Silicon Labs - Experts & Thought Leaders

The Z-Wave Alliance, the standards development organisation dedicated to advancing the smart home and Z-Wave® technology, is set to make its mark at CES 2026 through an impactful mix of exciting panels and exhibition of Z-Wave Alliance member companies. All Z-Wave-related activities are set to be hosted within the new Z-Wave Alliance ballroom (Titian 2205), which will serve as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and industry insight at the show.  Ballroom arrangement The Z-Wave Alliance ballroom will feature a dynamic mix of Alliance members each showcasing innovative solutions that represent the best Z-Wave technology has to offer through dedicated tabletop exhibits. Attendees can also look forward to two engaging Fireside Chat panels where industry experts will participate in lively discussions centered around key smart home and IoT connectivity topics such as technology advancements, novel applications, and interoperability. Z-Wave Alliance exhibiting members  CleverK9 – CleverK9 is the developer of the patented next-generation Smart Safety Crate System an intelligent, connected dog crate designed using real canine behavioural science and advanced IoT technology. Their 2026 release will integrate remote access with live video, geofencing capabilities, smart-environment controls, smoke and fire monitoring, carbon monoxide (CO) monitoring, two-way communication, temperature regulation, behaviour and wellness tracking, emergency alerts, their proprietary Owner Arrival automation, and optional privacy-transition smart-glass technology. FireAvert – FireAvert is officially launching its Z-Wave compatible Auto-Stove Shut Off Devices. This creates greater interconnectivity between integrators and users. FireAvert multi-channel devices notify when smoke alarms are sounding, when the stove/appliances are left on/off, and when automatic shut off events occur. FireAvert with Z-Wave allows for customisability with configurable end points, bringing fire prevention to more homes and residents. Silicon Labs – Silicon Labs is redefining multi-protocol innovation with a live demo uniting Z-Wave Long Range and Amazon Sidewalk on the ZG28 SoC platform. The demonstration highlights how developers can design for both ecosystems using a single solution, enabling seamless communication between a gateway via Z-Wave Long Range (ZWLR) and Amazon Echo via Sidewalk.    Siterwell – Siterwell, a foremost in smart home safety solutions, will highlight its latest Z-Wave 800 Series devices at CES 2026. Featured products include advanced smoke, carbon monoxide, and combo alarms, along with a full range of complementary sensors for heat, water leaks, motion, and doors and windows. Vision – Vision, a manufacturer specialising in smart home solutions, offers products that enhance security, safety, comfort, and energy conservation and will showcase new healthcare-focused solutions at CES 2026. Zooz – Zooz will demo their latest Z-Wave Long Range devices, including an upcoming Motion Dimmer Switch with 2 built-in sensors and direct 3-way functionality. Their new Siren & Chime device with custom sound playback will be featured along with over 30 certified ZWLR products in the smart lighting, security, and automation categories.  Panels & media opportunities at CES 2026 The Z-Wave Alliance will host a series of exclusive events within the Z-Wave Ballroom designed to foster meaningful conversations and spotlight the latest in Z-Wave innovation. Anchoring the schedule are two Fireside Chat panels, held Tuesday, January 6 and Wednesday, January 7 at 4:00 PM PT, each followed by a networking reception. The sessions will feature expert insights into key trends shaping the smart home market: Tuesday, January 6 – Dominating Smart Locks with the Z-Wave User Credential Command Class (UCCC):Dive into how the UCCC standard is driving new levels of secure, scalable, and interoperable access control across the connected home ecosystem. This fireside will outline the full lifecycle of bringing a new Z-Wave standard to market and show why participation in technical working groups benefits companies even without an immediate use case. Attendees will learn how a new command class moves from proposal to certification, how teams navigate IP and interoperability considerations, and how collaborative engineering accelerates ecosystem-wide innovation. Wednesday, January 7 – The Responsive Home: Next-Gen Sensors, Open Standards, and the Future of Intelligent Security: Sponsored by ADT, this fireside chat dives into how next-generation sensing technologies and open standards are transforming the way smart homes perceive and respond to occupants. The session will explore the evolution from basic motion and contact sensors to today’s rich ecosystem of IR, radar, environmental, energy-aware, and multi-protocol devices—and how advances like Z-Wave Long Range (ZWLR) are enabling greater interoperability, range, and reliability. Attendees will gain insight into how traditional room and motion sensing is being reimagined, how sensor fusion is unlocking more intuitive experiences across lighting, climate, safety, and security, and how open standards are shaping the next decade of presence-driven intelligence while maintaining user trust and privacy.  Registration and seating Seating is limited for the Z-Wave Alliance Fireside Chats, and advanced registration is required. All sessions are open to registered CES attendees, attendance will be capped and available on a first-come, first-served basis.  To RSVP, please visit the Z-Wave Alliance CES 2026 landing page here. Additionally, the Alliance will host a private pre-show media and influencer breakfast offering early access to Z-Wave member exhibiting companies and sponsors, including CleverK9, FireAvert, Silicon Labs, Siterwell, Vision, WePower, XThings and Zooz. This invite-only event will be held in the Z-Wave Ballroom.

