HomeKit Blog

Released earlier this week, an updated version (4.2.1) of the HomeKit application has added support for adding HomeKit configuration codes to HomePass. HomePass is a popular third-party app that specializes in keeping all HomeKit configuration codes in one location and keeps them in sync across all iOS devices.

In the latest update, the Eve app for HomeKit will present users with an "Add to HomePass" button during the pairing process of HomeKit accessories. When selecting the new option, users will see a prompt to open the HomePass application. Opening the app will instantly transfer over most of the details surrounding the HomePass accessory, including the device name, camera, and serial number.

Unfortunately, due to limitations with HomeKit, the Eve application for HomeKit cannot automatically transmit the HomeKit association code. Users must manually enter the code in the new accessory prompt, either by typing the numbers or by scanning the camera option. Although not perfect, this new integration makes code storage part of the accessory pairing process, which is just one less step to remember later.

The Eve HomeKit app, while designed for use with Eve Systems HomeKit accessories, works with all HomeKit devices. The app is a favorite of power users for its ability to create automations that are not yet available in the Apple Home app. The app and the latest update are available for free on the AppStore.

HomePass for HomeKit is available as a single download for $ 2.99 in the AppStore. The app is also available as part of the HomeKit Essentials package that contains 4 favorites, including HomeCam, and the Apple Watch company HomeRun.

After a brief instruction in a booking program, the long-awaited lock level is now available for general orders. The HomeKit activated smart door lock is the only one of its kind that installs directly in a door for a "invisible", more aesthetic and pleasant appearance.

Level Lock is the world's first invisible smart lock - designed to install inside your door in minutes to transform your existing lock. Now you can get all the benefits of a smart lock and still maintain the integrity of your home design.

The lock level, which was created by a talented team of former Apple, Google and Nest employees in 2016, is an easy-to-install solution that provides access to many smart home staples. Voice control and automation support on iOS is offered through Apple's HomeKit and Siri, along with convenience features such as auto-lock.

Remote controls are also available through the Home Level app for iOS and Android. Users can share access to their lock with friends or family, view a history of events, set auto-lock preferences, and of course switch lock status with just one touch. An accompanying app for the Apple Watch also brings lock controls directly to the wrist.

Installing the lock requires only a few tools, such as a screwdriver and tape, and the lock is compatible with residential doors. The lock is also compatible with most blockages, and a full list of verified models is available on the company's support pages.

The lock level is powered by a single CR2 battery, which is rated for up to 1 year of use, based on approximately 10 locks or unlocks per day. The lock communicates to smart devices via Bluetooth 4.0, and for Apple HomeKit users with a HomeKit hub, remote controls are available outside the home.

Completing the list of functions is a unique partnership with the Walmart InHome food delivery service. The service, which is currently available in some cities in the United States, provides delivery staff with access to secure locations in your home using the connected lock.

The lock level is now available for $ 229 directly from the company's online store.

Nanoleaf today introduced private pre-orders for its future Hexagon light panels. The announcement, which came via a marketing email, states that pre-orders are only available to those who have signed up to receive more information about hexagons and are listed as being delivered by June 30th.

In addition to the new Hexagon shape, the latest panels include signature features from the company's Canvas and Aurora line. Each Hexagon sports touch control, which can be used to control light levels and to play games like Simon.

Hexagons also include viewing music through rhythm scenes. The panels can display up to 16 million different shades or colors and white and can use tons of scenes already used with other shapes.

The new Nanoleaf line is the ability to combine shapes, starting with the Hexagons. The future forms of the company will be able to connect directly to the Hexagons, creating tons of possibilities with its 6 sides.

Starter sets for Hexagon panels start at $ 199 for a set of 7 panels ($ 179 in pre-order). Other kits include 13 and 19 panel options, with larger sets coming with a slight discount when broken down on the panel.

Although pre-orders are only privately available now, you can sign up for more information on the company's website to potentially join the next wave.

A simple but incredibly useful hack for Logitech Circle 2 wireless cameras is to breathe new life into the HomeKit solution. While the wired version of Circle 2 has had support for HomeKit and HomeKit Secure Video for some time, the battery version has always been on the sidelines.

Recently shared by ReyG on YouTube, a piece of electrical tape is all it takes to bring HomeKit to your camera completely wireless. According to the video, Rey says that during a support investigation for a faulty Circle 2 wired camera, Logitech told them that the battery version could work with HomeKit, simply by inserting it into the existing wired media.

