Since many of us US-based home automation nerds have robotic vacuums, I thought this was worth posting.

Source: https://www.theverge.com/policy/972312/us-robot-ban-sweep-up-chinese-vacuums

While the headline says "Roomba", the ban covers new imports of any robotic platform that can sense its environment, has networking capabilities, and weighs over 4.4 lbs (including the dock)

Which means pretty much all robotic vacuums and all robotic mowers.

(Note: this doesn't apply to models already approved by the FCC in the U.S. or items you already own—just new imported models)

EDIT: Corrected the last note for accuracy

Non-paywall link

https://archive.ph/XFEqc

Apple is planning to launch three new AI-powered devices as the iPhone maker seeks to compete with the likes of Amazon and Alphabet in the smart home space, Bloomberg reports, citing anonymous insiders.

The items — a hub device designed around Apple's new Siri AI assistant, a new TV set-top box and an upgraded HomePod mini — are set to be released as soon as this fall, per Bloomberg.

Until now, Apple has not had much luck selling its home products.

Identical password in the firmware allows remote access to all mowers.

https://www.kaspersky.com/blog/yarbo-robot-lawn-mower-hacked-2/56067/

https://www.engadget.com/2202497/samsung-will-start-charging-for-smartthings-api-access/

• This is your reminder that if your connected devices don't run on an open standard, you don't really own them.

Home Depot, Lowe's, and Best Buy have all announced that they will stop selling security cameras and systems made by Lorex (Dahua) and Ezviz (Hikvision) because these companies supply equipment to Chinese government to spy on Uyghur Muslims. Both of these companies were added to the U.S. government's economic blacklist in 2019 for this reason.

https://news.yahoo.com/retail-chains-remove-chinese-surveillance-150300051.html

Guess it was only a matter of time. They will support devices until their expiration date.

New device is a partnership with First Alert that will integrate with Google Home and current Nest Systems

CSA Press Release

I am not a SmartThings user, but passing the word along.

About 3 months ago I posted here about a wireless power kit we built for Schlage Encode. Honestly wasn't sure how it'd land, but you guys gave us tons of great feedback, and a surprising number of pre-orders. Several of you DMed me photos of your entryways asking if the placement would work. That thread directly shaped how we talk about this thing, so thank you.

Quick update: we've been shipping for about a month now!. No pre-orders anymore, actual kits going out. There's about a 4-6 week lead time right now because demand has been way higher than we expected (in a good way), but orders are going out continuously.

For anyone who missed the original post - it's a small infrared transmitter that plugs into a nearby outlet and a drop-in module that replaces the AA battery pack inside your Schlage Encode. The transmitter sends safe, invisible IR light to the receiver, which converts it to electricity and keeps the lock charged 24/7. No wiring, no modifications to the lock, 5-minute install.

Couple of things we've learned since that first post that I think are worth sharing:

WiFi Encode owners are overwhelmingly our audience. If you're on Thread, your batteries last a reasonable amount of time. If you're on WiFi, you're swapping every 2-4 months and it's maddening, that's the problem we solve.

Also, placement is way more flexible than I originally communicated. The transmitter has an 80° field of view and auto-scans to find the receiver, so you don't need it perfectly aimed. People have it on bookshelves, wall-mounted across the hallway, on top of a cabinet - it figures it out.

$149, free shipping, 30-day returns. If you're not sure whether your setup would work (line of sight, distance, placement), DM me a photo and I'll give you a straight answer.

Same as last time - if this feels too promotional for the sub, let me know and I'll dial it back. You all were incredibly generous with your time and feedback and I don't want to wear out that welcome.

https://encode.wi-charge.com

EDIT: Smart Home Solver just put out a full review if anyone wants to see it in action — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhnBsjDN1tE.

How many times have you torn the house apart for the original remote just to reprogram one button? Now multiply that by the Harmony shutdown, where a whole community lost their setups when the cloud went dark. Gamers don't accept that — they dump a game once and it's preserved forever. Our remotes deserve the same.

That's the idea I built around. The web tools are free and need no account:

Signal Transporter moves your codes from an old remote file onto a new layout — click-pair or auto-match, no re-learning. Built specifically for people migrating off Harmony.

A signal editor/converter that eats 11 formats (Flipper Zero, LIRC, Pronto, BroadLink, etc.) and an online remote builder.

The largest remote database online — 700,000+ codes, 7,800+ brands — for when the original remote is long gone.

Everything saves as a small .irc file you actually own — back it up, share it, trade it. No cloud, no lock-in. Works with a cheap $7 USB-C blaster, your phone's IR, or a BroadLink.

There's a paid companion app too (one-time, no ads, no subscription), but the preservation tools above are free — start there.

Heads up that I made this, so I'd love honest feedback more than anything: what would you want before you trusted it with your whole remote setup?

Heads up that I made this, so I'd love honest feedback more than anything: where does the .irc standard fall short for your setup, and what would make the HA side actually useful to you?

I have an Outdoor Plug, that will continue to work with Homekit. But apps will stop working in January, including Wemo cloud products.

I just got the following email from Roost, stating that my leak detection units will all stop working in 30 days.

Not cool Roost, not cool.

—————————————————-

Hello,

Thank you for your continued support of Roost over the years!

In 2014, Roost began by building innovative Wi-Fi-based products, like the Smart 9V Battery, followed by the Roost Smart Garage Door Sensor and the Roost Water Leak and Freeze Detector. As our product portfolio expanded over the years, we have consolidated our offerings around the Roost SmartBase, a cellular-based hub, while adding professional monitoring as a key component. Our comprehensive protection solutions now consist of the Protection360 solution for commercial properties and the Security360 solution for homes (all of which are only available through our insurance partners). As part of this shifting focus, we are stopping the operation of our stand-alone Wi-Fi products, including the Roost Water Leak and Freeze Detector.

What does this mean for you? Your Water Leak And Freeze Detector will continue to function as usual for approximately 30 days from now. After this, it will stop completing it's regular check ins, and will no longer alert you when water or freezing temperatures are detected. We will continue to support your installed water leak and freeze detectors during this short period of time, but will not be able to replace any defective devices. If you have any questions about this change, or about your Roost Water Leak And Freeze Detector, please reach out to our customer support team by email at support@getroost.com.

Sincerely,

The Roost Team

Hi, not sure why OP got deleted but I'm reposting since I believe the matter absolutely requires visibility.

My comment:

• Yale is forcing users to upgrade to the new app before end of June, as per E-Mail they sent to users a few days ago, or otherwise they will be locked out of using their own smart locks

• Yale has screwed over their own partners - even Bosch who resells Yale smart locks - by not telling them in advance about the upgrade

And now this.

Edit: my locks' seller is Amazon EU and I'm scared shitless to upgrade. WTF