
Hubs & Platforms
The most important decision you will make is which platform to build on, because it determines what you can buy for the next decade. This section explains Matter, Thread, Zigbee and Z-Wave in plain language, and compares Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, SmartThings and Home Assistant.
18 guidesBrowse Hubs & Platforms products
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- Which Smart Home Platform Should You Choose in Australia?Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa or Home Assistant: where to start.Buying advice · 6 min read

- What Is Matter? The Smart Home Standard Explained for AustraliansWhat Matter is and what it changes when you buy.Explained · 5 min read

- Zigbee vs Z-Wave vs Thread vs Wi-Fi: Which Smart Home Protocol Wins?The wireless protocols behind smart devices, compared.Explained · 4 min read

- Do Smart Home Devices Still Work When the Internet Drops?What keeps working when the internet drops.Explained · 4 min read

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18 guides shown
- Which Smart Home Platform Should You Choose in Australia?Buying advice · 6 min read
- Aqara Hub M3 vs Philips Hue Bridge vs SmartThings StationComparisons · 8 min read
- How to Switch Smart Home Platforms Without Starting OverHow-to & setup · 8 min read
- Why Smart Home Devices Sold in One Country Don't Work in AnotherExplained · 8 min read
- Who Can See Your Smart Home Data and How It's UsedExplained · 8 min read
- Smart Home Terminology: A Plain-English GlossaryExplained · 8 min read
- Garage and Entryway Automation: Arrival and Departure RoutinesExplained · 10 min read
- Nursery Automation: What's Genuinely Useful and What's Just NoiseExplained · 8 min read
- Kitchen Automation: Which Smart Devices Actually Earn Their PlaceExplained · 9 min read
- Bedroom Automation: Sleep, Wake and Light SchedulingExplained · 8 min read
- Smart Home Automation: How Scenes, Routines and Sensors Actually WorkExplained · 7 min read
- Tuya and Smart Life Devices: Can You Control Them Locally?Explained · 8 min read
- Samsung SmartThings in Australia: Setup, Devices and LimitsExplained · 7 min read
- What Is a Thread Border Router (and Do You Already Own One)?Explained · 7 min read
- Do Smart Home Devices Still Work When the Internet Drops?Explained · 4 min read
- Thread vs Matter: What Is the Difference, Simply ExplainedExplained · 7 min read
- Zigbee vs Z-Wave vs Thread vs Wi-Fi: Which Smart Home Protocol Wins?Explained · 4 min read
- What Is Matter? The Smart Home Standard Explained for AustraliansExplained · 5 min read
Hubs & Platforms products
The devices these guides discuss, with where to buy them in Australia.