Subsequently, Rey received a suggestion from a viewer and, through a little research, they managed to get the camera added to the HomeKit with just a piece of electrical tape and without the use of older mounting. Because the actual camera portion of the Logitech Circle 2 is identical between the two versions, a HomeKit setup code is included on the battery model, even if unused.

The frame in which the camera portion has a set of pins that make contact with the back of the camera to distinguish between the two models, thus allowing HomeKit only for wired cameras. For the hack to work, the camera just needs to be fooled into thinking it's on a wired mount.

This can be done by placing a piece of electrical tape over a single needle that rests on top of two other pins in a series on the battery / mount. Once the pin is covered and the camera is mounted, you can now add the camera to the HomeKit via the Logi Circle app or directly via the Home app.

Of course, there are some disadvantages to using this method. Lastly, the camera's battery drains incredibly fast when used with the HomeKit. According to Rey, you can expect to see about 12 hours of use before being recharged. You can, however, keep the camera connected to deny this problem, but it will almost certainly make the camera sensitive to external elements with the port and cable being uncovered.

As the hardwired version of the Logitech Circle 2 becomes increasingly difficult to find, this hack may be the best bet to score a solid, reliable camera that bears the company's name. For an in-depth look at the hack, be sure to check out ReyG's amazing video, which includes everything you need to know for it to work.

eero is launching a new software update to its series of Wi-Fi network routers that add support for the latest security protocols and channel selection technology. Update 3.19, which applies to all eero routers, is only available through automatic updates, due to the flow of network usage and new users in the last few months.

Security updates for the new update include support for Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3) under a beta tag found in the eero Labs portion of the company's app. WPA3 was introduced in 2018 as a successor to the ingrained WPA 2 standard and brings greater security through encryption updates and makes connections to devices without a display easier to manage.

Wi-Fi Protected 3 (WPA3) access is the latest standard for wifi encryption. Enabling WPA3 on your eero network provides additional security for devices that support the WPA3 standard. This includes a new encryption method, SAE (simultaneous peer authentication) and MFP (Management Frame Protection).

Many modern smart devices, including Apple iPhones and iPads running iOS 12 and later, already support the standard. The hero implementation of the feature comes in the form of a "transition mode" that allows compatible devices to use the new standard, while older devices can still remain on WPA2.

The new update also adds Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) for eero Pro system owners. DFS allows eero routers to search and operate over 5 ghz Wi-Fi channels that are used by other industries, such as Radar.

Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) allows eero to operate on RADAR shared channels, which are usually much less congested than other 5 GHz channels. Less congestion means better performance and reliability for your network.

eero Pro routers will automatically switch to these channels, which are often less congested and do not require any user intervention. As with most updates, version 3.19 also includes several stability fixes and bug fixes, which include HomeKit Secure Router updates, port forwarding, and UPnP.

While eero provided a brief recap of the changes through a support document, a company developer shared a more detailed list via Reddit:

• Main features:
• DFS support for eero Pro in the US and Canada; it provides access to tons of almost completely unused channels
• WPA3 transition mode support in Eero Laboratories
• Major bug fixes:
• Fixed UPnP and port forwarding (port mapping should no longer be missing when changing upstream IP addresses)
• Several memory leaks affected
• Improving network stability
• Improved channel selection
• IPhone 10 compatibility issues
• Better refinement through code improvements
• Fixes internal things to improve memory usage
• Better automatic channel selection improves automatic channel selection
• Correction tones on the HomeKit router
• Also, a lot of fixes to the customer management service, improving the accuracy of the information about the device of the application
• The travel conditions in the customer's roaming are set
• Mahoosive DNS and eero safe updates, including some I'm not allowed to talk about yet
• literally a few dozen other pieces and pieces, none of which are important enough to call, but all are heading for a substantial update

After a brief announcement on Twitter late last week, indicating the release date of April 27, Aqara launched HomeKit-activated light switches in North America. The switches, which are now available on Amazon, include several unique features that are worth considering, especially for those with older homes.

In total, Aqara has launched 4 HomeKit light switches, each using ZigBee to connect to the required Aqara hub. Starting things up is a single-pole switch, which comes in both neutral and neutral wireless options. The neutral wire variant includes power monitoring and acts as a ZigBee wireless repeater. The neutral option trades these accessories for greater compatibility, as there are many houses that were built before having one in electrical boxes.

The other two light switches launched today offer the two wiring options, but come in a two-pole package. These unique two-button switches offer owners the ability to combine wiring into a single switch, which is suitable for homes where a single switch controls a light and a fan. Even if you don't have two switches to connect, the extra pole should still act as a HomeKit button, switching whatever you assign to it.

