European smart device manufacturer Shelly is set to revolutionize the smart home industry with its latest lineup of 11 automation devices, boasting an impressive range of over a mile from the user's home. These new and updated Wave devices are built around the Z-Wave Long Range (Z-Wave LR) specification, which enables seamless connectivity beyond the traditional home Wi-Fi network.

The Z-Wave LR technology, announced in 2020, is finally making its way into consumer products. This wireless protocol offers several benefits, particularly for large homes and commercial environments, by eliminating the need for mesh networks with multiple signal repeaters. Instead, Z-Wave LR devices operate on a star network topology, connecting directly to devices via a central gateway hub.

One of the most impressive features of Z-Wave LR is its maximum line-of-sight wireless range of 1.5 miles when operating at full power. Additionally, the technology supports up to 4,000 devices on a single network, making it an ideal solution for large-scale smart home installations. The devices also automatically adjust their radio output power, resulting in up to 10 years of battery life on a single coin-cell battery.

The upgraded Shelly Wave products include a range of devices, such as a smart plug, a humidity and temperature sensor, a door/window sensor, a motion detector, a remote controller for motorized blinds, and a variety of lighting dimmers and smart switches. Notably, three of the devices are battery-powered, offering users greater flexibility and convenience.

While Shelly has not yet revealed the pricing of these new products, the company has confirmed that they will be available in the US in the first half of 2025. It's worth noting that Z-Wave LR is backward compatible with older Z-Wave products and networks, but a Z-Wave LR-supported hub (built on the Z-Wave 700 or 800 series platform) is required to take advantage of the extended range benefits.

The launch of Shelly's Z-Wave LR-supported devices is a significant development in the smart home industry, offering users greater flexibility and convenience. As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to grow, technologies like Z-Wave LR are poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of smart home automation.

In conclusion, Shelly's new lineup of Z-Wave LR-supported devices is set to revolutionize the smart home industry with its extended range and battery life capabilities. As the technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how it is adopted and integrated into various smart home ecosystems.