Home Assistant 0.117 brings a host of new features and improvements, with one of the most anticipated being the return of the compact header. The Home Assistant Dashboard is also set for a major makeover, featuring enhancements like a quick bar, an upgraded weather card, and a smarter entity picker search. Let's dive into these exciting updates.
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The Compact Header's Grand Comeback
The return of the Compact Header is a significant update in Home Assistant 0.117. Developed by maykar, the same developer behind the popular custom component, the official Compact Header aims to reduce the large default header in the Home Assistant Dashboard. While it may not include all the features of the custom component, it efficiently achieves its primary goal: minimizing the header's size.
This update is especially beneficial for mobile users and those who use wall-mounted tablets to display their Home Assistant Dashboards. The Compact Header offers a more streamlined and manageable interface, improving usability on smaller screens.
Introducing the Home Assistant Dashboard's Quick Bar
Another exciting addition to the Home Assistant Dashboard is the new quick bar. This feature allows users to quickly access a list of all available entities on any view of the dashboard by simply pressing CTRL + P. The quick bar not only facilitates easy entity searches but also functions as a command centre. The Home Assistant's Quick Bar can be compared to other popular search and command tools like PowerToys Run on Windows and Spotlight on macOS.
To use the quick bar, press CTRL + P and start typing the name of the entity you're looking for. The search results will appear instantly. Press CTRL + P again to access a list of commands you can execute directly from the dashboard. This feature enhances the efficiency and convenience of managing your Home Assistant setup.
Revamped Home Assistant Dashboard Weather Card
Home Assistant's Weather Card has received a facelift in version 0.117. The secondary information text has been replaced with a new icon, ensuring no overlap with other data. Users can now choose which information to display on the weather card. If you prefer air pressure over humidity, you can easily make the switch. This customization allows users to tailor the weather card to their preferences.
The revamped Weather Card not only offers more flexibility in terms of displayed data but also features a more streamlined and visually appealing design. Users can select from various data points such as temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind speed, and more, to be shown on the card. This improvement ensures that the most relevant information is always front and centre. Additionally, the new iconography and layout enhance readability and make it easier for users to quickly grasp the current weather conditions at a glance. The weather card remains an essential part of the Home Assistant Dashboard, providing critical weather updates in a clear and concise manner.
Smarter Entity Picker Search
The entity picker search has been improved significantly. Previously, users could only search by entity ID when editing Home Assistant Dashboard cards. For example, searching for an automation titled 'Lock doors at night' with the ID 'automation.ticker' would not yield results if you searched for 'night'. In version 0.117, this limitation has been addressed. Users can now search for entities using any part of their title, making the process much more intuitive and user-friendly.
This new feature is particularly beneficial for those starting out with Home Assistant. Beginners often struggle to remember exact entity IDs, which can be a daunting and frustrating task. By allowing searches based on any part of an entity’s title, the learning curve is significantly reduced. Novices can now easily find and manage their entities without needing to memorize specific IDs, making the setup and customization process much more accessible. This intuitive search functionality empowers new users to confidently explore and utilize the full potential of Home Assistant, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable experience from the get-go.
Other Enhancements
Zack Barett's beta version sneak peek video covers additional enhancements in detail. While this article highlights the most exciting changes, it's worth checking out the video for a comprehensive overview of what Home Assistant 0.117 has to offer.
Home Assistant's development is progressing rapidly, and new updates are continuously being rolled out. By the time you're reading this, even more features may have been introduced.
Conclusion
Home Assistant 0.117 brings significant improvements and new features, including the much-awaited compact header, a quick bar for easy entity access, a revamped weather card, and an enhanced entity picker search. These updates enhance the usability and customization of the Home Assistant Dashboard, making it an even more powerful tool for home automation enthusiasts. Keep an eye out for future updates as the Home Assistant platform continues to evolve.
