Representing the North American distribution arm of the UK-based manufacturer, Ginn outlines how the company is leveraging its full portfolio—from premium box speakers to architectural solutions—to meet the diverse needs of today’s integrators. With what he describes as a “one-stop shop” approach, Monitor Audio is targeting both traditional retail-driven dealers and integration-focused firms, offering consistent technology across product tiers to simplify system design and specification.

A key theme in the conversation is the growing demand for high-fidelity audio experiences that prioritize authenticity. According to Ginn, homeowners are increasingly seeking systems that reproduce music “the way the artist intended,” reflecting a broader resurgence in appreciation for audio quality, including formats like vinyl.

The discussion also touches on product development and application trends, including the company’s THX Ultra-certified home theater solutions and ongoing updates to its core speaker lines. Ginn highlights new innovations like climate-resistant outdoor speakers featuring pressure-release technology designed to maintain performance in extreme environments—an example of how manufacturers are adapting to non-traditional installation scenarios such as garages, outdoor living spaces, and more.

Throughout the episode, the importance of industry events like CEDIA Expo is clear. For Monitor Audio, the show serves as both a relationship-building platform and a venue to demonstrate the breadth of its offerings to integrators, designers, and other stakeholders.

The conversation offers a snapshot of how an established audio brand is evolving alongside the custom integration channel—balancing heritage, performance, and adaptability in a market that continues to expand beyond the traditional listening room.

The post Inside Buzz Ep. 16: Clayton Ginn of Monitor Audio on High‑Performance Sound & Modern Applications appeared first on CEPRO.

CEDIA Technology Meets Design – The Best of Smart Home Style

Source: CEDIA

Photo courtesy of CEDIA

CEDIA released the latest annual regional editions of its lookbooks Technology Meets Design – The Best of Smart Home Style. The publications showcase CEDIA Smart Home Awards winners and finalists and are designed as a coffee-table showcase for architects, builders and interior designers.

The publication highlights leading smart home projects, products and professionals at the point where specification decisions are made. Inside, winners and finalists galleries are featured from across the CEDIA Smart Home Awards. These features also sport rich storytelling that explores client briefs, goals, challenges, integration approaches, and the collaboration between smart home professionals and designers.

Cambridge Audio MSX Speakers

Source: What Hi-Fi

Photo courtesy of Cambridge Audio

Cambridge Audio has announced a refresh of its Minx speakers in the form of the MSX range. Bringing forward the same specs, footprints and modular design, the biggest update coming to the MSX series are the finishes and the names, as well as the latest driver from Cambridge.

The full range comprises the MSX10 and MSX20 satellite speakers as well as the MSX Sub 200 and 300 subwoofers. The units are stackable, allowing them to be scaled up depending on room size and provide either stereo or full surround output for home theater configurations.

The MSX20 has the same driver as the MSX10, but adds an integrated subwoofer for more weight and scale. The Sub 200 has a 200W amplifier and 6.5-inch woofer, while the Sub 300 outdoes it with a 300W amplifier and 8-inch woofer.

Pro-Ject Stream Box E and Wireless Box E

Source: Gear Patrol

Photo courtesy of Pro-Ject.

Pro-Ject has introduced two new products aimed at upgrading analog hi-fi systems to the streaming era with the Stream Box E and the Wireless Box E.

Both components bring Wi-Fi streaming capabilities to traditional hi-fi systems, though via different means. The Stream Box E is designed to pair with an integrated amplifier while the Wireless Box E is a streaming amplifier that connects directly to the back of a passive loudspeaker.

The Wireless Box E is optimized to work with Pro-Ject’s own loudspeaker range, as well as other loudspeakers with that support direct terminal mounting. It can also work as a standalone streaming amp, turning a single passive bookshelf speaker into an active one that supports streaming, though it is designed to work in a stereo pair.

Each is powered by WiiM OS and supports Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Qobuz right out of the box. At the time of writing, both of Pro-Ject’s streamers are only available in the UK and EU, with pricing in those regions.

RBH Sound Obelisk, Voce Fina Mk II and Nemesis Mk II Speakers

Source: Audioholics

Photo courtesy of RBH Sound

RBH Sound has debuted three 50th Anniversary Collection products: the Obelisk, Voce Fina Mk II and Nemesis Mk II speakers.

