Shelly to Release 11 Z-Wave LR Devices Using Long Range Spec
European smart device maker Shelly is releasing 11 connected devices in 2025 featuring Z-Wave Long Range (Z-Wave LR). The technology extends connectivity to devices beyond the home Wi-Fi network and resembles Amazon’s Sidewalk IoT network. The spec has a range of 1.5 miles and can support up to 4000 devices on a single network. Shelly plans to release smart power devices, humidity and temperature sensors, and a range of lighting dimmers and smart switches featuring Z-Wave LR. The spec was announced in 2020 however devices using the technology are only now coming to market.
The Circana Take:
- For owners of large properties or those with multiple structures, Z-Wave LR offers a streamlined convenient set up for connecting devices without needing repeaters or wires.
- This technology likely will appeal more to multi-unit residences or commercial users in settings where standard Z-Wave connections may not reach due to obstacles like thick walls.
Homey Launches a Smart Hub
LG-owned Homey released a second version of its smart home hub that eschews a few premium features to drop the price by half. The Homey Pro Mini has built-in support for Zigbee, Thread, and Matter and runs the Homey OS software, but offers fewer radios inside and less processing power compared to the higher priced version. In addition to centralizing Smart Home control, the Homey Pro also enables local automations and scenes without relying on cloud connections.
The Circana Take:
- The Homey Pro provides connectivity to users who own devices that use different specifications. With the emergence of Matter (which the Homey Pro Mini supports) consumers may question if they need a hub or a bridge.
- Manufacturers should focus on increasing consumer awareness of smart home hubs (and when to deploy them) to maximize sales and user satisfaction.