The Z-Wave Alliance, the standards development organisation dedicated to advancing the smart home and Z-Wave® technology, announces the continued expansion of Z-Wave Long Range (ZWLR) certification across the ecosystem.  With 125 ZWLR certified devices now in market, manufacturers are bringing long range, higher-capacity, and more reliable IoT connectivity to homes, multifamily properties, and commercial environments worldwide. The latest surge of certified products showcases how manufacturers are leveraging ZWLR capabilities to enhance range, security, and performance for next-generation smart home and building applications. ZWLR products features and benefits Significantly Extended Range: ZWLR supports direct wireless communication between the hub and devices over much greater distances than traditional Z-Wave, up to about 1.5 miles line of sight in ideal conditions. This means outdoor devices or ones far from the hub can stay connected without relying on repeaters. Star Network Topology: Unlike classic Z-Wave mesh networks that route messages via neighboring devices, ZWLR uses a star network, where each device communicates directly with the hub. This reduces latency and simplifies network behavior. Massive Scalability: ZWLR expands the network’s addressing space so a single hub can support up to 4,000 nodes, a much larger network than traditional Z-Wave’s limit. This makes it ideal for extensive smart home installations and commercial deployments. Optimised Battery Life: Devices dynamically adjust transmit power based on range needs, reducing unnecessary energy use and enabling long battery life, often up to 10 years on small coin cell batteries for many sensor types. Unmatched Security: Z-Wave S2 is an advanced security framework used in Z-Wave and ZWLR smart home networks to protect communication between devices (like sensors, locks, and controllers). It enhances device and network security through strong encryption, secure key exchange, and device authentication. Innovation driving forward “The pace of Z-Wave Long Range adoption this year has been remarkable,” said Bettina Roll, Z-Wave Alliance Certification Program Manager. “Manufacturers are not only embracing the performance benefits of ZWLR, but they’re also demonstrating how scalable, reliable connectivity can redefine smart home and building automation." "With 125 certified ZWLR devices across 30 plus categories in the U.S. and EMEA market, and 80% of the products currently going through certification seeking ZWLR, the ecosystem’s growth underscores the strength of open standards and the continued innovation driving the Z-Wave community forward.” New ZWLR certified devices Here is a baker’s dozen of new ZWLR certified devices: 2GIG, a Nice brand – The new GC Touch Security Panel advances the proven GC2e platform with a modern interface, faster performance, and an intuitive 7-inch touchscreen built for both professional installers and everyday users. With integrated Z-Wave 800 Series and Z-Wave Long Range, GC Touch delivers reliable whole-property coverage for security sensors, devices, and professional monitoring. Streamlined installation, two-way voice, and ZWLR-enabled connectivity make GC Touch a next-generation solution for single-family homes, MDUs, and light commercial applications. Aeotec – Aeotec’s new SmokeShield marks a major milestone as the first Z-Wave Long Range certified device available in the European market, setting a new benchmark for retrofit-friendly life-safety solutions. Engineered to pair with compatible Ei Electronics smoke detectors, SmokeShield extends communication range up to one kilometer, ensuring reliable alerting and system cohesion across larger homes, MDUs, and complex building layouts. By combining ZWLR performance with Aeotec’s proven design approach, SmokeShield gives installers a powerful way to modernise existing alarm infrastructure and deliver broader, more dependable protection without rewiring or replacing legacy hardware. Alfred – The new Alfred DB1 Pro Smart Door Lock introduces Z-Wave Long Range performance to Alfred’s professional-grade lineup, offering extended communication distance, fast responsiveness, and robust security for modern access control. Designed with modularity in mind, the DB1 Pro supports add-ons for Wi-Fi and ZWLR, giving property managers the flexibility to scale connectivity across single-family homes, rental properties, and larger MDU deployments. With flexible multi-access options and enterprise-level encryption, the DB1 Pro delivers reliable, property-wide management while maintaining Alfred’s focus on simple installation and a refined user experience. Smart Rent Alloy SmartHome – The next-generation Alloy Fusion (Gen 3) from Smart Rent combines a full-featured smart hub and thermostat into a single, streamlined device with a built-in 7-inch touchscreen for unified control of HVAC systems and Z-Wave smart home products. Equipped