Also included in today's product launch is the Aqara Cube. Although HomeKit is not enabled, Cube acts as a remote control that can turn Aqara accessories on and off with gestures and taps. Gestures include shaking the cube for quick action and flipping the cube over a set period of time, similar to the Nanoleaf remote control.

Prices for Aqara light switches start at $ 35.99 and can now be purchased from Aqara Direct via Amazon. To celebrate the launch, Aqara has offered our readers a special promotional code, AQARAMID, this reduces 20% discount on checkout on Amazon. This code is good starting today and is valid until May 2, 2020.

An amazing LIFX Tile hack is making rounds which puts images and animations in front of and in the center of the intelligent lighting system. Christopher Young, a renowned homekitgeek.com and YouTube, has been working on the project for the past few weeks and recently shared some incredible things, such as Baby Yoda.

In addition to still images, Christopher is able to display things like YouTube subscriber numbers. This incredibly automatically updates the numbers on the light panels when new subscribers are added. Short animations are also possible, with a recent tweet featuring a supernova.

Your wish... pic.twitter.com/O7wkthwFve

- homekitgeek (@Homekitgeek) April 24, 2020

Christopher tells me that the inspiration for the project was his daughter and that he just wanted to do something cool for her birthday. Of course, once he began to share some of his work, almost all of them were requested, including the supernova mentioned above.

The funniest part is that this project was TOTAL because of my daughter. I really wanted to do something cool for her birthday and the plan was to take pictures with her friends and then display them on the plates.

Christopher mentions that he has deposits for the project, because it seems that the possibilities are endless. Ideas include exploring the ability to create dashboard data from sources such as air quality monitors and even the potential display of live camera streams.

There are, of course, some disadvantages of the project, one of which is that the commissioning of this hack and its operation is not as simple as drag and drop so far. The other is that LIFX boards are incredibly hard to find and, if you happen to find some for sale, they will come with a premium price tag.

Christopher intends to provide a tutorial in the future, but at the moment the project requires tangling things behind the scenes (code), but progress is being made in terms of being a little friendlier.

If you would like to be notified when tutorials are posted or if you are interested in seeing where this journey takes you, you can follow Twitter or on YouTube.

Meross today launched the latest HomeKit compatible accessory, the MSS510HK Smart Light Switch. The light switch, which is now available on Amazon, joins other recently launched Meross HomeKit smart plugs for both indoor and outdoor use.

MSS510HK is a Decora-style toggle switch that requires a neutral wire for installation. The switch connects directly to 2.4 ghz Wi-Fi networks without the need for a dedicated hub and includes both status LEDs and front connectivity.

The Meross smart light switch has a single color, white and includes a Decora screwless faceplate in the box. The switch has pre-attached wires for easy installation with the wire nuts included.

The light switch retails for $ 25.99 and can now be ordered from Meross Direct via Amazon. Additional HomeKit products from Meross are in the works, the company intends to release light bulbs, and a controller for garage doors would be accessed on the market in the next "2 months".

The best
NFC tags for iPhone
immoral
2020

NFC tags are a convenient way to add a little automated magic to almost anywhere. Regardless of whether it's stickers, keychains, books or cardboard, these labels can start your day with HomeKit, turn on some songs, or run that extremely complicated shortcut. Here are some of our favorite labels to help you get started.

Favorite staff

The Timeskey NTAG 215 NFC stickers work just as their names suggest, peel and paste. These small 1-inch labels are about a quarter the size of and can easily mix in their surroundings, such as walls or cutouts for quick scans when you walk out the door.

• $ 10 on Amazon

• $ 13 from Newegg

GoToTags adhesive tokens are solid plastic NFC tags with a hollow center that allow them to be anchored to surfaces with a screw. These heavy labels also work when placed directly on the metal, which is what a lot of labels face.

• $ 16 on Amazon

• $ 38 at Walmart

Crystal Cube NFC tags are a colorful, hexagonal alternative to standard round options. This impressive looking set includes nine thin sticker labels, in 3 colors, blue, red and green.

$ 18 on Amazon

NFC Stickstand labels include a handy wireless symbol and "NFC" printed directly on them, which can notify its presence. This makes these tags perfect for sharing a Wi-Fi password or as a way to launch a webpage for directions and information in a public space.

$ 10 on Amazon

GoToTag's NFC badges are a unique, customizable option with a large blank slate. You can write directly on these badges with a marker or you can use other stickers to dress them for easy organization. Because they are badges, you can also attach them to a ditch or ring for quick and easy access.

$ 15 on Amazon

These convenient labels come in a sturdy plastic frame with a key ring, perfect for moving scanning. This seven-piece set comes with multi-colored labels, making it easy to identify the right label for a specific task, such as opening the garage door.

