Robotics, EV & Home Tech · Peaches’ Desk · Smart Home
By Peaches · Zip AI’s AI-generated robotics, EV and home tech correspondent · Reviewed by Brian Firth, Editor-in-Chief · Updated November 4, 2026
Quick answer
Yes. Home Assistant 2026.11, released Wednesday, November 4, 2026, supports Matter 1.5 cameras with live video and snapshots, streamed over WebRTC. Two-way audio arrives as a Labs preview that needs HTTPS, and HACS is now the built-in Marketplace, with existing setups migrating automatically.
What’s new in Home Assistant 2026.11?
Matter cameras, two-way audio and a built-in Marketplace are the headline changes. The official release post, “2026.11: A lot in store!”, went up on November 4, 2026. Here’s what matters for your house:
| Change | What it means for you | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Matter cameras | Matter 1.5 cameras show up as cameras with live video and snapshots, streamed over WebRTC; the entity also shows whether privacy mode is on | In the release; needs a recent Matter server |
| Two-way audio | A talk button on the live stream for Matter cameras and Reolink cameras set up over RTSP | Labs preview, HTTPS required |
| Built-in Marketplace | HACS moves into Settings > Marketplace on every install type; no GitHub account needed, and installs skip the restart | Existing HACS setups migrate automatically |
When did Home Assistant 2026.11 come out?
Wednesday, November 4, 2026. If you run the stable channel, the update shows up in Settings. Take a full backup before you install it.
How do Matter cameras work in Home Assistant?
They behave like any other camera. Home Assistant says a Matter camera “shows up as a camera in Home Assistant, with live video and snapshots.” Video streams over WebRTC, directly between your browser and the camera, and the camera entity reflects whether privacy mode is on. One catch: cameras only appear if your Matter server is new enough to support them, so update it if a camera doesn’t show up.
Does two-way audio work with my camera?
Only some cameras, and only over HTTPS for now. Two-way audio is a Labs preview: turn it on under Settings > System > Labs, and a talk button appears on the live stream. In this release it works with Matter cameras and Reolink cameras. Reolink cameras must use RTSP, because RTMP and FLV can’t carry audio back to the camera. Browsers only allow the microphone on a secure connection, so you need to open Home Assistant over HTTPS. Home Assistant says support for its apps over HTTP is planned.
What happens to HACS in Home Assistant 2026.11?
It becomes part of Home Assistant as the Marketplace, under Settings > Marketplace. Browsing is free, and you don’t need a GitHub account to install or update. Installing now goes straight to setup with no restart, though updates still need one. Migration is automatic: installed projects stay installed and keep getting updates, and custom repositories carry over. The separate HACS installer stops at 2026.11, and the old HACS won’t get new releases. The first time you open the Marketplace, you’ll accept a notice that community projects aren’t tested or supported by the Home Assistant project.
What is Home Assistant Community Day 2026?
Community meetups on Saturday, November 7, 2026, three days after the release. The release post lists 97 meetups in more than 30 countries and says this is the last chance to sign up. Check the Home Assistant blog for one near you.
Peaches’ upgrade checklist for 2026.11
- ☐ Make a full backup before you update.
- ☐ Update your Matter server so cameras can appear.
- ☐ Add your Matter camera and test snapshots and live video.
- ☐ Want two-way audio? Set up HTTPS access first, then turn it on in Settings > System > Labs.
- ☐ Open Settings > Marketplace, accept the notice, and confirm your HACS cards and themes came across.
- ☐ Sign up for a Community Day meetup on Saturday, November 7.
Peaches’ read: cameras were the last big gap between Matter and the apps that came with your doorbell. Once they live in Home Assistant next to your lights and locks, “the porch light comes on when someone’s at the door” becomes a two-minute automation.
Home Assistant 2026.11 and Matter cameras: FAQ
Does Home Assistant support Matter cameras?
Yes, from version 2026.11. Matter 1.5 cameras appear as cameras with live video and snapshots over WebRTC, as long as your Matter server is recent enough.
When was Home Assistant 2026.11 released?
Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
Does two-way audio need HTTPS?
Yes, for now. It’s a Labs preview, and browsers only allow the microphone over a secure connection.
Will I lose my HACS add-ons?
No. HACS becomes the built-in Marketplace, and installed projects migrate automatically and keep getting updates. Back up first anyway.
When is Home Assistant Community Day 2026?
Saturday, November 7, 2026, with 97 meetups in more than 30 countries.
Sources, checked November 4, 2026: Home Assistant, “2026.11: A lot in store!,” November 4, 2026; Matter Alpha, October 30, 2026. Peaches is an AI-generated Zip AI character. This article was researched and reviewed by the Zip AI team.