According to RBH the speakers were developed to celebrate and commemorate founder Roger B. Hassing.

The Obelisk loudspeaker sports an ultra-thin profile with Art-Deco styling design to incorporate itself in with the surrounding environment. It features a 10-inch planar-magnetic midrange driver as well as a pair of side-firing, long-throw, 8-inch aluminum cone woofers in an enclosure tuned to 25Hz.

The Voce Fina Mk II serves as a spiritual successor to RBH’s original Voce Fina and sports an acrylic polymer enclosure with a 2.5-inch by 12-inch flared port.

The Nemesis Mk II features dual 12-inch drivers in a hexagonal diamond-shaped sealed cabinet with an Acrylic Polymer baffle and paneling.

Wired In is CE Pro’s weekly product news recap for the custom integration (CI) and smart home industries, covering new integrations, updates, releases and refreshes for products and software relevant to or marketed towards the professional installation channel.

The post This New Accessory Retrofits Passive Speakers into Active Streamers: Wired In appeared first on CEPRO.

Takeaways

• HAA Link audio calibration software bypasses device-specific displays to create a unified calibration interface.
• Companion app allows integrators to test and adjust system performance simultaneously.
• Available now on Hyperion Series processors from AudioControl.

The Home Acoustics Alliance (HAA) has released a new calibration software designed specifically for custom integrators. Named HAA Link, the software is designed to streamline the way home theater systems are tuned while creating opportunities for new acoustic calibration services.

Gerry Lemay, founder of the HAA, says that the HAA Link software was designed in response to having to calibrate components via onscreen displays, which he considers to be a “nightmare” for integrators.

“HAA Link makes it simple and furthers the Home Acoustics Alliance’s goal to formalize calibration as a repeatable, standards-based discipline.”

What Does HAA Link Do?

Photo courtesy of HAA

According to the alliance, the HAA Link software is built around simplifying the calibration experience while still being able to support stringent audio standards (such as CEDIA RP22 and RP32).

The main improvement, the HAA states, is that integrators can evaluate and adjust system performance simultaneously using the companion HAA CinemaTools with HAA Link app. This not only aims to reduce repeated measurement cycles during the calibration process but also bypasses the onscreen display of devices in favor of a more unified interface.

The HAA Link app provides integrators with 14 parametric equalization filters per channel, an onboard suite of test tones for every channel and Global EQ controls for optimized and speedy speaker alignment.

Additionally, the software provides integrators options to directly calibrate systems in line with HAA standards through multiple HAA Mode presets based on specific scenarios.

Why Integrators Should Take Notice

Calibrating audio system components to the environment has been considered by many to be the key to performance in any home cinema. Joe de Jesus, product manager, PSB Speakers & custom installation at Lenbrook go so far as to point out that much of the overall performance of a theater is dictated by the characteristics of the room itself.

Anthony Grimani and Steve Haas stand as notable acousticians in custom integration; however the prevalence of calibration software has only made it easier for installations to achieve that professional-grade sound, elevating even entry-level systems above what might be expected in an “out-of-the-box” install.

HAA Link Availability

AudioControl’s Hyperion Series AV processor—available now—is the first component to be certified by the Home Acoustics Alliance through the integration of HAA Link software, which is available now as a pro feature upgrade on the processor.

HAA Link can be licensed by qualifying receiver and preamp/processor manufacturers to its audio calibration services their devices.

The post HAA Link Looks to Make Room Calibration a Whole Lot Simpler for Integrators appeared first on CEPRO.

How Has Gemini Performed Since the Home Integration

While users have largely viewed Gemini’s integration onto the Google Home platform as a massive improvement for their smart home experience, one consistent criticism persisted. The time it took to process certain smart home commands through Gemini did lead to some consternation.

As reported by other news sites, there would often be delays between commands and Home acting. Though no exact time for how long the delays exists, in this most recent update, Google has said it is speeding up command processing by as fast as 1.5 seconds, so it can be assumed that the delays were at least that long.

Why Was Gemini So Slow?

