Homey Pro Mini: Universal control center for smart homes launches for 250 Euros

The Homey Pro Mini smart home control center will be available in Germany from December 4th, following its release in the USA. It costs 250 Euros, making it around 150 Euros cheaper than the next larger solution without the "Mini" suffix. The new hardware will initially be available for purchase on the website of the Dutch manufacturer and Homey platform operator Athom, which is now part of the technology group LG. It is expected to be available through other sales channels later.

20 brands and three radio protocols in parallel

Whether it's lights, heating, or Wi-Fi cameras – anyone who wants to bundle smart devices from more than one brand under a single user interface needs a central smart home control system with software and a radio control center. Homey positions itself as a more accessible alternative to open-source solutions like Home Assistant, but aims to offer more design freedom than the easy-to-use platforms from Amazon, Apple, and Google.

With Homey's new control hardware and the free companion app for smartphones, as well as the web interface, users can control devices from around 1000 smart home brands supported by the platform, according to Athom. Furthermore, complex automations can be created using a graphical editor, and buttons or measured values can be displayed on individual dashboards.

Under the hood, a Quad-Core ARMv8 is at work, supported by 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of internal storage. This is sufficient power to manage 20 "Homey Pro Apps." An app here refers to an extension that typically provides functions for one smart home brand. Some of these mini-programs are provided by Athom itself, others come from the respective device and service providers, or were created with private enthusiasm.

Cloud and local

Depending on the interface, Homey Pro Mini communicates with devices via the cloud or locally. Devices can be paired directly via the ZigBee and Thread radio protocols, as well as the smart home "universal language" Matter. Control signals for Wi-Fi devices must go through the Wi-Fi router. The Homey Pro Mini itself does not have a chip for this. It is connected to the router via a LAN cable, integrating it into the home network.

According to Athom, this covers the most common communication methods and the brand ecosystem of many households. On average, 14 apps are installed on a Homey Pro. Those who also want to control devices via Z-Wave, Bluetooth LE, 433 MHz, and infrared can optionally purchase the Homey Bridge for 70 Euros.

In total, this still remains below the purchase price of the more powerful Homey Pro control center. It remains interesting for those who want to unite up to 60 apps, and thus a corresponding number of smart home brands, under one roof. Furthermore, it has all the mentioned communication methods built-in, which is why it doesn't need the Homey Bridge as a sidekick.

Remote access via the Homey cloud is included with the purchase and, unlike the alternative smart home platform Home Assistant, does not cost extra.

(emw)