The release of Version 2025.5 marks a significant advancement for Home Assistant, introducing improved backup, voice, and automation tools, along with Z-Wave LongRange support for expanded device coverage. This update allows users to customize backup retention rules, explore new voice options, monitor device connections, and effortlessly paste YAML code into their configurations.
Home Assistant, known for enabling local control and automation of smart home devices, has achieved a remarkable milestone with over two million active installations. To celebrate, the May 2025 release delivers upgrades focused on enhancing user experience.
This is particularly significant, as glitches with smart home products can lead to unnecessary frustrations. Version 2025.5 enhances the smart backup capabilities and introduces emotional voice options alongside automated features.
The addition of Z-Wave LongRange support expands the coverage area for compatible devices, offering users more freedom from reliance on cloud services. This makes Home Assistant a more attractive and flexible option for managing smart home environments.
Designed to operate on consumer-owned hardware, such as Raspberry Pi or Home Assistant Green, the software integrates various device types from multiple ecosystems—Matter, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth—into a single, locally-controlled dashboard. Unlike major cloud-based platforms like Google Home or Amazon Alexa, Home Assistant prioritizes user privacy.
The latest update further empowers users by allowing them to set custom retention rules for different backup locations, such as USB drives and cloud storage. Alongside these features, users can enjoy enhanced text-to-speech functionality, requiring a subscription to Home Assistant’s ‘Casa’ cloud service, as well as UI refinements and tools for monitoring device connections.
With its two-millionth installation, Home Assistant demonstrates its growing influence in the smart home landscape, as users increasingly desire control and freedom from vendor lock-in. The platform’s capability to function entirely offline, coupled with its support for thousands of integrations, ensures it remains a leading choice for those interested in smart home automation, backed by an enthusiastic global community.
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