

HomeKit Insider
AppleInsider
Learn about the latest Apple Home & Matter devices, news, reviews, and more on HomeKit Insider! Host Andrew O'Hara discusses the weekly news, in-depth how-to's, smart home automations, integrating Siri Shortcuts, and reviews his recent HomeKit projects.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 24, 2025 • 29min
Robot Vacuums in iOS 18.4, Aqara G5 Pro Camera, & New Lower Nanoleaf Prices
Explore the exciting features of the iOS 18.4 beta, which introduces support for robotic vacuums, making home cleaning smarter than ever. Discover the innovative capabilities of the Aqara G5 Pro camera, particularly its Power over Ethernet option, enhancing security in your home. Get ready for wallet-friendly prices on Nanoleaf products, making smart lighting accessible to all. As the smart home ecosystem expands, stay tuned for future discussions on Matter vacuum cleaners and the latest in home tech advancements.

Feb 17, 2025 • 60min
Apple Smart Display Update, Netflix in Apple TV App, & Roborock Saros 10 VS 10R
Delve into the latest buzz about Apple's anticipated smart display and its potential challenges against current devices. Explore the exciting integration of Netflix in the Apple TV app, enhancing viewer engagement. Discover innovations in robotic vacuum technology, focusing on Roborock's cutting-edge models, and the unique features of the SwitchBot K10 Plus Pro. Plus, learn about advancements in home automation that are redefining everyday life. Tune in for a dive into the future of smart homes!

Feb 10, 2025 • 53min
Sonos Streaming Box, Amazon Event Preview, & Matter to Solve Wi-Fi with Jennifer Tuohy
Jennifer Tuohy, a smart home tech writer for The Verge, joins to delve into the latest in home tech. She reveals crucial insights about the upcoming Amazon event and discusses the buzz around Sonos's new streaming box poised to challenge Apple TV. The chat navigates innovations in smart lock technology, including long-range features and security implications. Additionally, they tackle the integration of Matter to optimize Wi-Fi connections for smarter homes. Tune in for a mix of tech trends and exciting future possibilities!

Feb 3, 2025 • 54min
AirTag 2 Rumors, Matter Ice Maker, & Logitech's Business Presence Sensor
Delve into the latest rumors about AirTag 2 and whether upgrading to Matter is worth it. Discover innovative smart air purifiers perfect for pet owners and hear about CVS’s implementation of smart cabinets. Logitech’s new presence sensor for tracking occupancy and air quality is discussed, raising questions about its compatibility with existing systems. Finally, explore how the latest iOS update affects robotic vacuum integration and what we can expect in future tech releases.

7 snips
Jan 27, 2025 • 54min
Should You Upgrade to Matter, Apple Home Security Systems, & Tonie Box Kid's Speaker Review
Discover the latest buzz about Apple's smart display and Aqara's exciting EU launches. Learn whether upgrading to Matter is worth it for your smart home. Dive into the world of smart locks, exploring features like fingerprint access. Tune in for a hands-on review of the Tonie Box, a kid-friendly speaker that uses magnetic figures for storytelling. Plus, gain insights into smart home security options and the effectiveness of Siri. This blend of innovation and fun will keep you entertained and informed!

Jan 20, 2025 • 32min
First Matter Fridge, More CES Releases, & Apple's 2025 Smart Home Roadmap
This week on a special episode of HomeKit Insider, your host walks through more lingering CES releases including the first Matter fridge. We also look at a great video on breaking down the problems with Matter, discuss GM's CarPlay issue, & walk through Apple's 2025 smart home plans.Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow our hosts at:@andrew_osu on Twitter@andrewohara941 on ThreadsEmail us hereSponsored by:Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at: shopify.com/homekitHomeKit Insider YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.Links from the showSnazzyLabs Matter explainerBosch Matter fridgeFlic DuoYale Linus L2 smart lockSchlage Sense Pro with UWBGM barred from selling dataThose interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

Jan 13, 2025 • 57min
CES 2025 Smart Home Roundup with Special Guest Faith O'Hara
This week on a special episode of HomeKit Insider, we kick off the new year with more rumors, speakers coming to Matter, and round up the rumors on a new Apple TV. We wrap the episode talking about our 2025 smart home resolutions.Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow our hosts at:@andrew_osu on Twitter@andrewosu.bsky.social on Bluesky@andrewohara941 on ThreadsEmail us hereSponsored by:ExpressVPN: Sign up and get four months free at 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 showFaith InstagramAppleInsider CES Smart Home RoundupNew Apple Home badge rulesKwikset Halifax Lever LockNuki Smart Lock UltraGovee Smart LightsHyper HyperPack with Find MyRoborock Saros 10, Saros 10R, & Saros Z70Ecovacs X8 Pro OmniUltraLoq UWB Smart LockAqara New GearNanoleaf Floor LampLutron Caseta Smart ShadesMoft Find My WalletTP-Link C840 Baby CameraThose interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

Jan 6, 2025 • 58min
Apple TV Rumor Roundup, Matter Speakers, & 2025 Smart Home Resolutions
This week on a special episode of HomeKit Insider, we kick off the new year with more rumors, speakers coming to Matter, and round up the rumors on a new Apple TV. We wrap the episode talking about our 2025 smart home resolutions.Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow our hosts at:@andrew_osu on Twitter@andrewohara941 on ThreadsEmail us hereSponsored by:Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at: shopify.com/homekitHomeKit Insider YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.Links from the show2025 Apple TV rumor roundupMatter speakersSiri settlementHomeLink CES 2025Video doorbell attachment rateApple Thunderbolt cable designThose interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

Dec 30, 2024 • 26min
Apple Video Doorbell & 2024 Smart Home Wrapped!
This marks the final episode of HomeKit Insider for 2024. After covering new rumors of Apple's work on a smart video doorbell, your host recaps the year, marking the most popular episodes of the show, some favorite guests, and rounds up the best new products released this year.Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow our hosts at:@andrew_osu on Twitter@andrewohara941 on ThreadsEmail us hereHomeKit Insider YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.Links from the showApple's video doorbell is comingApple isn't working on a new routerThose interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

Dec 23, 2024 • 30min
Apple's Smart Home Plans, iOS 18.3 Changes, & xBloom Smart Coffee Maker
Wes Hilliard, a regular commentator on smart home technology, joins the conversation to delve into Apple's strategic plans for smart homes. They discuss Matter certifications in iOS 18.3, highlighting potential advancements in device integration. The need for tiered user management in smart homes is also explored, emphasizing safety for families. Additionally, the innovative xBloom smart coffee maker takes center stage, showcasing its customizable brewing and NFC technology that elevate the user experience in home automation.