with Z-Wave and ZWLR, Fusion delivers extended wireless reach, fast responsiveness, and seamless integration across whole-home automation environments. With cellular, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet connectivity options and compatibility with most conventional and heat pump HVAC systems, Alloy Fusion provides a flexible, modern platform that simplifies installation and elevates the user experience for homeowners and property managers alike. FireAvert – FireAvert’s new Z-Wave Auto-Stove Shut-Off Device brings networked fire-prevention tools into the Z-Wave ecosystem, featuring Z-Wave and ZWLR, extending interoperable fire-prevention capabilities to connected homes and multifamily environments. The multi-channel design reports smoke-alarm activation, appliance on/off status, and automatic shut-off events, giving integrators clearer visibility into potential fire hazards. With configurable endpoints, the Z-Wave model enables tailored responses and system-level automation, making preventive fire safety easier to deploy across diverse residential settings. Home Assistant – The new Home Assistant Connect ZWA-2 is the most high-performing Z-Wave and Z-Wave Long Range adapter. The Home Assistant Connect ZWA-2 is no ordinary stick for connecting Z-Wave devices directly to Home Assistant. While other Z-Wave sticks typically measure below 10 centimeters, the antenna of the ZWA-2 is 31 centimeters long to optimise range, stability, and responsiveness and ZWLR provides a dependable and responsive connection to faraway nodes while also improving battery life. Jasco – Jasco expands its Z-Wave 800-Series and ZWLR lineup with two new devices designed for discreet monitoring and reliable whole-home control. The Jasco Slim Door and Window Sensor delivers fast, low-power open/close detection with extended ZWLR communication, SmartStart onboarding, and optional outdoor-rated housing for versatile placement across residential and MDU properties. The Jasco Z-Wave Long Range (800LR) In-Wall Smart Dimmer provides smooth lighting control, enhanced range, and built-in testing and repeater functions, giving installers a responsive and scalable solution for modern Z-Wave lighting applications. Jasco has a strong focus on long-distance performance, streamlined installation, and dependable smart-home automation. Rently – The Rently Z-Wave Plus and Z-Wave Long Range certified clutch-based smart deadbolt lock, Smart Bolt Armor MDL, brings enterprise-grade access control to multifamily rental properties through seamless integration with Rently’s Self-Guided Touring platform. With ZWLR enabling extended range and reliable connectivity, property managers can oversee hundreds of locks from a single interface. Residents benefit from flexible code-based, fob, Bluetooth, or app-driven entry, ADA-compliance, and strong UL-fire rating. Designed for easy installation and daily use, Rently Smart Bolt Armor MDL delivers streamlined move-ins and move-outs, supports leading property-management systems, and enhances resident convenience through secure guest access and long-lasting battery performance. Shelly – Shelly’s Wave Series brings Z-Wave Long Range performance to its portfolio of relays, dimmers, sensors, and smart plugs, delivering extended property-wide connectivity for residential, MDU and commercial deployments. By combining ZWLR with Shelly’s hallmark energy monitoring, fast local control, and Z-Wave S2-grade security, the lineup enables users to automate and monitor any device, appliance or circuit. The Wave Series also underscores Shelly’s commitment to multi-protocol support, giving users the flexibility to expand system range and reliability with next-generation Z-Wave connectivity. Trident IoT – Trident IoT has earned Z-Wave certification for its Z-Way Thin Gateway Controller SDK, marking a major milestone for developers building ZWLR-enabled gateways and controllers with lightweight RTOS platforms. The company’s solution simplifies device development and shortens time-to-market, while its expanded testing and certification services continue to strengthen the Z-Wave ecosystem. ULTRALOQ – The new ULTRALOQ Bolt Z-Wave extends the brand’s trusted smart-lock platform with the added range, responsiveness, and stability of ZWLR, delivering fast performance and dependable operation even at the edge of a network’s coverage. Built on Silicon Labs’ ZG28 platform and fully certified with Z-Wave Plus V2, S2 Security, and SmartStart, the Bolt combines strong encryption, exceptional battery efficiency, and mile-scale wireless reach. With effortless integration into Alarm.com, Home Assistant, and other leading Z-Wave ecosystems, the Bolt enables whole-home access control, unified automations, and an elevated user experience—reinforcing ULTRALOQ’s reputation for smart, reliable security. Yale / ADT – The Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch with Z-Wave 800 Series