Matter controllable vent fans. I’d love to be able to automatically shut off HVAC airflow to a couple rooms based on temperature and humidity from other sources. I’ve got a small bathroom that doesn’t keep temp consistent with the rest of the home and my office is always a bit hotter than the rest of my home (hot air from me and/or a couple computers, you decide)
Whoops I should have done more research before writing the suggestion! Thrilled this exists though haha you made my day!
Smoke and CO2 detectors. Compatible with HomeKit.
Just noticed my outdoor sensor is already at 34% and it’s 3 weeks installed, 7 feet from my access point with a wall in between.
Even better if using the tech Nest Protects abandoned.
An advanced sensor like the fp300 on batteries but where you can also configure zones like the fp2
For me, I think there’s a real need for a standalone, ZigBee, security key pad with or without rfid tags or even fingerprint sensor. There is tons of instances where you might use one, like adding secure entry to an automatic garage door. Maybe configure one of your lock keypads so it can be used without a lock.
Carbon monoxide detector
Decent offering of outdoor sirens (for an alarm).
Agreed! Thanks for suggesting this, Brianbonomo. I currently have an Ecowitt weather station which works well with HomeAssistant, but it would be better for Aqara to have its own system, or else have a hub that is compatible with the Ecowitt hub.
An affordable IR Blaster repeater to Matter to place in each room. To be able to convert all the IR type devices in each room to show up on HomeKit. I know the m3 can expose stuff to HomeKit, but from what I understand the range is still 360* and I don’t want a hub in every room.
…maybe a bit niche, but there’s a huge gap in the market for smart pH probes (for swimming pools and aquariums). There is nothing on the market that has a standard bnc connector to take a regular pH probe and easily connect to an automation platform such as Aqara. There are plenty of nerdy solutions for Arduino (+ soldering iron and a degree of coding expertise) but nothing I can simply buy and plug in.
A pool sensor would be great. Something that could alert me that chlorine is low/ph is off/etc. I’d also love a keypad for home security. The ability to have to enter a 4-digit code.
A variety of pressure pad sensors. Ones designed for under foot, on chairs/beds, under objects. With sensors for both binary on/off, and changes in measured pressure.
I woul’d like to see and buy a Hotel switch
One overlooked area in home automation is whole-home maintenance and upkeep, going beyond isolated sensors, security, switches, and lighting. A unified “home facility management” system could integrate sensors, calendars, and automations to predict cleaning, refilling, or replacement needs across the entire house.
Key Overlooked Directions
1. Predictive Maintenance & Service Logbook
- Track appliance runtime (washer, dryer, range hood, AC, HRV filters) and auto-schedule cleaning, filter changes, descaling, or service based on actual usage, air/water quality—not fixed timers.
- Generate mobile/HA dashboard “to-dos” with IP67 external sensors for outdoor units (e.g., monitoring condenser coils, water tank levels, or filter status in harsh weather). home-assistant
2. Waste & Recycling Management
- Monitor bin capacity (via camera/weight sensors) and waste type—alerts for collection day, “plastics due today,” or sorting guidance.
- Smart “recycling assistants” with camera-over-bin for categorization and household waste stats.
3. Noise, Quiet & Comfort Zones
- Beyond basic multiroom audio: Track noise levels per room (kids’ room, bedroom, office) and dynamically adjust volume, lighting, or active noise-masking.
- “Quiet mode” automation: During meetings/naps, mute doorbells, notifications, robot vacuums, and trigger silent scenes.
4. Zone-Specific Hygiene & Microclimate
- Granular monitoring beyond room humidity: Shower area, stove vicinity, shoe cabinet—recommend ventilation, fans, UV disinfection, or dehumidifiers based on patterns.
- Wardrobe integration (humidity, odors, mold risk) with alerts to dry/clean before issues arise; extend to IP67 outdoor probes for balcony gardens, rain barrels, or external HVAC intakes.
5. End-to-End Household Workflows
- Orchestrate routines like “wake-up → bathroom → kitchen”: Bed detects rise → preheats shower → kitchen lights coffee maker and checks groceries; logs water/energy/room usage.
- Tie in aquariums (feeders, cleaners, water quality/temp/lighting), groceries (expiry/low-stock alerts), showers (temp/pressure/music/lights), beds (temp/height/cleanliness/presence), and plants (feeders/health/light exposure) as seamless scenarios.
Forum-Ready Summary Response
“Most new products focus on sensors, security, switches, and lights, but true ‘home facility management’ is missing—predictive maintenance (with IP67 external sensors for outdoor gear), smart waste handling, noise/comfort zoning, and microclimate hygiene across the whole house, not silos. That’s the next big wave.”
Maybe some devices for solar management … for example a device to measure the power consumption of the hole house / apartment and program own “reactions”.
Status indicators. I want a bank of LED lights that can tell me at a glance that my garage door is closed, all my doors are locked, etc. as I’m about to call it a night.
I have started to see an expansion in the vacuum and mopping category. It would be great to have units that can spot clean carpets or provide general carpet cleaning.
It would also be great to see the expansion of these products into the commercial space. There are solid choices for the home that could easily be used commercially. Options now are pricey and are not as robust as what we have for home use.