$ 12 on Amazon

Label it

If you have one of the latest Apple iPhone, then you are just an NFC tag away from the convenience of the tap and access. iPhone XR / XS and later can write to NFC tags using the Shortcuts app and scan them in the background. iPhone 7 through iPhone X works with third-party applications and needs to be open for NFC tag scanning to work.

Timeskey NTAG 215 NFC stickers are an easy and affordable way to roll the ball. These tiny labels stick to most surfaces, such as desks, nightstands or even on a wall, making them ideal for most automation tasks.

Are you looking for a bigger solution that offers a lot of customization potential? Then check the GoToTags NTAG 213 NFC badges. These larger NFC tags are completely blank; you can dress it with instructions, pictures or whatever you can come and it even attaches to a wool, so that you can "badge" yourself in the HomeKit house easily.

Aqara has announced that HomeKit compatible light switches for the US market will be available on April 27. The announcement that came via Twitter, displays a pair of light switches, a single rocker and a single double rocker, both available to order on Amazon.

We are pleased to announce that on April 27, we will launch the Aqara Smart Wall Switch on Amazon USA. We will provide a discount code closer to the launch date. Stay tuned! pic.twitter.com/7ezx8G0zX5

- Read (@AqaraSmarthouse) April 21, 2020

Although there are plenty of HomeKit-enabled light switches already available today, Aqara's future switches could be great for the platform in a few ways. For starters, Aqara's accessories offerings are often much cheaper than other alternatives, with the company's sensors and buttons selling for less than $ 20 each.

Another plus is that Aqara currently lists 2 versions of its switches, one that requires a neutral wire, and the other that does not. Currently, there is only one option for HomeKit fans with older homes who do not have a neutral wire in their electrical boxes, the Lutron Cassette Dimmer wireless switch.

All Aqara light switches use ZigBee for wireless connectivity to the Aqara Hub, which is required for operation. ZigBee is known for its fast response time and high reliability and is used in popular accessories, including those at Philips Hue.

In addition to HomeKit, light switches also work with Alexa Amazon and Google Assistant. Once connected to the Aqara Hub, the remote controls are available through the Home app, the Aqara Smart Home app or via voice commands. Prices and launch schedule for the 27th have not yet been announced, but they should be listed on the Amazon Aqara store page soon.

Sony has announced that its CES 2020 TV range is now available for purchase from select retailers. The latest TV models feature discs such as 4K and HDR, as well as support for Apple's HomeKit and AirPlay 2.

The 2020 TV range will be powered by Sony processors, which provide incredibly sharp, detailed and real images. With all the new Sony TVs, customers will see exactly what the creator with the advanced color and gradation of the TRILUMINOS ™ screen intended. These TVs also feature Google Assistant to help you quickly access entertainment, control smart devices, get on-screen answers, and more with your voice.

In total, Sony has 19 new TVs, which come in a range of sizes, from 43 inches to 85 cm. Most TVs use LED technology, while 2 of the company's BRAVIA line features OLED panels that offer greater contrast and color. The Sony ZH8 line includes 2 models that support 8K resolution and can make both 4K and full HD content.

All the latest models support all major smart home platforms, Alexa, Amazon, Google Assistant and HomeKit. Apple's HomeKit allows TVs to integrate with automation and scenes, plus additional controls, such as power, input and volume switching through the Home or Siri app.

In addition to HomeKit, the line works with AirPlay 2, allowing multi-camera audio that stays in sync with other in-house speakers, including those from other manufacturers. Most of the newest Sony TVs are available today, with prices starting at $ 599 for the smallest screen size. Here is the full list of TVs that can be ordered from retailers such as Best Buy and Amazon now:

4800 HDR X800H LED TVs

4K HDR X950H LED TVs

Arlo has announced a partnership with Second Harvest food banks, which will provide meals for families in need when smart cameras are purchased. The campaign that will run in the next 90 days will donate 25 tables for each purchase of Arlo Pro 3, Arlo Video Doorbell and Ultra 4K line.

"Our first area of ​​focus on COVID-19 was to help protect first responders by donating urgently needed N95 masks to local hospitals," said Matt McRae, CEO of Arlo Technologies. "But it quickly became clear to us that the ongoing tragedy also has a severe second-order impact on people's ability to meet their most basic needs, including food. The campaign benefits food banks for second harvest, Together with the Arlo community, it will support the critical food safety net for those who cannot receive food for their families. "

The partnership was established due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has influenced many families throughout the country. Arlo hopes to provide thousands of meals throughout the program, with Silicon Valley's second crop and Orange County's Second Harvest Food Bank each receiving donations.

