

HomeKit Insider
AppleInsider
Learn about the latest HomeKit devices, news, reviews, and more on HomeKit Insider. Our hosts Andrew O'Hara and Stephen Robles discuss how-to's, automations, integrating Siri Shortcuts, and review their recent HomeKit projects.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 1, 2023 • 37min
Aqara F2 Occupancy Sensor Review, Leviton Switch Updates, What’s the Matter with Matter
We review the Aqara F2 Presence Sensor, the only HomeKit occupancy sensor, and discuss Leviton switch updates. We also explore Matter's glitches on HomeKit devices and the addition of Wiz smart lights to Apple Home via Matter.Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow our hosts at:@andrew_osu on Twitter@stephenrobles on TwitterStephen on MastodonEmail us hereSponsored by:HelloFresh: America’s #1 Meal Kit! Use the promo code homekit16 for up to 16 FREE meals plus FREE shipping when you visit: hellofresh.com/homekit16HomeKit Insider YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.Links from the showLutron Companion Wall DimmerWiZ smart lights now support Apple Home via MatterAqara FP2 presence sensor review: The only HomeKit occupancy sensorAqara G4 Video Doorbell review: performance, specs, costSubscribe and listen to our AppleInsider Daily podcast for the latest Apple news Monday through Friday. You can find it on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

Apr 24, 2023 • 33min
HomePod Recognizes Smoke Alarms, Nest Thermostat Gains Matter, Aqara Presence Sensor Launches
Apple's latest HomePod software update that enables the device's smoke alarm recognition capabilities, Nest's forthcoming Matter compatibility, and we discuss the US launch of the Aqara Presence Sensor FP2!Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow our hosts at:@andrew_osu on Twitter@stephenrobles on TwitterStephen on MastodonEmail us hereSponsored by:Kolide: Kolide ensures only secure devices can access your cloud apps. Plus, it’s Zero Trust, tailor-made for Okta. Book a demo today when you visit: kolide.com/homekitHomeKit Insider YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.Links from the showHome Intercom Shortcut!2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Uconnect 5 review: Finally wireless CarPlayHomePod Could Save Your Life! How to Detect Smoke & CO Alerts with Sound Recognition! - YouTubeApple turns on HomePod's smoke alarm recognitionOne Nest thermostat is finally getting Matter, others aren'tVelox Series for MagSafe Compatible iPhones - iOttieAqara Presence Sensor FP2Netatmo Weather Station, Rain GaugeSubscribe and listen to our AppleInsider Daily podcast for the latest Apple news Monday through Friday. You can find it on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

Apr 17, 2023 • 43min
HBO Becomes Max Streaming, Cleaning AirPods, and Netatmo Weather Station
In this episode, we highlight the latest tech products making their way into the market including a tool for safely cleaning your AirPods, the new Max streamer, the Ember Travel Mug², and the Netatmo Weather Station compatible with Alexa and HomeKit. Listen in for more details!Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow our hosts at:@andrew_osu on Twitter@stephenrobles on TwitterStephen on MastodonEmail us hereSponsored by:ExpressVPN: Protect your online activity TODAY with the VPN rated #1 by Business Insider. Get an extra 3 months FREE when you visit: expressvpn.com/hkiHomeKit Insider YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.Links from the showAC Power Supply Compatible with All Versions of Ring DoorbellKasa Smart Plug With Matter Now AvailableThis is the best tool to safely clean your AirPods or AirPods ProThis WEIRD Tool Safely Cleans Your AirPods or AirPods Pro! - YouTubeNew 'Max' streamer combines HBO Max and Discovery+Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Dimmer Leviton DD00R-DLZ Companion DimmerEmber Travel Mug²Netatmo Weather StationSubscribe and listen to our AppleInsider Daily podcast for the latest Apple news Monday through Friday. You can find it on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

Apr 10, 2023 • 36min
Aqara G4 Bug Fixes, Roborock S8 Pro Ultra, Eve Aqua and SwitchBot Hub 2
Aqara video doorbell G4 is updated to fix bugs, Roborock S8 Pro follow-up, hands-on with Eve Aqua spigot, SwitchBot hub 2 with Matter support, and more.Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow our hosts at:@andrew_osu on Twitter@stephenrobles on TwitterStephen on MastodonEmail us hereSponsored by:Zocdoc: Go to zocdoc.com/hki and download the app to sign-up for FREE. Find doctors and specialists that take your insurance and even book appointments online!Kolide: Kolide ensures only secure devices can access your cloud apps. Plus, it’s Zero Trust, tailor-made for Okta. Book a demo today when you visit: kolide.com/homekitHomeKit Insider YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.Links from the showAqara Video Doorbell G4 Receives Fixes Via Update – Homekit News and ReviewsRoborock S8 Pro Ultra video hands on - cost, price, performanceSamsung lineup of OLED and Neo QLED TVs is now availableApple's 'Find My' will help you find a lost Ember Travel Mug 2+Eve Aqua (3rd-gen) reviewSwitchBot unveils smart home Hub 2 with Matter supportSubscribe and listen to our AppleInsider Daily podcast for the latest Apple news Monday through Friday. You can find it on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

