Home Assistant Podcast The evolution of Zooz with Agnes Lorenz
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May 27, 2025 Agnes Lorenz, VP at Zooz, shares her insights into the evolution of the smart home company known for Z-Wave devices. She discusses the challenges of product development, including certification hurdles and the impact of tariffs on manufacturing. Agnes reveals innovative new products and the integration of AI, enhancing user experience. She emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and collaboration in the smart home space, showcasing how Zooz's devices seamlessly integrate with Home Assistant for smarter automation.
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Zooz Origin Story
- Agnes Lorenz shared how Zooz started from distributing Z-Wave devices and moved to creating their own products due to customer feedback.
- They named Zooz after Agnes's daughter Susanna, combining a personal touch with Z-Wave technology.
Z-Wave Certification Importance
- Z-Wave devices require multiple certifications: FCC for wireless communication, electrical safety via ETL, and Z-Wave Alliance certification.
- Certification ensures device security, interoperability, and a better user experience across ecosystems.
Challenges in Product Development Timeline
- Developing a smart home product typically takes around 10 months due to complex certification and manufacturing processes.
- Long development cycles require redesigns to align with evolving Z-Wave standards, showing the challenges in adapting to protocol changes.