Nabu Casa has launched the Home Assistant Connect Aux-2, a $69 multi-function device designed to integrate non-smart hardware into smart home ecosystems.
The device, which is roughly the size of a deck of cards, aims to make the Home Assistant platform more user-friendly by providing a centralized hub for various connections, according to reports from The Verge.
The Aux-2 is built on ESPHome, an open platform used to create DIY smart home devices from flexible ESP boards. This architecture allows the hardware to utilize existing integrations within the Home Assistant and ESPHome ecosystems.
The unit features 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, USB-A, and USB-C ports. It also includes a digital/analog audio jack and a Grove port for connecting peripherals such as buttons, LEDs, and sensors. For advanced automation, the device provides a pair of RS-232 serial ports.
These serial ports allow users to control hardware including solar inverters, TVs, and AV receivers. One tester said that the serial integration was developed earlier this year, while audio-out features are supported by Music Assistant and SendSpin, which remain in active development.
A sticker on the device serves as a warning for advanced users, stating, “don’t use these ports unless you know what you’re doing.”
The device also functions as a Bluetooth proxy, which can bridge Bluetooth-based sensors into a Home Assistant setup. The USB port can host a Nabu Casa Z-Wave or Zigbee antenna if a primary hub is poorly positioned.
Setting up the Aux-2 involves connecting it to a computer via USB-C to install the latest firmware through a web browser. Once Wi-Fi credentials are added, the device can be powered via USB-C or Power over Ethernet (PoE). During the process, the Home Assistant interface prompts users to “set up your ESPHome device page” to configure specific capabilities.
The inclusion of an audio jack allows users to connect powered speakers or an amplifier to stream music from services like Spotify and YouTube Music to older audio equipment. While the hardware supports these functions, some features like grouping different speaker protocols via the SendSpin standard are still being developed by the Open Home Foundation.
While the Aux-2 is designed for ease of use, it offers functionality that can be replicated through more manual methods. The ecosystem remains open, allowing users to build their own versions using inexpensive components.
The following table compares the Aux-2 with other ESP-based options mentioned in the reports:
| Device | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Home Assistant Connect Aux-2 | $69 | Bluetooth proxy, audio streaming, serial control |
| Apollo Automations Cast-1 | $35 | Music-casting, Bluetooth proxy |
| DIY ESP32 Boards | $16 (for a three-pack) | Customizable (e.g., LED controllers, soil sensors) |
The Open Home Foundation, which develops Home Assistant and ESPHome, is funded by both Nabu Casa and Apollo. This funding supports the availability of hardware that is easier to deploy than DIY components, though the foundation actively encourages users to create their own devices.
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