Apr 3, 2023 • 50min
Sonos Era 300 In-Depth Review, Eve Matter Devices, Home Widget and Home+ Updates
WWDC 2023 is announced and discuss some wishlist items for HomeKit, Eve is shipping and updates their devices with Matter, Hue delays it’s Matter rollout, your hosts review the Sonos Era 100 and 300, updates to popular third-party home apps, and more!Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow our hosts at:@andrew_osu on Twitter@stephenrobles on TwitterStephen on MastodonEmail us hereSponsored by:ExpressVPN: Protect your online activity TODAY with the VPN rated #1 by Business Insider. Get an extra 3 months FREE when you visit: expressvpn.com/hkiHelloFresh: America’s #1 Meal Kit! Use the promo code homekit50 for up to 14 FREE meals plus FREE shipping when you visit: hellofresh.com/homekit50 HomeKit Insider YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.Links from the showWhat to expect from WWDC 2023 on June 5 through June 9Eve starts shipping Matter-enabled smart home devicesAmazon has just opened up its Sidewalk network to give any gadget free low speed data - The VergeHome+ UpdatesSonos Era 300 review: Spatial audio finally arrivesSonos Era 100 & Era 300 Review: Next-Generation Smart Speakers to Rule Your Home!iOS 16.4 is now available, with a lot of user-facing updatesWWDC 2023 Officially Announced! Here's What to Expect! - YouTubePhilips Hue bulbs won't get Matter support when promisedPhilips Hue and Matter: No more concrete launch date - Hueblog.comHome Widget AppSubscribe and listen to our AppleInsider Daily podcast for the latest Apple news Monday through Friday. You can find it on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

Mar 27, 2023 • 42min
Aqara G4 Doorbell Review, Sonos Era 300, and Tesla Wireless Charger
Big show as we review the Aqara G4, the first battery-powered, HSV video doorbell, Andrew has the Era 300 and Era 100 in-hand, plus Tesla’s wireless charger, Ecovac launches Deebot lineup, and more!Sponsored by:Kolide: Kolide ensures only secure devices can access your cloud apps. Plus, it’s Zero Trust, tailor-made for Okta. Book a demo today when you visit: kolide.com/homekitHomeKit Insider YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.Links from the showSamsung expands OLED 4K TV lineup with two new seriesMeross Smart Door and Window Sensor Kit, MS200HHK – Meross Official StoreShop Products | NanoleafEssentials Matter Line | Nanoleaf - YouTubeAqara G4 Doorbell Review - YouTubeAqara Video Doorbell G4 is battery powered with HomeKit Secure VideoEcovacs new vacuum and mopping robots feature better navigationTesla Wireless Charging Platform review: A premium, Tesla-branded AirPower cloneSubscribe and listen to our AppleInsider Daily podcast for the latest Apple news Monday through Friday. You can find it on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.comChapters(00:00) - Intro
(01:51) - Samsung OLEDs
(04:19) - Meross Contact Sensor
(05:42) - Nanoleaf Matter Releases
(06:46) - Aqara G4 Is Out!
(07:51) - Deebot Vacuums
(10:06) - Sponsor: Kolide
(11:35) - Tesla Wireless Charger
(17:32) - Aqara G4 Review
(30:33) - Sonos Era Review

Mar 20, 2023 • 45min
Belkin Backpedals on Matter, MagSafe Wallets with Find My, and Building a Smart Home
Chipolo Card with Find My now available at Apple Stores, Belkin announces there will be no Matter support for their Thread devices, we cover the best MagSafe wallets with Find My, and tips for new smart home construction.Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow our hosts at:@andrew_osu on Twitter@stephenrobles on TwitterStephen on MastodonEmail us hereSponsored by:Kolide: Kolide ensures only secure devices can access your cloud apps. Plus, it’s Zero Trust, tailor-made for Okta. Book a demo today when you visit: kolide.com/homekitHomeKit Insider YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.Links from the showChipolo CARD Spot Wallet FinderNanoleaf Release Limited Edition Cherry Blossom HexagonsMulti Feature Smart OutletBelkin’s smart home brand Wemo is backing away from Matter - The VergeHome Widget - for HomeKitESR Geo Wallet review: The only Find My-enabled MagSafe wallet holds its ownBest MagSafe Wallets for iPhone! ESR, Peak Design, Apple, & More! - YouTubeUniFi Design CenterMasonite's M-Pwr is the front door every smart home needsNanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor Tracks Sleep and BreathingSubscribe and listen to our AppleInsider Daily podcast for the latest Apple news Monday through Friday. You can find it on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