brings fast fingerprint access, strong encryption, and a refined, modern design to ADT’s connected security ecosystem. Paired with the ADT Base, which serves as the intelligent hub for sensors, detectors, and Z-Wave devices through Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity, homeowners gain a unified and responsive platform for secure entry and whole-home automation. The ADT Base enhances the experience with an integrated keypad, status-indicating LED halo, proximity activation, and 24-hour battery backup, while the ADT+ app allows users to manage the lock, arm or disarm the system, and control Z-Wave devices from anywhere. With Z-Wave Long Range readiness enabling extended reach and reliable communication, the combination of the Assure Lock 2 Touch and ADT Base delivers a seamless, future-ready entry and security solution for modern smart homes. Zooz – Zooz has expanded its Z-Wave Long Range line with several certified devices that broaden coverage for lighting, sensing, and power management. The new Zooz RGBW Dimmer connects to most 12 or 24 V DC LED strips and appropriate power supply, and when added to a Z-Wave Hub users can automate their daily routines and party nights. The new Zooz Siren and Chime device supports custom sound playback for flexible audio and visual alerts across larger properties. These are just two new devices that reflect Zooz’s continued focus on advancing practical, high-distance connectivity across core smart home categories. Z-Wave and ZWLR device sales continue to increase as homeowners become increasingly concerned with keeping their smart homes private and local without sending unnecessary data to third party clouds.

The Z-Wave Alliance, the standards development organisation dedicated to advancing the smart home and Z-Wave® technology, announces that pioneering silicon providers Silicon Labs and Trident IoT have both achieved the Alliance’s newly established Z-Wave Protocol Certification. As the silicon solutions providers currently supporting the Z-Wave ecosystem, this certification ensures that all products developed on their platforms maintain the required levels of interoperability, heightened security, and continued innovation across a global Z-Wave marketplace. Z-Wave Protocol Certification The new Z-Wave Protocol Certification contributes to and further validates the rigorous standards The new Z-Wave Protocol Certification contributes to and further validates the rigorous standards set by the Z-Wave Alliance, ensuring that core tenets of Z-Wave technology, such as interoperability, backwards compatibility, enhanced security, and robust developer resources, remain across all Z-Wave-enabled products. Trident IoT brings a focused, developer-first approach to Z-Wave innovation. Founded by long-time pioneers within the IoT space, the company was established to meet growing demand for streamlined silicon, certification, and design support tailored to the Z-Wave ecosystem. Innovative Z-Wave products “Achieving Z-Wave Alliance certification for our semiconductor solutions and SDK is a testament to our dedication to quality, interoperability, and developer empowerment,” said Mariusz Malkowski, CTO at Trident IoT. “This milestone enables our partners to confidently accelerate their time-to-market with fully certifiable and innovative Z-Wave products.” Latest Z-Wave software release Z-Wave Protocol Certification enables Silicon Labs customers to develop and certify Z-Wave products Silicon Labs, a pioneering innovator in low-power wireless solutions, builds upon its extended pedigree of Z-Wave innovation through this certification achievement.  The Z-Wave Protocol Certification enables Silicon Labs customers to develop and certify Z-Wave products using its EFR32ZG23, EFR32ZG28, and ZGM230S hardware platforms along with their latest Z-Wave software release (v7.23.1). Open Z-Wave technology “When Silicon Labs made the strategic decision to open Z-Wave technology up to the community in the name of open-source advancement, the goal was always to drive member contribution, broader adoption, and strengthen the ecosystem,” said Abitzen Xavier, Staff Product Manager for Proprietary & Z-Wave at Silicon Labs. “Z-Wave continues to be a pioneering platform in the smart home and beyond. Silicon Labs is pleased to provide this new certification and its accompanying enhancements to help our customers continue to build secure, reliable, and interoperable Z-Wave devices.” Smart home and IoT innovation Avi Rosenthal, Chairman of the Board for the Z-Wave Alliance, praised the contributions of both companies, stating, “The achievements by Trident IoT and Silicon Labs mark significant milestones, reinforcing the strength and versatility of the Z-Wave ecosystem." "By taking the necessary steps to certify their solutions, these companies now provide manufacturers and developers with essential tools for accelerating smart home and IoT innovation.”