HomeKit Insider The Best Smart Home Devices of 2025 & The Fall of Roomba
Dec 29, 2025
Dan Turk, a frequent voice on smart home trends and robotics, joins to discuss the dramatic shifts in the home tech landscape. The duo unearths the downfall of iRobot, linking its struggles to regulatory challenges and competition from Chinese innovators. They also spotlight emerging US contenders like Matic, which are navigating the market with camera strategies. Plus, Dan shares his favorite smart picks, including the X-Jimmy Mogo 4 projector and highlights Aqara's cameras for their reliability and integration.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Dolby FlexConnect Changes Speaker Placement
- Dolby FlexConnect lets speakers self-locate and auto-calibrate for Dolby Atmos, enabling flexible placement and immersive audio.
- Standardizing this tech across brands could raise audio quality industry-wide.
SmartThings Brings Camera Features To Matter
- Samsung SmartThings will support Matter 1.5 camera features including live streaming, clip storage, and two-way talk, expanding Matter's device scope.
- That support speeds ecosystem readiness and pressures other platforms to follow with camera-compatible Matter products.
Plan For A Heavy Spring Product Wave
- Expect major smart home and HomeKit announcements in early 2026 and plan product coverage accordingly.
- Prepare for a crowded spring launch window and schedule reviews and tests early.