Corey Quinn is joined by Paulus Schoutsen, creator of Home Assistant and president of the Open Home Foundation. What started as a Python script to control Hue lights is now a leading open-source smart home platform with 1.6M users. Unlike ad-driven devices, Home Assistant prioritizes privacy, user control, and customization. Backed by the Open Home Foundation, it stays independent from corporate influence. Paulus highlights their community-driven approach, with users sharing automations online. By focusing on open standards, privacy, and user-first development, Home Assistant empowers smarter, more sustainable home automation.
Show Highlights
(0:00) Intro
(0:33) Duckbill Group sponsor read
(1:45) What inspired Paulus to create Home Assistant
(6:54) How Home Assistant developed from text files to its current incarnation
(12:02) Duckbill Group sponsor read
(13:42) How Home Assistant is able to detect different IoT devices
(16:06) Why not having investors is a strength for Home Assistant
(21:11) How Home Assistant acts as a unifier for communications protocols
(24:22) Why Big Tech doesn’t have a lot of interest in Home Assistant
(30:45) How to learn more about Home Assistant
About Paulus Schoutsen
Paulus Schoutsen is the creator of Home Assistant, the world’s most active open-source smart home platform, and president of the Open Home Foundation. What started as a Python script to control Philips Hue lights has grown into a global community of over 1.6 million users. Home Assistant stands out for its dedication to privacy, sustainability, and user control, offering a stable, customizable platform free from the ad-driven models of big tech. Paulus also leads Nabucasa, the commercial arm of Home Assistant, and champions the platform’s independence and community-driven ethos, ensuring long-term focus on open standards and user empowerment.
Links
Sponsor
The Duckbill Group https://www.duckbillgroup.com/
