Smart home device maker Fibaro announces a partnership with network attached storage (NAS) manufacturer QNAP, one adding the features of Fibaro systems to QNAP NAS servers.

As a result, customers will be able to create a smart home via server and peripheral devices such as motion sensors, leak sensors, shutters and lighting controllers, with the NAS server taking the role of hub device. All one needs to turn a server into a home automation hub is a USB Z-Wave stick.

An update on the Google Home website shows more devices compatible with the Google Home automation hub-- including August Home smart locks, Logitech Harmony products and smart lighting from TP-Link and LIFX.

Through such compatibility customers can use their voice to lock August smart locks and check lock status (but not unlock them), control lights and thermostats connected to a Wink Hub, turn on speakers, turn on a connected TV and go to a favorite channel via Logitech Harmony, control the colour and brightness of LIFX lights, control TP-Link smart lighting, outlets and switches, control Rachio sprinkler systems and control devices connected to a Vivint system.

Handling voice interaction is, of course, Google Assistant. August and Rachio say integrations only work on the Google Home device, while Wink, LIFX and TP-Link say integration works on smartphones as well.

The appliances market is set for "rapid roll-out" of smart-enabled white goods, FutureSource reports-- opening a door to vendors providing services linked to such products.

"Manufacturers are now focusing on the inclusion of smart features and we anticipate that half of all home appliances that ship in 2021 will offer online connectivity," the analyst says. "For example LG and Hoover have committed to implementing connectivity within all their appliances this year. Other major players such as Bosch and Samsung have announced plans to follow suit by 2020."

Futuresource adds such growth brings an opportunity in services such as diagnostics and maintenance, management and ordering of consumables, improved fabric care and even enhanced cooking experiences. It also points out that while ASPs are declining mature markets are moving towards higher-end devices, and smart feature uptake should help stablise prices.

According to Gartner connected home solution adoption remains at the early adopter phase-- only around 10% of households currently have connected home solutions.

The conclusion is the result of a survey of 10000 online respondents in the UK, US and Australia held during H2 2016. In this case, "connected home solutions" covers devices and services connected to each other and the internet able to respond to preset rules, provide remote access and management via mobile app or browser, and push alerts and messages to users.

"Although households in the developed world are beginning to embrace connected home solutions, providers must push beyond early adopter use," the analyst says. "If they are to successfully widen the appeal of the connected home, providers will need to identify what will really motivates current users to inspire additional purchases."

Home automation and control device vendor Fibaro announces integration with Russound with trio of plug-ins allowing Fibaro Home Center controllers to manage Russound audio systems.

The plug-ins in question provide control for the Russound XSource audio streamer, MCA-88X multi-zone controller amplifier stremer and the XZone4 four-zone audio system. As a result Fibaro and Russound dealers can promote the systems with the Fibaro Home Center controller, providing customers with a pro-grade audio solution for smart homes.

Mobile World Congress 2017 sees Acer announce the Air Monitor-- a connected device providing real-time air quality analysis through companion app and a colour-changing LED embedded in the chassis.

Part of the company's "Internet of Beings" (IoB), the Air Monitor tracks 6 air quality indicators, namely TVOC (Total Volatile Organic Compounds), carbon dioxide, PM2.5, PM10, temperature and humidity. The smartphone app allows users to easily access the measured data, and it can also send warnings via push notifications when indicators exceed predefined thresholds.