Despite the easy, “It’s a consumer-grade product” being there, Gemini’s processing speed doesn’t seem that out of the ordinary when you compare it to its peers. And by peers, I mean ChatGPT and Claude.

If you’ve done any work with Claude or Chat, I’m sure you’ve noticed how it can take a few seconds to process a more complex request. While unconfirmed, that may have been what was happening with Gemini, considering it too is an LLM on the level of Claude and Chat.

How Has Google Cleaned Up the Gemini Experience in Home?

According to Google the company has been able to reduce Gemini’s processing time on specific smart home commands by optimizing how Gemini processes commands at the device level and how it interprets home layouts. This has led to command processing speeds of up to 1.5 seconds faster.

Additionally, Google has made enhancements to reduce errors in interruptions when initiating commands. Details are vague there but in Google’s patch notes for the update the company says that Gemini will be better at identifying when a request is a stand-alone command vs a follow-up.

Why Integrators Should Take Notice

These challenges that Google has had with its preliminary implementation of Gemini into its smart home platform highlight the broader challenges being faced when trying to implement AI models into these unique spaces.

As mentioned previously, if you’ve done work with Claude or Chat, you’ll notice that it takes some time for it to be able to process more complex requests. While that’s acceptable for a prompt and answer engine where you’re reasonably going to be doing work in between the question and answer, it’s less acceptable for a smart home expected to move quickly and cleanly.

In speaking with professional control platforms like Savant and Crestron, the issues that are facing Gemini currently are likely the exact same issues with AI that they are trying to iron out before an official release.

It may sound odd but the things that integrators will want to keep an eye out for are mainly the software updates Google provides over time. Instead of directly impacting their business, these updates will provide a window into a lot of the limitations AI might have in the smart home and what integrators should be looking out for when they are selecting a professional-grade solution to introduce to clients.

The post Google Gemini Update Highlights the Challenges LLMs Can Face in Smart Homes appeared first on CEPRO.

Takeaways

• Detroit location marks 20th Axis Experience Center opening since first starting back in 2012.
• Facility features security command center, training center and engineering lab as hands-on demo and testing spaces for visitors.
• Attendees can schedule appointments by reaching out to AEC personnel directly.

Axis Communications is continuing to expand its in-person footprint across the United States with the opening of its 20th Axis Experience Center (AEC) in Detroit, Michigan. As with Axis’s other experience centers, the Detroit location provides a hands-on environment for guests to work with Axis’s IP solutions for security operations and business intelligence.

Since opening its first Americas AEC in 2012, Axis has steadily expanded its global network as part of a long-term strategy to “provide local communities with the opportunity for hands-on experience” working with Axis’s products and services. Other AEC locations include Houston, Texas; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Manhattan, New York.

What’s Inside the Detroit Axis Experience Center

Located in the One Campus Martius building, the 7,200-square-foot AEC is located directly across from Campus Martius Park, with a balcony providing views of the Detroit River and Windsor, Canada.

The AEC itself is split into what Axis calls several purpose-built spaces designed to support learning, collaboration, and solution development. These spaces include:

• The Security Command Center, meant to demonstrate how modern security operations can leverage intelligent video, analytics and connected devices to provide situational awareness and real-time decision-making.
• An Axis Communications Academy training room, for certification courses, partner training sessions, and educational events.
• An engineering and testing lab, where partners can evaluate integrations, validate system functionality, and experiment with new solutions before deployment.

Detroit AEC a Milestone for Axis

“This opening represents more than just another AEC for Axis,” said Fredrik Nilsson, VP of Americas, Axis Communications. “It represents how far we have come as an organization in the Americas. Fourteen years and 20 AECs later, we continue to find new ways to engage customers and partners while advancing innovation through new technologies and solutions. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished and even more excited about what lies ahead.”

Location and Appointments

The Detroit AEC is located at 1000 Woodward Ave, Ste 1530, Detroit, MI, 48226. To schedule a tour of the new Axis Experience Center or to learn more about the facility and its resources, readers are instructed to visit the AEC’s page on Axis’s website or to email the location at detroit.axis.experience.center@axis.com.

