Home Assistant Podcast Home Assistant 2026.1: SendSpin, new Home Dashboard improvements and presence using labels
67 snips
Jan 6, 2026 Discover the latest in home automation with the exciting features from the 2026.1 release. The hosts delve into SendSpin, a new multi-room audio protocol that syncs devices effortlessly. Get insights on improvements to the mobile Home Dashboard and innovative presence detection using labels. They explore new integrations like Roborock Q7 support and enhancements in protocol dashboards for Zigbee and Matter. Plus, hear about creative listener feedback and DIY speaker possibilities that could upgrade your home experience.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Mobile Home Dashboard Prioritizes Quick Access
- Home Dashboard mobile now surfaces summary cards and favorite areas up front, replacing tab navigation.
- The change gives immediate access to common controls on phones without extra taps.
Use New Purpose‑Specific Triggers
- Try using the expanded purpose‑specific triggers for simpler automations instead of manual event wiring.
- Use the new climate, device_tracker, light, lock, and update triggers to reduce YAML complexity.
Template Sensor Saved My Presence Automations
- Phil moved broken Aqara FP1 presence sensors around and used the labs labels to avoid rewriting automations.
- He built a template sensor that aggregates labeled presence devices so automations keep working when devices change.