Last week I reviewed the Homey Pro and I think it is a fantastic device and ecosystem. Let's say you've gotten to the point where you want HomeKit to do more than is functionally possible. In that case, I think it's a great ecosystem to invest in because you can continue to use all your HomeKit devices, but now you can also start building an ecosystem outside of that. Today Homey announces that the Homey Pro can now download a free software update that activates the built-in Thread radio. The update allows Matter-over-Thread devices to be connected directly to Homey Pro without the need for a secondary Thread Border Router. HomeKit Weekly is a series focused on smart home accessories, automation tips and tricks, and everything related to Apple's smart home framework. “The Thread radio was already integrated into Homey Pro (early 2023),” explains Emile Nijssen, Creative Director of Athom. “Over the past few months we have been working hard to enable this technology and add it to the already impressive mix of smart home technologies that Homey Pro can connect to directly.” In addition to Thread, Homey Pro can communicate with smart home devices via Zigbee, Z-Wave, Matter-over-Wi-Fi, local LAN APIs, Cloud-based APIs, 433MHz RF, BLE and Infrared, the latter of which now also supports direct air conditioning control via infrared starting today, in addition to entertainment controls. Together these form an impressive and unparalleled range of smart home communications technologies. Homey Pro's new Thread capabilities are being released in beta, with the functionality available for Homey Pro devices running software version 10.3 and higher. Thread pairing can be done using the Homey Mobile App or the Homey Web App. “This free update brings additional smart home connectivity to all users of the latest generation of Homey Pro,” says Stefan Witkamp, ​​commercial director of the company. “It shows our commitment to continuous improvement and to the latest smart home technologies. It ensures that Homey Pro is the most powerful, versatile and user-friendly home automation system on the market, while being completely privacy-oriented.” Before this free software update, the Homey Pro could already work with Matter-over-Thread devices, but required a separate Thread Border Router on the network. With this free update, Homey Pro can act as a Thread controller and router, eliminating the need for a special Border Router. This allows users to keep their Thread devices in their Homey Pro managed Thread network. Homey Pro processes everything locally, so no internet connection is required to work. It can be connected to a local Wi-Fi network or the Homey Pro Ethernet Adapter. I prefer the ethernet option if you can place the Homey close to a network port. Homey Pro and Homey Bridge gain AC control functionality with built-in IR LED Additionally, Homey Pro and Homey Bridge now offer air conditioning control via their built-in infrared LEDs and a free software update - and are the only smart home hubs to offer AC control over infrared in combination with Zigbee and Z-Wave. AC control over IR is currently available to users as a public beta, including support for Mitsubishi and LG branded devices via their Homey Apps. Once integrated, users can control air conditioning systems via the acclaimed Homey mobile app for iOS and Android and the Homey Web App. They can also be used for home automation in Homey Flow and Advanced Flow. Wrapping up Overall, Homey has released some nice updates here. Although they are technically in beta, all customers can download them. If you're ready to try a Homey Pro, you can buy one from Amazon. FTC: We use monetized auto-affiliate links. More.