# U.S. Bans Foreign Robovacs & How Z-Wave is Staying Relevant in 2026 with Guest Avi Rosenthal

An episode of [Smart Home Insider](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1515834398), 3 Aug 2026, 1 h 27 min.

Audio: https://mgln.ai/e/802/pscrb.fm/rss/p/dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/media.transistor.fm/9d051f09/f90c9232.mp3

In this episode, Andrew sits down with Avi Rosenthal, chair of the Z-Wave Alliance, to explore the future of smart home technology, the role of open standards, and why Z-Wave still matters in a world of Matter, Thread, and Wi‑Fi. They also dig into recent government restrictions on smart devices, the rise of Z-Wave Long Range, and what true interoperability looks like in the connected home. Topics covered: • The new ban on foreign robotics to the U.S. • New rumors on Apple's smart home timeline • A new circulator fan from SwitchBot • Homey's new Matter 1.5 certification • Why Z-Wave is still worth considering in new and existing smart homes Send me your smart home questions and recommendations with the hashtag #SmartHomeInsider. Tweet and follow your host at: • @andrew_osu on Twitter • @andrewohara941 on Threads • Email me here Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel • Subscribe to the Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe. Links from the show • Apple's smart home rollout timeline • Homey's Matter 1.5 certification • SwitchBot Circular Fan 2 Pro Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

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