Homey just made the smart home controller I hoped Apple would build
News Source
β’2026-09-01T13:00:00-04:00
π° What Happened
Homey announced the Homey Portal at the IFA 2026 tech show. It is a smart home controller that costs $299. You can mount it on a desk or a wall. It combines a touchscreen with a physical rotary dial.
You tap the screen and twist the dial to control lights, music, and climate. Reviewers say it is the smart home controller they hoped Apple would build. The dial makes it fast to use without looking at the screen.
π The Backstory
IFA is one of the biggest gadget shows in the world, held in Berlin. Homey makes hubs that connect smart gadgets from different brands. Lots of homes mix lights, speakers, and thermostats from many companies.
Most smart home controllers are all-screen. Homey instead brings back a physical dial. Tactile controls feel faster and more satisfying to many people. The Portal is Homey's bet that a simple dial beats a maze of apps.
π― Why It Matters
Smart homes often mean juggling many apps and voice commands. A single dial-and-screen controller makes everything simpler. If it takes off, other companies may copy the design.
Homey announced the Homey Portal at the IFA 2026 tech show. It is a smart home controller that costs $299. You can mount it on a desk or a wall. It combines a touchscreen with a physical rotary dial.
You tap the screen and twist the dial to control lights, music, and climate. Reviewers say it is the smart home controller they hoped Apple would build. The dial makes it fast to use without looking at the screen.
IFA is one of the biggest gadget shows in the world, held in Berlin. Homey makes hubs that connect smart gadgets from different brands. Lots of homes mix lights, speakers, and thermostats from many companies.
Most smart home controllers are all-screen. Homey instead brings back a physical dial. Tactile controls feel faster and more satisfying to many people. The Portal is Homey's bet that a simple dial beats a maze of apps.
Smart homes often mean juggling many apps and voice commands. A single dial-and-screen controller makes everything simpler. If it takes off, other companies may copy the design.