Proxy all the things: no device left behind
Every smart home has them: the older devices that still work perfectly well but no longer fit neatly into a modern setup.
Home Assistant and the Open Home Foundation are tackling the "disposable" nature of smart homes by enabling users to integrate legacy hardware into modern setups. By leveraging ESPHome-powered proxies, users can now bridge the gap between offline protocols and their home network.
The short version
- Expanded support for Infrared (IR), Radio Frequency (RF), and Serial proxies.
- Serial connections are now wireless and encrypted, removing the need for direct cables to the server.
- Home Assistant 2026.6 adds the ability to receive IR signals, turning old remotes into smart inputs.
What happened
Home Assistant has expanded ESPHome's capabilities to support generic proxying. These inexpensive microcontrollers act as communication bridges that handle the physical signal—whether it is a pulse of IR light or a radio frequency—while Home Assistant manages the logic. This separation allows proxies to be placed anywhere in the home, enabling control over older devices like 20-year-old receivers, basement air conditioners, and LG TVs via RS232 serial connections.
Why it matters
This shift promotes a more sustainable smart home by treating existing gear as "first-class citizens." Instead of replacing functional appliances with expensive smart models, users can build intelligence into their current hardware. This approach reduces electronic waste and proves that a home can be both smart and sustainable.
Summary by Nerd News Network. Read the full article at Home Assistant Blog via the links above and below.