Home Assistant Blue: Build Your Own Modern Smart Home Hub

Home Assistant Blue was a game-changer when it launched—a sleek, ready-to-go hardware bundle that simplified home automation for enthusiasts. Even though it’s discontinued, you don’t have to miss out. You can still build your own Home Assistant Blue, minus the official branding, and enjoy the same powerful features.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to recreate the Home Assistant Blue experience using the ODROID-N2+ board. Let’s dive into how you can revive this smart home hub for your own setup.

⚠️ A Quick Note on Compatibility

Technology evolves rapidly. This guide reflects the best practices available at the time of writing, but hardware and software updates may impact compatibility. Always verify with the latest documentation to avoid unexpected issues. If something feels off, consult official sources or reach out for guidance.

What Was Home Assistant Blue?

Home Assistant Blue debuted in December 2020 as a limited-edition hardware bundle featuring the ODROID-N2+ board, a 128GB eMMC storage module, and a custom-designed aluminum case. It came pre-installed with Home Assistant OS, offering users a seamless, plug-and-play experience.

Key features included:

Ease of Use: Pre-configured with Home Assistant OS for immediate setup.
Sleek Design: A custom aluminum case gave it a polished, professional look.
Local Control: Ensured data privacy by running automations locally.

Despite its discontinuation, you can still replicate the experience with off-the-shelf components.

Why Build Your Own Home Assistant Blue?

While Home Assistant Blue isn’t available anymore, building your own has several advantages:

Customizability: Tailor your setup to fit your specific needs.
Cost Efficiency: Source components individually to fit your budget.
Upgradability: Opt for higher storage or RAM, depending on your requirements.
Satisfaction: There’s nothing quite like building something with your own hands.

What You’ll Need to Build Your Own

To recreate the Home Assistant Blue, you’ll need the following components:

Hardware

ODROID-N2+ Board: The heart of Home Assistant Blue.
128GB eMMC Module: For fast and reliable storage.
Custom Aluminum Case: While the original case isn’t available, many aftermarket options work well.
Power Supply: Ensure it matches ODROID-N2+ specifications.
Network Connection: Ethernet cable for stable connectivity.

Software

Home Assistant OS: Download the image from the official Home Assistant website.
Balena Etcher: For flashing the OS onto your eMMC module.

Upgrading to ODROID-M1 for Your DIY Home Assistant Blue

The ODROID-N2+ was the original heart of the Home Assistant Blue, but the ODROID-M1 is a fantastic upgrade for building a modern, DIY version of this smart home hub. With improved performance, features, and flexibility, the ODROID-M1 is the perfect choice to take your setup to the next level.

Key Features of the ODROID-M1 DIY Home Assistant Blue

1. Enhanced Performance

Processor: Powered by a quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 CPU, the ODROID-M1 delivers faster processing and improved efficiency.
RAM Options: Choose between 4GB or 8GB LPDDR4 RAM to match your automation needs, ideal for setups with multiple devices and complex workflows.

2. Expanded Storage Options

NVMe SSD Support: Unlike the N2+, the M1 supports high-speed NVMe SSDs for storage, offering faster read/write speeds and greater capacity for backups, logs, and media.
eMMC Compatibility: Still supports eMMC modules for users who prefer a simpler, more compact storage solution.

3. Built-In Connectivity

Gigabit Ethernet: Provides reliable, high-speed network connectivity for seamless automation.
USB Ports: Four USB 3.0 ports allow for additional integrations, such as Zigbee or Z-Wave dongles.

4. Improved Power Efficiency

The ODROID-M1 maintains low power consumption, making it an eco-friendly choice for an always-on device.
Includes enhanced cooling with a heatsink and case designs to prevent overheating during heavy use.

5. Flexibility for Advanced Setups

SATA Port: Unique to the M1, the SATA port allows you to connect traditional hard drives for even more storage options.
GPIO Header: Supports custom hardware integrations and DIY projects.

6. Seamless Integration with Home Assistant

Like the N2+, the ODROID-M1 supports Home Assistant OS, making installation straightforward.
Compatible with all Home Assistant integrations and add-ons, ensuring a smooth transition to the upgraded hardware.

7. Sleek Design Options

Pair the M1 with a modern aluminum case to replicate the aesthetics of the original Home Assistant Blue.
Passive and active cooling options ensure your device runs quietly while staying cool.

Who Is Home Assistant Blue For?

Home Assistant Blue, whether in its original or DIY form, caters to a wide range of smart home enthusiasts. Its blend of powerful hardware and the flexibility of Home Assistant makes it an excellent choice for the following users:

Smart Home Beginners will love the ease of getting started with a DIY Home Assistant Blue. The pre-configured Home Assistant OS eliminates the need for advanced technical skills, offering a simple setup process and a ready-to-go platform for connecting devices and creating automations—all without relying on cloud services or subscriptions.
Privacy Advocates will appreciate that Home Assistant Blue operates entirely locally, keeping data private and secure. It eliminates dependency on third-party cloud services, giving users total control over their smart home operations while ensuring enhanced security with local data storage and encryption.
DIY Enthusiasts will love the customizable nature of a DIY Home Assistant Blue, offering the satisfaction of building their own smart home hub. It provides flexibility to experiment with custom automations and configurations, as well as opportunities for hardware upgrades like adding Zigbee or Z-Wave integrations.
Advanced Smart Home Users will benefit from the robust hardware of an ODROID board, which supports large-scale automations and integrations. It enables them to manage complex setups with multiple devices, create advanced scripts, and enjoy reliable performance even under heavy workloads.
Cost-Conscious Users will appreciate the affordability of a DIY Home Assistant Blue, which offers high performance at a fraction of the cost of pre-built alternatives. It provides the flexibility to choose storage and accessories based on individual needs while saving money by eliminating cloud service subscriptions.
Small Business Owners will find Home Assistant Blue to be a powerful solution for managing office environments, stores, or workshops. It simplifies operations by automating lighting, climate control, and security, while tracking energy usage to reduce costs and managing multiple devices from a single platform.

No matter where you fall on the smart home spectrum, Home Assistant Blue—especially with the upgraded ODROID-M1—offers something for everyone. It’s a versatile, powerful, and cost-effective solution for creating a smarter and more connected environment.

Final Thoughts

Running Home Assistant on an ODROID board is a powerful way to manage your smart home. Whether you’re just starting or looking to upgrade your current setup, this combination offers unbeatable performance and flexibility.

Take your time, explore the features, and remember that the Home Assistant community is always there to help. Your smart home journey starts here—let’s make it amazing.

💡 Important Disclosure

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