Smart Home Guide 2026 - What to Buy, Platform Updates, and More!

It's 2026 and A LOT has changed in the world of smart homes. We'll walk you through all of it. From the latest updates to the Matter and ALIRO smart lock standards to what's changed across major smart home platforms like Google Home, Amazon, Apple Home, Home Assistant, Homey and more! Plus, we'll take you through the smart home devices we actually use and recommend, including thermostats, cameras, appliances, smart blinds, smart lighting, and more.

📑Blog Post: https://6monthslater.net/2026/03/smart-home-guide-2026-what-to-buy-platform-updates-more/

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🔗 Related Video links:
👉 2025 Smart Home Guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFtvYFZhlao
👉 Google Nest Thermostat (4th Gen) Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzpJ8VhflpU
👉 Home Assistant Green Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3V3Jestsoq0


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🕰️Timestamps:
0:00 - Matter Standard
5:22 - ALIRO Smart Lock Standard
9:32 - Google Home Updates
10:05 - Amazon/Alexa Updates
10:47 - Apple Home Updates
11:31 - Samsung SmartThings Updates
11:50 - Homey Updates
12:41 - Home Assistant Updates
13:02 - Hubitat
13:32 - Why Use Smart Home Hubs vs. Platforms
17:43 - Smart Home Device Recommendations
18:49 - Smart Thermostats
19:35 - Security Cameras and Doorbells
20:45 - Smart Appliances
23:02 - Smart Blinds
24:12 - Smart Lighting
26:06 - Smart Plugs and Light Switches


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Any music used is licensed from artlist.io: https://artlist.io/referral/1878516/Josh

6 Months Later received a media discount from Lutron on the smart blinds seen in this video. We also received the Home Pro Mini shown at no cost. This video has no sponsor.

Any Amazon links we provide in our descriptions are in conjunction with our Amazon partnership. The channel receives a small percentage of revenue from any sales generated by viewers clicking the links.

#SmartHome
#Matter
#ALIRO
#SmartLock
#HomeAssistant
#GoogleHome
#AppleHome
#PhilipsHue
#Lutron
#NestThermostat