thomas
Sessions
The companies behind ZigBee partnered with the tech giants (Apple, Amazon,...) to create an IoT standard with opensource implementation that uses lots of cool technologies: BLE, mDNS, IPv6, and Thread, WiFi, a ledger for Device Attestation. Security is also built-in this time, and devices pack a secure enclave. Home Assistant (Nabu Casa) is involved from the start, bringing us first-class support in our beloved home automation platform.
Cheap and fast Chinese PCB fab's aside, you can set up your own with some effort and tools.
This allows you to create your own printed circuit board in an hour, no precision work required.
A diode laser is used to create an etching mask. Paper masking tape is used to create solder mask, silk screen to create a professional finish. There is even potential to make solder paste stencils for SMT this way.