The post Axis Communications Opens Detroit Experience Center appeared first on CEPRO.

The association also encouraged FCC officials to provide greater clarity on what devices are affected under the current policy, going so far as to suggest the commission loosen its approach in certain areas. Despite these criticisms of the current policy, the association did express its support for the administration’s overarching goal of strengthening US cybersecurity.

What is Set to Happen Under the Current FCC Policy

As it stands, any company whose products fall onto the FCC’s covered list as a “foreign-made consumer router” is allowed to issue software updates to existing devices until March 1, 2027. After that point, provided the company’s position on the list has not changed, all devices covered by the FCC policy will receive no future software updates.

Devices currently covered by FCC policy include foreign-made, consumer-grade Wi-Fi routers, cellular routers and Wi-Fi hotspots. Enterprise level equipment is not covered under the policy and is therefore unaffected.

Why the Current FCC Policy Poses a Risk

The main reason software updates are delivered to devices such as routers on a regular basis is to maintain device security on them. Without updates, these devices become unsupported, and become more vulnerable to cyberattacks, as existing vulnerabilities are unable to be patched out of the devices.

While the idea is likely that unsupported devices will eventually be replaced by supported ones, the reality is that consumers, to save money, will likely hold onto their devices until the hardware itself becomes nonfunctional, prompting a replacement at that point in time.

During that entire time, however, the device will continue to pose a security risk, which the FCC is currently trying to mitigate through its policy.

What the CTA is Advocating for Regarding the FCC Router Ban

While the software updates represent a major concern raised in the CTA’s meeting with FCC officials, clarity and communication were two other major issues addressed.

Regarding clarity, the FCC has recently updated its FAQ to mention that the policy covers two different types of networking devices not previously considered by the public.

On communication, the CTA encouraged the commission to collaborate more broadly with the executive branch, the National Security council and the Department of War on its initiatives for developing clearer guidelines, messaging and a roadmap for improving America’s national security standards.

Within the suggestions laid out by the CTA, a few stuck out:

• That the FCC adopt an open and transparent process for determining a device’s security profile as well as consider alternative mechanisms to address national security concerns like the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark.
• That the FCC publish clear public guidance on what constitutes a “safe” networking device and establish a potential fast-track on devices developed in countries with which the U.S. has an established defense alliance.
• That the FCC work with the Commerce department to explore initiatives supporting more business onshoring to support a “robust, competitive domestic market.”

Takeaways for Integrators

One of the biggest takeaways from the CTA’s comments is the suggestion that the FCC provide “at minimum an opportunity for public comment on proposed prohibitions with an explanation of the national security risk the prohibition seeks to address.”

This would put the current approach to policy more in line with the original hearings for the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark, as well as the initial public feedback period given for tariff-related decisions, like those given for the semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries.

At present time, the FCC has shown no inclination to pursue any of the CTA’s suggestions, aside from the recent clarifications added to its Q&A page regarding affected devices.

The post CTA Urges FCC to Reconsider Software Update Cutoff in Foreign Router Policy appeared first on CEPRO.

Here, two philosophies existed as mandates for this chef’s luxury smart kitchen. The first, as is common, is that the technology at play disappears into the architecture. The second is that, in all things, function must come before aesthetics.

ZIO Prioritizes Function Foremost in Professional Chef’s Smart Kitchen Design

Looking at the kitchen, one sees a vast area to be addressed. Twin islands are anchored on dark textured mats beneath a coffered white ceiling and flanked by floor-to-ceiling matte taupe cabinetry that reads almost like a single continuous plane.

While lighting plays the biggest role in the overall technology stack, the homeowner also wanted integrated audio systems, as well a means to control both at will while throwing together a meal or hosting a gathering.

Photometrics Helps ZIO Better Understand Lighting Needs

As part of the smart lighting design for the kitchen, ZIO conducted a full photometric analysis—a process more commonly associated with commercial or hospitality specification than residential installation. This was done to ensure that every square foot of working surface receives consistent quality light.

The bulk of that illumination comes from Ketra architectural downlights, chosen for their precision beam control, color tuning capability and the quality of light they produce at the surface level. ZIO also worked primarily with small aperture fixtures so as to reduce the visual clutter and potential glare points on the ceiling.

