ISE 2025, my first time at the European version of what is essentially a combined InfoComm and CEDIA Expo, was frankly a blast. These trade show floors were absolutely packed, and in some areas, getting through crowds required some precision and patience. Don’t take my word for it, though, as according to ISE, the show saw a record 85,351 verified visitors from 168 countries, a 15.5% increase from 2024. Attendance peaked on Wednesday with over 59,000 visitors, a 14.4% growth from the previous year.

Even on day 3 of the European trade show in a beautiful city where dinners and afterparties bleed into the early morning, the espresso-fueled energy and enthusiasm was strikingly apparent. In fact, Thursday set a new record with 49,716 visitors.

Here are some of my thoughts and notes from browsing the massive Fira Barcelona Gran Via for a third day.

More Apple Integrations in the Wild

Take Savant, for example, which was touting its Savant OS 11, the latest version of the company’s home automation operating system that leverages a deep integration with Apple’s ecosystem, including Siri.

The company’s software was historically built on Apple software, so controlling a Savant-powered smart home with an iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch is a truly seamless experience. For example, users can set automations for the system to detect when a user’s Apple mobile device disconnects from the home’s Wi-Fi to trigger away scenes, and the opposite for when the user returns home.

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Speaking of Apple, Snap One’s Control4 brand was showcasing the new x4 platform, which features an integration with HomeKit and Siri, as well as Apple Music. This allows users to control their homes with natural voice control using their Apple devices and Siri.

As Snap One puts it, the company has a responsibility to create an open ecosystem that places an emphasis on versatility and providing methods of control that users want. That means integrating with Apple systems to give homeowners the ability to use devices and systems they already enjoy using to control their home.

Access and Control Integrations Galore

Similarly, 2N was showcasing its range of access control, doorbell and intercom solutions for a wide range of markets, including multi-dwelling units, single-family homes, elevator access and communication, and commercial buildings.

For example, the company’s solutions integrate with systems from Finland-based Kone, one of the largest producers of elevators globally. When a resident of an apartment building uses a smartphone to interact with a 2N unit at the entrance, the system will communicate with Kone’s cloud to send the elevator to the lobby. Based on the user’s profile and credentials, the automation can automatically cue the elevator to send the resident to their respective floor.

Interestingly, the company also highlighted an integration with Microsoft Teams for intercom systems in commercial buildings.

2N also proudly boasts that their solutions work with all of the major control and automation platforms we know in the industry, including Crestron, RTI, Savant and Control4.

Speaking of control companies, we simply have to mention RTI’s new Intelligent Surfaces lineup of sleek-looking touch panels and remotes featuring thin bezels, customizable finishes and premium feel.

In addition, RTI highlighted Integration Designer 11, which includes a built-in driver store giving dealers access to the drivers they need without requiring them to leave the software and search external sources.

Stay tuned for more ISE 2025 coverage

That wraps up all of our ISE 2025 coverage from the show floor, but stay tuned for more insights and analysis from Barcelona as I settle back in at home and pour over my notes.

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