

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

Oct 4, 2021 • 36min
Sleep Tracking Apps, Symfonisk Lamp Speaker, and iPhone 13 Bugs
Andrew’s Mac Pro refuses to startup, iPhone 13 setup bugs, IKEA launches their Symfonisk lamp and speaker combo, Home+ 5.2 update, and we share our favorite sleep tracking apps.
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.
HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.
Sponsored by:
SimpliSafe Security: Get 30% OFF your first home security system and your first month of interactive monitoring FREE at: simplisafe.com/homekit
Links from the show
iPhone 13 Pro & iPhone 13 Pro Max review: Exceptional phones but the Pro Max underwhelms
Top New Features of iPhone 13 Pro! - YouTube
iPhone 13 Pro VS iPhone 12 Pro! EVERY Difference Compared! - YouTube
Compared: iPhone 13 & iPhone 13 mini versus iPhone 12 & iPhone 12 mini
Home+ 5
Ikea ships new version of Symfonisk AirPlay 2 table lamp speaker
Sleep Watch by Bodymatter
AutoSleep Track Sleep on Watch
Pillow: Sleep Cycle Tracker
Subscribe 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

Sep 27, 2021 • 51min
MagSafe Wallet Review, SharePlay and HomePod Lossless Audio Returns in iOS 15.1
Aqara releases their E1 roller shade driver in the UK, iOS 15.1 beta brings lossless audio to HomePod and SharePlay returns, plus we review the new MagSafe Wallet and Find My features.
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.
HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.
Sponsored by:
Nebia by Moen: The Nebia by Moen Spa Shower is Nebia’s most advanced shower yet. The first 100 listeners to use code HomeKit will receive 10% off ALL Nebia products! Visit nebia.com/homekit to learn more.
Listener Survey
Help us learn more about the AppleInsider audience by taking a brief survey and you'll be entered to win an Amazon Gift Card! Click here to take the survey.
Links from the show
Aqara Announce UK Release of Roller Shade Driver E1
How to Listen To Lossless Audio on HomePod & HomePod mini! - YouTube
Everything NEW in iOS 15.1: COVID Cards in Wallet, SharePlay Returns! - YouTube
Review: Apple's NEW MagSafe Wallet Now Works With Find My! - YouTube
The Best New Features Available NOW in iOS 15! - YouTube
How to stream lossless audio to HomePod
Apple leather MagSafe wallet with Find My review: A step up, but just barely
Subscribe 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

Sep 20, 2021 • 43min
tvOS 15, ReST Smart Bed Review, Sonos Beam Gen 2, and Listener Questions
Tedee smart lock gains HomeKit support, Sonos releases the second generation Beam sound bar, we review everything coming with tvOS 15 and HomePodOS 15, Andrew reviews the ReST smart bed, and we answer listener questions.
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.
HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.
Listener Survey
Help us learn more about the AppleInsider audience by taking a brief survey and you'll be entered to win an Amazon Gift Card! Click here to take the survey.
Links from the show
Tedee smart lock gains HomeKit support
Beam: The Small But Smart TV Soundbar | Sonos
Ikea and Sonos’ second-generation Symfonisk lamp leaks with swappable lampshades
ReST Smart Bed review: An app-connected mattress for a good night's rest
ReST Smart Bed
Toothbrush Firmware Update - Tweet
Mythbuster – Lightwave
Sonoff Basic R2 Smart Switch
Wemo Smart Home Stage Scene Controller
Notion Smart Home Database!
Subscribe 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

Sep 13, 2021 • 40min
Thinka Unveils First HomeKit Z-Wave Bridge, Exclusive Interview with CEO Michael Franken
Aqara announces Matter support for its M1S and M2 hubs, Meross air purifier now available, and then we have an exclusive interview with Thinka CEO, Michael Franken. Thinka has unveiled the first Z-Wave HomeKit bridge adding over 3,000 devices to the HomeKit ecosystem.
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.
HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.
Sponsored by:
Nebia by Moen: The Nebia by Moen Spa Shower is Nebia’s most advanced shower yet. The first 100 listeners to use code HomeKit will receive 10% off ALL Nebia products! Visit nebia.com/homekit to learn more.
Listener Survey
Help us learn more about the AppleInsider audience by taking a brief survey and you'll be entered to win an Amazon Gift Card! Click here to take the survey.
Links from the show
Aqara pledges support for Matter, updates coming
Thinka debuts world's first Z-Wave hub for HomeKit
Thinka | HomeKit bridge for Z-Wave and KNX
Subscribe 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

Sep 6, 2021 • 42min
New Philips Hue Devices, Pre-Wiring a Home, and HomeKit Camera Battery Automations
Hue announces new bulbs and devices, VOCOlinc is still alive, pre-wiring a home for ethernet, and we answer listener questions on HomeKit camera battery and Fall decoration automations.
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.
Subscribe 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.
Sponsored by:
SimpliSafe Security: Get 30% OFF your first home security system and your first month of interactive monitoring FREE at: simplisafe.com/homekit
Links from the show
Philips Hue debuts brighter bulbs, multi-color gradient lamps & more
Eve updates Thermo smart thermostat with Thread support
CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub - Amazon
Building A Home - TYM Home Theaters & Smart Homes
Home+ 5 App
Lutron Caseta Wireless Smart Bridge Dimmer - Amazon
Wemo Smart Plug - Amazon
Eve Energy - Amazon
Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

