the Home Assistant interface. This facilitated straightforward integration of Bluetooth sensors for fridge monitoring and audio playback to previously unused in-wall speakers.
While the Aux-2 offers functionalities achievable through DIY ESP32 boards, its primary value lies in its ease of use and integration within the Home Assistant ecosystem. This encourages users to explore more DIY smart home projects, potentially expanding their smart home capabilities.
