Screaming in the Cloud

Creating the Foundation for a New Home Assistant with Paulus Schoutsen

Dec 17, 2024

In this discussion, Paulus Schoutsen, the mastermind behind Home Assistant and president of the Open Home Foundation, shares insights on creating a user-centric smart home platform focused on privacy and customization. He reflects on the evolution from a simple Python script to a vibrant community of 1.6 million users. Paulus highlights how avoiding corporate investors allows for independence and robust user control. He also emphasizes the significance of open standards and community engagement in transforming home automation into a more accessible and sustainable solution.

32:23

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Episode guests

Paulus Schoutsen

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Quick takeaways

Home Assistant evolved from a simple script to a comprehensive open-source platform, driven by community contributions and user-focused development.

The establishment of the Open Home Foundation aims to enhance privacy and reliability in smart home technology, resisting corporate pressures.

Deep dives

The Genesis of Home Assistant

The journey of Home Assistant began over a decade ago when Paulus Gautzen sought to automate his home lighting using a local API from Philips Hue lights. Starting with simple Python scripts, he expanded his project to include features like presence detection to ensure lights only turned on when he was home. This initial experience led him to realize the limitations of IoT devices that often require frequent updates and support from manufacturers, which could abruptly stop. Frustrated by the obsolescence of devices like his WeMo light switch, Gautzen recognized that others were likely experiencing similar issues, prompting him to create a solution that prioritizes longevity and usability.

Intro

2min

Navigating Smart Home Systems

8min

Navigating Smart Home Device Selection and Integration

3min

Navigating Smart Home Devices and the Quest for E-ink Displays

3min

Guarding Privacy in Smart Homes

14min

Exploring YAML Configurations in Smart Home Automation

3min

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.

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