Above the twin islands and along the countertop runs, Ketra linear fixtures introduce a more diffuse cove ambiance that layers a second register of light over the functional downlight field.

The Millwork Coordination Challenge

To keep everything concealed, much of the technology ended up being integrated directly into the millwork. This added an extra layer of challenge due to the precise coordination needed with the various contractors and cabinet makers on the project.

In one case, Ketra linear fixtures were specified for in-cabinet and under-cabinet positions after the cabinets had been installed, requiring a removal of said cabinets to be modified and later added back in.

Elsewhere, keypads and touchscreens landed flush and level within their millwork surrounds thanks to open communication between the contractors.

Shading Struggles in the Pantry

The pantry presented its own geometric puzzle. A motorized shade originally specified as a single panel spanning the full window width collided with a faucet installed directly beneath the contractor-built shade pocket, placing the faucet in a direct line of collision with the shade itself when lowered.

ZIO resolved the conflict by redesigning the window treatment as two discrete panels, carefully measured to create a light gap at their meeting point precisely wide enough to clear the faucet without the gap reading as a flaw in the installation.

Owner-Assisted Scenes Reflect Kitchen’s Dual Life

The scene programming ZIO developed with the owner’s direct input reflects the dual life this kitchen leads. Warm, lower-intensity scenes support the ambient experience of entertaining in a space that opens into the home’s larger open living area.

Cool, high-intensity scenes then bring the kitchen to full professional brightness for serious food preparation and the demanding visibility required when cleaning a working chef’s kitchen at the end of service.

The smart lighting system transitions between these states on demand, without any visible control infrastructure disrupting the kitchen design, thanks to an integrated Josh.ai microphone for voice commands.

Josh also allows the homeowner to control the room’s audio, as well, which, much like the lighting, follows the same ‘small aperture’ logic, allowing speakers to be hidden throughout the space.

The result is a project that showcases the extreme end of how homeowners are coming to expect their smart home systems to perform. Rather than cater to a general lifestyle, these systems are expected to home in on the homeowner’s passions, elevating their interior life to its highest while they are there.

Equipment List

• Lighting
  • Ketra linear and downlighting fixtures
• Control
  • Control4
  • Josh.ai voice control
• Audio
  • James Loudspeaker in-ceiling speakers
  • Control4 audio distribution

This project is part of our coverage for the 2025 CE Pro Home of the Year Awards. Presented annually at CEDIA Expo alongside the BEST Product Awards, the Home of the Year Awards represent the best of the best smart home innovations within the CEDIA channel. If you have a project you would like to submit to the Home of the Year Awards, consider following CE Pro on social media or subscribing to our newsletter for when we announce the next submission round.

The post The Right Ingredients: A World-Renowned Chef’s Precision-Crafted Smart Kitchen appeared first on CEPRO.

Takeaways

• FCC has updated its FAQ section to clarify cellular routers and Wi-Fi hotspot devices as part of the ban.
• Recent move showcases how little is still known about what devices are truly affected under the foreign-made router ban.
• Enterprise equipment as well as smartphone hotspots are unaffected.

The list of products included in the FCC router ban has now expanded to include mobile hotspot devices and domestic routers that use a 5G cellular connection to access the internet following updates the agency made to its FAQ page. The changes were initially reported on by sites such as The Register, PC Mag and The Verge with CE Pro recently being made aware of the changes.

What Devices Are Affected by the Expanded Foreign Router Ban?

Under recent clarifications, the FCC router ban is now seen to extend to portable Wi-Fi hotspot devices that provide mobile internet access. Mobile phones that support that function aren’t presently being targeted, given the language, however, given the recent clarifications, it is uncertain if the language may one day be updated to encompass those as well.

Enterprise equipment designed to support mobile hotspots are not affected.

Additionally, the clarified language now includes “LTE/5G CPE devices for residential use,” with the CPE standing specifically for customer premises equipment. This means that residential routers using cellular networks to connect to the internet are considered covered under the FCC’s foreign-router ban.

Like the original router ban, only new devices are directly impacted, meaning existing devices being used and installed into homes are not restricted.

