Google has made me dislike them, I’ll try to always use an alternative.

I’ve used EVVR Smart in-⁠Wall Relay Switch, they have been great

Looks like you can buy it now

I got Smartwings shades for a bedroom. Really like it, not loud, you can add a solar usb charger too. Works with Thread and I’ve had zero issues.

You could probably try the battery doorbells as cameras too

Could be a router issue, have you tried resetting the HomePod?

I have an Schlage encode plus and haven’t had any issues other that the cost.