Nabu Casa, the commercial entity behind the Open Home Foundation, has launched the Home Assistant Connect Aux-2. This new device is a multi-function hub designed to simplify the integration of various peripherals into the Home Assistant ecosystem. The product represents a continued effort by the platform to enhance user accessibility and streamline the setup process for smart home components.
Priced at 69 dollars, the compact box is roughly the size of a standard deck of cards. It features a wide array of connectivity options, including 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, USB-A, and USB-C ports. The device also includes a digital and analog audio jack, a Grove port for connecting sensors and buttons, and two RS-232 serial ports. These features allow users to bridge Bluetooth devices, connect Z-Wave or Zigbee antennas, and control hardware such as televisions, AV receivers, and solar inverters via serial connections.
The hardware is built upon ESPHome, an open-source framework that enables the creation of DIY smart home devices using affordable ESP boards. By leveraging existing integrations, the Aux-2 supports functions like audio streaming through Music Assistant and SendSpin. These software components are currently under active development and allow users to stream music from various services to compatible audio equipment.
During a two-day testing period, the device proved to be both useful and straightforward to install. The setup process involved connecting the unit to a computer via USB-C to install firmware and enter Wi-Fi credentials. Once powered on at its final location, the remainder of the configuration was completed directly within the Home Assistant interface. The platform automatically detected the device and guided the user through enabling specific capabilities such as Bluetooth proxying.
One practical application demonstrated during testing was the monitoring of a garage refrigerator. By utilizing the Aux-2 as a Bluetooth proxy, standard Bluetooth hygrometers could be integrated into the system. This allowed for reliable temperature tracking and automated alerts, overcoming previous connection issues associated with other sensor types. The device maintained a stable connection through multiple walls and a metal fridge door, restoring a functional monitoring setup.
The audio capabilities of the Aux-2 were also tested by connecting in-wall speakers to an amplifier. Using the Music Assistant integration, users can play audio from services like Spotify and YouTube Music to various outputs. While the initial configuration required some time to set up the different audio protocols, the entire process took less than thirty minutes. The system now allows for seamless music playback through the living room speakers.
While the serial control feature remains untested in this initial review, it offers significant potential for connecting legacy or industrial hardware. Although the Aux-2 performs functions that could be replicated with a standard ESP32 board or other specialized devices, its value lies in its ease of use. The open-source nature of the ecosystem encourages both commercial hardware and DIY solutions, providing users with flexible options.
The release of the Aux-2 highlights the collaborative effort between Nabu Casa and other partners like Apollo Automations, both of which support the Open Home Foundation. By providing a user-friendly entry point into the ESPHome world, the device lowers the barrier to entry for users who may have previously been intimidated by DIY hardware projects. This approach aims to make advanced smart home customization accessible to a broader audience.