Response to the FCC’s Foreign-Made Router Ban

The clarification comes nearly a month after the FCC’s initial router ban, which saw a widespread ban placed on all consumer-grade routers with foreign origins (be they partially sourced or manufactured from parts overseas or otherwise).

The move, at the time, was met with cautious optimism by most of the professional installation community, which saw itself as being largely unaffected by the mandate. Even now, clarifications outline it is still only consumer-level devices being affected, with new enterprise models still allowed to be freely bought and sold.

Networking proponents, however, have since highlighted multiple flaws in the policy, with the most notable being its focuses on routers and country of origin.

Router’s Aren’t the Biggest Issue

While the emphasis of the policy is to protect the U.S. against foreign attacks introduced by vulnerable devices, security vulnerabilities exist across a wide swathe of internet-based devices.

Research has shown that routers are not even the ones most exploited for use in cyberattacks against American institutions. In that category, TV set top boxes take the cake, frequently being at the center of many major botnet programs over the past few years. Smart TVs, as well, are often exploited.

Takeaways for Integrators

While the FCC has stressed that no formal change to the initial policy has been made, the update to its FAQ page has resulted in a subtle expansion of what was initially considered to be so given its initial statement.

Critics of the current approach have already begun to highlight how quickly additional devices can be brought into scope of the ban through these quiet, unannounced clarification updates to the FAQ.

Regardless of intent, however, the recent update highlights the gaps in clarity present between what the FCC views as being covered and what the public has so far interpreted. With that, further clarifications could result in more devices being brought into the fold.

Provided the ban sticks to consumer-grade devices only, integrators working with enterprise-grade networking equipment are likely to be unaffected. That still puts ample pressure on those who aren’t, however.

As CEDIA highlighted when the ban was first announced, the sudden halting of new product sales can quickly compound into supply chain issues as existing stock runs out, leading to further price hikes and shortages.

The post Hotspots, Cellular Internet Devices Clarified to Be Banned Under FCC Router Policy appeared first on CEPRO.

This year, the Z-Wave Alliance, the standards development organization dedicated to advancing the smart home and Z-Wave technology, say the event will include a dedicated UnPlug Fest, intimate fireside chat sessions, marketing and technical working tracks and interactive panels for attendees.

What is Z-Wave UnPlug Fest?

Every year, UnPlug Fest is hosted alongside the Z-Wave Spring Summit, giving attendees an opportunity to get hands-on with Z-Wave products. As described by the Alliance, UnPlug Fest acts as an “interoperability testing ground” designed to focus on real-world deployment scenarios and large-scale network performance.

While interoperability testing remains exclusive to members, select demonstrations during the UnPlug Fest portion of the Spring Summit will be open to installers and non-members.

For 2026, the event is set to center on the simultaneous operation of Z-Wave mesh and Z-Wave Long Range (ZWLR) networks within a live environment. Participants will test new and recently certified devices in dynamic conditions, giving them the opportunity to stress-test Z-Wave’s reliability at scale.

The goal for this year’s focus, according to the Alliance, is to give attendees an opportunity to work with diverse device types and network topologies to get a better understanding of how they might coexist in a cohesive system.

Live Demos Planned

Apart from hands-on exploration, UnPlug Fest 2026 will also feature live demonstrations meant to highlight various Z-Wave capabilities, including:

• Simultaneous mesh and ZWLR operation on a single network
• Multiple networks operating in parallel in dense environments
• SmartStart commissioning for rapid, QR-based device onboarding
• Dynamic routing and Explorer Frames for automatic optimization
• Multicast control for synchronized low-latency device response

2026 Z-Wave Spring Summit Agenda

The 2026 Z-Wave Spring Summit will open after UnPlug Fest the following day to a full day of joint sessions. According to the Alliance, the sessions this year will explore several key industry trends impacting the Z-Wave ecosystem, in addition to reviewing how the ecosystem has grown over the years.

This portion of the event is open to Z-Wave Alliance members, as well as installers, developers, and non-members interested in working with Z-Wave.