Mar 13, 2023 • 39min
Sonos Unveils Era Speakers, Ring Battery Doorbell, and Smart Baby Tech
Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow our hosts at @andrew_osu and @stephenrobles or email us here. Find us in your favorite podcast player by searching for "HomeKit Insider" and support the show by leaving a 5-Star rating and comment in Apple Podcasts.Sponsored by:Zocdoc: Go to zocdoc.com/hki and download the app to sign-up for FREE. Find doctors and specialists that take your insurance and even book appointments online!Kolide: Kolide ensures only secure devices can access your cloud apps. Plus, it’s Zero Trust, tailor-made for Okta. Book a demo today when you visit: kolide.com/homekitHomeKit Insider YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.Links from the showSonos unveils next generation Era 100 and Era 300 smart home speakersSonos to support spatial audio with Apple Music on March 28Ember Baby Bottle System - Ember®Ring DoorbellThis is the COOLEST Smart Humidifier & It Works with HomeKit! - YouTubeSmartmi Evaporative Humidifier RainforestSubscribe and listen to our AppleInsider Daily podcast for the latest Apple news Monday through Friday. You can find it on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

Mar 6, 2023 • 43min
Smartmi Rainforest Humidifier, WiiM Pro AirPlay 2 Receiver, Updated Hubitat C-8
We review the new rainforest humidifier from Smartmi, WiiM Pro launches bringing AirPlay 2 to physical speakers, Sony launches new TVs with HomeKit, Yarbo is a robot for your yard, and your hosts tease upcoming reviews!Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow our hosts at:@andrew_osu on Twitter@stephenrobles on TwitterStephen on MastodonEmail us hereSponsored by:ExpressVPN: Protect your online activity TODAY with the VPN rated #1 by Business Insider. Get an extra 3 months FREE when you visit: expressvpn.com/hkiKolide: Kolide ensures only secure devices can access your cloud apps. Plus, it’s Zero Trust, tailor-made for Okta. Book a demo today when you visit: kolide.com/homekitHomeKit Insider YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.Links from the showNetatmo Smart Security SensorWiiM Pro AirPlay 2 ReceiverBelkin SoundForm Connect AirPlay 2 AdapterNew Sony Bravia TVs have Apple TV, AirPlay 2, HomeKit and moreSony announces 2023 TV lineup: better late than never - The VergeSony Unveils Full 2023 TV RangeAqara FP2 Presales Launch in ChinaEverything new in iOS 16.4 beta 2HubitatRoborock S8 Pro Ultra Smartmi Humidifier RainforestYarbo - A Smart Robot to Maintain Your Yard Through Every SeasonSubscribe and listen to our AppleInsider Daily podcast for the latest Apple news Monday through Friday. You can find it on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

Feb 27, 2023 • 45min
New Aqara Devices, iOS 16.4 Home Features, Z-Wave Hubs for HomeKit
Special guest Shane Whatley joins us to discuss new Aqara products and occupancy sensors, iOS 16.4 brings back the Home architecture upgrade plus new Shortcuts for Intercom, Z-Wave hubs for HomeKit, and our favorite Apple Home automations!Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow our hosts at:@andrew_osu on Twitter@stephenrobles on TwitterStephen on MastodonEmail us hereSponsored by:Kolide: Kolide ensures only secure devices can access your cloud apps. Plus, it’s Zero Trust, tailor-made for Okta. Book a demo today when you visit: kolide.com/homekitHomeKit Insider YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.Links from the showShowcasing YOUR Smart Home Automations! 🤯 - YouTubeShane Whatley - YouTubeShane Whatley • Instagram photos and videosAqara Unveil Four New Products For the Chinese MarketZooz Scene ControllerThinka for Z-WaveHubitat ElevationPre-order Homey Pro (Early 2023)Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi 2nd Gen Scene ControllerAqara Wireless Mini SwitchFlic 2 | The Smart ButtonEve ButtonSonos Era 100 and Era 300 HomePod competitors coming in MarchSmoke Alarm Monitor | abodeSubscribe and listen to our AppleInsider Daily podcast for the latest Apple news Monday through Friday. You can find it on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com