{
  "id": 19546898,
  "title": "This tiny box gives your older tech smart home superpowers – and it’s only $69",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/this-tiny-box-gives-your-older-tech-smart-home-superpowers-and-its",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-11T20:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ZDNet",
    "slug": "zdnet",
    "url": "https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/home-assistant-connect-aux-2-hardware-older-tech-smart/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Home Assistant, the most customizable smart home automation system, now offers a solution for users wanting to make their older electronics smarter without purchasing new devices. The company, Nabu Casa, has introduced the AUX-2, an affordable box-shaped device that connects to various connectivity options, such as RS-232 serial for older TVs and stereo systems, Bluetooth, Z-Wave, USB, PoE, and Wi-Fi. Founder Paulus Schoutsen emphasizes that \"no device should be left behind because it doesn’t have smart capabilities\" and that the AUX-2 addresses the issue of modern smart homes excluding functional electronics. Instead of buying new smart equipment, users can utilize the $69 AUX-2 to give their existing devices connectivity, control, and easier integration with Home Assistant. With one AUX-2, multiple devices can be controlled, depending on how they are connected, giving users the ability to integrate old AV receivers, TVs, audio equipment, and multi-room sound systems without relying on the manufacturer’s cloud servers.",
  "summary": "Home Assistant gets new equipment to battle planned obsolescence and abandoned cloud services.",
  "key_points": [
    "AUX-2 device enables older electronics to become smart home compatible",
    "Connects via RS-232, Bluetooth, Z-Wave, USB, PoE, Wi-Fi",
    "Priced at $69, integrates with Home Assistant for control and automation"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}