Chairman Avi Rosenthal will kick off the sessions with an address to attendees outlining the Alliance’s direction and key opportunities ahead. Rosenthall’s introduction will then be followed by a member-driven fireside chat discussing the evolution of Z-Wave and the role of collaboration in driving the ecosystem forward.

The day one agenda will also include sessions that address:

• The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA)
• Emerging innovations such as the Z-Wave Wake on Event End Node (WOEEN) role type,
• The intersection between AI and the future of the intelligent home,
• And other key market trends and insights.

Member Working Sessions

The Summit will conclude with a full day of member-exclusive working sessions across technical and marketing tracks, focused on advancing the Z-Wave ecosystem from both a product and market perspective. Key areas of focus include:

• User Credential Command Class v3 (UCCCv3), Aliro, and device evolution
• Z-Wave Certification and compliance
• Technical roadmap preview with new opportunity discussion
• Z-Wave Long Range (ZWLR) and market growth
• Marketing strategy and go-to-market execution

The full agenda, including sessions start times, titles, and proposed speakers is available on the Z-Wave Alliance website.

Z-Wave Long Range Growth

Initially announced by in 2020, the first Z-Wave Long Range device hit the market in the form of Universal Electronics’ Ecolink 700 Series Garage Door Controller. At the time, the release underscored both the potential and early limitations of adoption.

Since then, however, adoption of the technology has only grown, with CES 2026 serving as a major milestone for ZWLR, as there are now 125 devices certified under the standard. The technology has only continued to improve during that time as well, with ZWLR now being able to support more node counts per network as well as enhanced battery life on sensors within the network.

Registration Details

Z-Wave Alliance members can take advantage of early bird registration for $399 USD through April 30, 2026.

Beginning May 1, standard registration for the Spring Summit and UnPlug Fest will be $599 USD.

Installers, integrators and non-member companies interested in developing with Z-Wave can register for $99 USD, which includes access to select UnPlug Fest demonstrations showcasing Z-Wave in action on May 27th, and the joint sessions on May 28th.

Readers are instructed to reference the posted agenda on the Z-Wave website to see which sessions are available to non-member attendees.

FAQ

Can only Z-Wave Alliance members attend the spring summit?

The Z-Wave Spring Summit is open to Alliance members, installers and integrators across the Z-Wave ecosystem. Alliance members get exclusive access to interoperability testing during UnPlug fest, as well as exclusive member programming on the third day, however there is plenty of programming for non-members looking to attend.

The post Z-Wave’s 2026 Spring Summit is Putting a Big Spotlight on Its Long-Range Technology appeared first on CEPRO.

Details of SI v24 were originally previewed ahead of ISE 2026, with today’s announcement expanding upon the set of features being introduced in the update.

What’s Being Added to SI v24

The centerpiece of SI v24 is its new multi-user project editing feature, which allows team members across sales, design, engineering and installation to work on the same project simultaneously, removing the wait time on sequential handoffs.

Changes are saved automatically to reduce version conflicts and help accelerate project delivery. Alongside this feature, SI v24 also includes a Gantt chart export to Microsoft Project, enabling integration teams to share detailed timelines with architects, contractors and other stakeholders outside of their core team.

G Paul Hess (who was recently appointed as CEO of D-Tools), said, “When project teams collaborate without bottlenecks, financials stay accurate across every job, and workflows match how the business actually runs, integrators can take on more work, protect their margins, and grow with confidence.”

SI v24 also introduces several features to improve financial, operational and administrative control:

• Financial precision: Custom timesheet fields and tax configuration by labor type improve cost accuracy.
• Catalog consistency: System types can now be assigned at the Catalog level, reducing setup time.
• Change order governance: New permission levels provide clearer oversight of scope changes.
• Enterprise scalability: Optional deployment on Azure Load Balancer supports larger firms.
• Mobile workforce support: The Mobile Install app now handles file transfers up to 100MB.
• Administrative control: Update notifications can be limited to SI Admins for better change management.

When is D-Tools SI v24 Available?

D-Tools SI v24 is available now for all SI software users.

Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister site Commercial Integrator. It has since been updated for CE Pro’s audience.

The post D-Tools Builds on Collaborative Fundamentals in SI v24 appeared first on CEPRO.