All articles tagged with #homekit
The article discusses the importance of physical buttons in smart home setups, highlighting the Flic Hub LR and Flic Duo as effective accessories for controlling Apple HomeKit devices, with the Hub LR supporting extensive range and legacy device control, and the Duo offering versatile gesture controls and a built-in speaker, though with some limitations within the Home app.
IKEA announced 21 new Matter-compatible smart home products, including smart bulbs, sensors, and controls that work with HomeKit, set to launch in January 2026. The lineup features various bulbs in multiple sizes and colors, sensors for motion, air quality, humidity, and water leaks, as well as smart plugs and remote controls, all utilizing Matter-over-Thread for improved connectivity.
Apple is preparing to expand its smart home product line with new devices like a HomePod with a screen, security camera, and smart doorbell, offering a potentially higher-quality alternative to competitors like Samsung, which has recently started including ads in its smart refrigerator screens. The new Apple products are highly anticipated and could improve user experience in the smart home space.
IKEA will support Matter in over 20 new smart home products starting January 2026, enabling seamless compatibility with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings, simplifying smart home integration and removing previous barriers for HomeKit users.
Ikea is expanding its smart home product line with over 20 new affordable Matter-compatible devices, supporting both Matter and Threads standards, which will be directly controllable via Apple's Home app without needing the Ikea hub, making smart home tech more accessible and budget-friendly.
Apple is reportedly developing a smart display for home control, featuring a 6-inch screen with sensors for presence detection and a FaceTime camera. The device will run on a new operating system called homeOS, supporting video calls, smart home controls, and core apps like Notes and Safari. It will integrate with Apple's HomeKit ecosystem and focus on music playback and intercom functionality. The device, codenamed J490, is expected to launch in 2025, with pricing similar to Google's Nest Hub Max and Amazon's Echo Hub.
Apple is considering launching its own branded TV set as part of its expansion into the smart home industry, contingent on the success of its upcoming wall-mounted smart home hub. The company has previously explored this idea but is now revisiting it with a more integrated ecosystem of devices. Analyst Mark Gurman reports that while the TV set could feature home-related functionalities, it would not serve as the central hub, a role reserved for the new 6-inch smart home device.
iOS 18 is expected to bring a significant update to Apple's iPhone Control Center, including a new music widget and improved HomeKit integration. The Settings app will also receive a cleaner interface and better organization. More details are anticipated at WWDC 2024.
iOS 18 will feature a redesigned Control Center with updates to the music widget and HomeKit controls, including a revamped Settings app with better organization and search. The new Control Center will offer a larger Now Playing UI and improved smart home appliance controls, addressing user frustrations with the current automatic layout.
TP-Link unveiled the Tapo DL130 video door lock at CES, featuring HomeKit compatibility and seven unlocking methods including a fingerprint scanner and Apple Home Key support. The device boasts a 2K camera, color night vision, and a speaker for prerecorded responses. TP-Link also introduced the Tapo H500 Smart HomeBase and other smart home products, including a video doorbell, robot vacuum, light strip, and outdoor plugs.
Eve, a popular HomeKit vendor, has announced the upcoming release of three new products: Eve Energy Outlet, Eve Light Switch, and Eve Blinds. These products integrate seamlessly into modern interiors and offer energy-efficient smart home solutions. The Eve Energy Outlet replaces wall outlets, the Eve Light Switch enables connected lighting without replacing bulbs, and the Eve Blinds Collection features automated shading based on the sun's position. All three products are compatible with Matter, making them future-proof choices for managing energy usage, lighting, and shading. The products will be available for purchase from the Eve Store and Amazon starting in February 2024.
Chamberlain's myQ smart garage door opener is blocking access by third-party apps like Homebridge and Home Assistant, following the discontinuation of the myQ Home Bridge Hub. The move is believed to be motivated by the desire to force users to use Chamberlain's own app, which displays ads. The decision has sparked backlash from users who have criticized the app for its intrusive ads and attempts to upsell unnecessary services. A workaround for affected users is to use a circuit board called "ratgdo" that hacks into Chamberlain/LiftMaster garage door openers. This incident highlights the issue of limited ownership and control over smart home devices that rely on third-party apps and APIs.
The Eve Motion is recommended as the best HomeKit motion sensor due to its reliable connection, quick response to motion events, and decent motion sensing range. It also includes a bonus light sensor and supports both Bluetooth and Thread connectivity options. With long battery life and the ability to be used outdoors, the Eve Motion is a versatile choice. The Philips Hue motion sensor is a runner-up but requires a Philips Hue bridge hub for HomeKit connectivity.
The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) has released an updated Matter 1.2 specification, which adds support for new device types and brings performance improvements to the smart home protocol. Matter 1.2 enables the integration of devices such as refrigerators, air conditioners, dishwashers, and more into the smart home ecosystem. Apple's HomeKit already supports some of these device types but may need updates to add Matter 1.2 support. The update also includes enhancements for multi-unit switches, multi-light fixtures, semantic tags, and device operational states, providing device makers with more options for complex smart home products. Matter 1.2 certification is now open, and devices with these improvements are expected to be available later this year.
The new Apple Watch Home app in watchOS 10 brings a major upgrade to the HomeKit experience on the Apple Watch, aligning it with the iPhone. The app features camera feeds at the top, quick buttons for climate, lights, security, and speakers, and easy access to favorite HomeKit devices. Users can toggle devices on/off or access precise controls for thermostats and lights. Overall, the update improves the ability to monitor and control smart home devices from the Apple Watch.