Aug 30, 2021 • 30min
Level Lock Partners with Rocky Mountain, Logitech Circle View Firmware, and Where is VOCOlinc?
Level Lock has partnered with Rocky Mountain door hardware for new HomeKit-enabled locks, new Logitech firmware coming soon may fix overheating issues, VOCOlinc is missing in action, and home project updates.
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:
Hunter Douglas: Get a FREE Style Gets Smarter design guide and learn about their HomeKit window shades at: hunterdouglas.com/homekit
Links from the show
HomeKit Insider - YouTube Channel
Level Lock partners with Rocky Mountain Hardware to expand HomeKit lock options
Rocky Mountain Hardware
VOCOlinc Website?
Leviton's second-generation Decora Dimmer review: Wi-Fi connected HomeKit switches
Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Dimmer - Amazon
Drone Fail - Stephen’s Tweet
More shows from AppleInsider
Subscribe and listen to our weekly AppleInsider podcast for the latest Apple reviews, commentary, and analysis. You can find it on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
Subscribe 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

Aug 23, 2021 • 36min
Leviton Decora Dimmer Review, USB Wall Outlets, and Matter Devices Delayed
We review Leviton’s 2nd generation in-wall dimmer switch, “Matter” smart home alliance delays its first products, adding automation to a coffee grinder, and we answer listener questions.
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.
Subscribe 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.
Links from the show
Apple-backed Matter smart home standard delayed until 2022
Aqara Release E1 Contact, Leak Sensor in Mainland China
Leviton's second-generation Decora Dimmer review: Wi-Fi connected HomeKit switches
Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Dimmer (2nd Gen) - Amazon
ONVIS Smart Motion Sensor - Amazon
WeMo Smart Plug - Amazon
Leviton USB Dual Type-C with Power Delivery (PD) In-Wall Charger - Amazon
Utilitech 15-Amp Usb Outlet - Lowes
Belkin MagSafe 3-in-1 Wireless Charger - Amazon
Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

Aug 16, 2021 • 42min
Meross Smart Plug, Presence Sensors, and Using Multiple Doorbells
Meross releases a new Wi-Fi Smart Plug, we discuss presence sensors vs motion, using multiple doorbells, and answer listener questions.
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:
Hunter Douglas: Get a FREE Style Gets Smarter design guide and learn about their HomeKit window shades at: hunterdouglas.com/homekit
Links from the show
Arlo services outage preventing devices from being added to HomeKit
Meross Wi-Fi Smart Plug review: A low-cost way into HomeKit automation
meross Smart Plug Mini - Amazon
RoomMe Smart Presence Sensor - Amazon
ONVIS Smart Motion Sensor - Amazon
Belkin MagSafe Car Vent Mount - Amazon
XLUX Soil Moisture Meter, Plant Water Monitor, Soil Hygrometer - Amazon
GitHub - aaronhktan/homebridge-soil-moisture: A Homebridge plugin for an analog soil moisture sensor.
Logitech Circle View Apple HomeKit-Enabled Wired Doorbell - Amazon
Arlo Essential Video Doorbell - Amazon
Subscribe 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

Aug 9, 2021 • 40min
Hue Gradient Floor Light, Ikea Air Purifier, and Apple TV Caption Shortcuts
Hue is releasing an update gradient floor light soon, Ikea launches a table and air purifier combo, we discuss Apple TV Shortcuts for enabling captions automatically, and review recent MagSafe accessories.
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.
Subscribe 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.
Links from the show
HomeKit Insider - YouTube Channel
Apple TV Shortcut - What did they just say?
New Hue Signe Gradient Floor Light Revealed
Philips Hue Ambiance Signe
Philips Hue Gradient Signe ist unterwegs: Erstes Bild zeigt mehrfarbiges Licht
Ikea launches new HomeKit-compatible smart air purifier
Apple TV app, hardware users complain of audio issues
Nomad MagSafe Mount Stand review: A high price for some elevation
MagSafe Mount Stand | NOMAD®
Rise Dock | MagSafe Compatible
ESR HaloLock Magnetic Wireless Car Charger
Belkin MagSafe Car Vent Mount PRO for iPhone 12
Cut the Rope for Apple TV
Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

Aug 2, 2021 • 37min
Meross Standing Lamp, SYMFONISK Speaker, and HomeKit Faucet
Meross debuts a new HomeKit floor lamp, Aqara products available on Amazon in the EU and UK, Andrew shares his impressions of the SYMFONISK picture frame speaker, we discuss home theater in-wall speakers, and HomeKit kitchen faucets.
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.
Subscribe 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.
Sponsored by:
Hunter Douglas: Get a FREE Style Gets Smarter design guide and learn about their HomeKit window shades at: hunterdouglas.com/homekit
Links from the show
Meross announces HomeKit enabled LED floor lamp debuting at $79.99
Meross Smart LED Floor Lamp - Amazon
This is the Philips Hue Gradient Lightstrip Ambiance - Hueblog.com
Sonos Architectural 6-1/2" Passive 2-Way In-Wall Speakers
SYMFONISK Picture frame with Wi-Fi speaker - IKEA
Aqara Smart Hub M2 - Amazon
DIY HomeKit Security System with HomeBridge (in 3 Easy Steps!) - YouTube
Sensate Faucet with KOHLER Konnect
Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com