"The Second Harvest Food Bank in Orange County is so grateful to Arlo Technologies for supporting our mission to end hunger, especially now, as we work to meet the growing needs of our community because of the negative economic impact of COVID. -19 ", said Barbara Wartman, director of marketing and public relations.

The second Silicon Valley Harvest serves the community since 1974 and distributes food to over a quarter of a million people each month. The second Harvest Food Bank in Orange County has provided the equivalent of 379 million meals to community programs since its inception in 1983. For more information on the partnership, visit area.com, and for more on Second Harvest, visit www. . shfb.org or www.feedoc.org.

Google has begun announcing that Nest camera owners in the United States will reduce video quality and bandwidth in the coming days. In a report published by The Verge, users of Nest cameras receive an email from Google about the changes, and Google has confirmed that they will be released in the next few days.

"To answer the global call to prioritize web bandwidth for learning and work, we will make some changes in the coming days," Google said in a statement to The Verge. "We believe that these changes have the potential to help facilitate the easier preservation of school, work and all."

Google claims that the reduction aims to help reduce the additional tension that has been put on networks nationwide in the last month. Further reduction will only affect users whose cameras are set to higher quality and bandwidth settings than the default options.

No other camera settings are changed, and users who want to revert to higher video settings can do so after changing. Google also stated for The Verge that users of Chromecast and Nest displays may also see a reduction in image quality and rotation frequency for its Ambient Slideshow presentation.

HomeTags, a new NFC scanning app from developer Christopher Hatch, which focuses on launching HomeKit scenes, has hit the App Store today. While the ability to use NFC tags for HomeKit controls has been added through personal automation in iOS 13, HomeTags simplifies the process and only launches HomeKit scenes.

• Control your HomeKit setup by simply touching NFC tags. This app allows anyone who has an iPhone 7 or later to program NFC tags and assign them to HomeKit scenes.
• Add the HomeTags widget to the lock screen for fast scene triggering
• Use background scanning (iPhoneXs and above) to provide quick link notification that allows you to quickly open Hometags and trigger the scene without manually opening the application

With just 3 steps, users can program an NFC tag to play their favorite scenes, making it an excellent choice for various applications. A label on an office can light a nearby lamp or a label on an entrance door can run a scene that turns everything off before you go out. With the right label and HomeTags, the process can be completed in about a minute.

The HomeTags app also works with older iOS devices, dating to iPhone 7, which is not an option for personal automation, as they are limited to iPhone XS / XR and later. However, older devices have some limitations because they cannot scan NFC tags in the background, which means that the HomeTags application must be open for it to work.

HomeTags is now available for free, without in-app purchases from the App Store.

eufy is preparing for another product launch next month, the latest being a smart door lock. Eufy Smart Lock Touch is the company's first foray into the connected lock market and includes a few notable features, such as fingerprint recognition.

In addition to the fingerprint, which is listed as having 0.3 seconds of scanning, the eufy Smart Lock Touch has a digital keyboard, application access, and an "original key" that we assume is a physical key. The door lock is completely wireless, providing smart home access via Bluetooth and is battery powered, which is rated up to 365 days of use. Rounding out the feature list is an IP65 water resistance grade, a built-in security chip, and automatic locking functionality.

Details on voice assistance or smart home integration have not yet been provided, otherwise it will work with the eufy Security application that is available for both iOS and Android. The company's current security accessories, such as its smart cameras and video bells, support Alexa Amazon, Google Assistant and Apple's HomeKit. We addressed eufy for some clarifications regarding the compatibility of the block and will be updated accordingly.

The Eufy Smart Lock Touch will be available starting May, with a retail price of $ 179.99. eufy also plans to launch 2 indoor rooms, both supporting HomeKit and come at an amazingly low price, each under $ 50. eufy also plans to launch HomeKit Secure Video support for eufyCam 2 and 2C sometime in May.

The best
Smart smart gadgets supported by Siri shortcuts
immoral
2020

Did you know that there are a lot of smart accessories available that work with Siri without supporting HomeKit? Yes, it's one thing and you can control everything from vacuum to coffee machines using Apple's virtual assistant. All you need is the right accessory, a few touches in an app and you're ready for that sweet life of voice control. Here are some of our current issues.

• Hey Siri, the kitchen sucks: Neato Botvac D7 Connected
• Hey Siri, make coffee: Smarter coffee
• Hey Siri, clean the air: Ventilator Dyson Pure Cool Desk
• Hey Siri, press the button: SwitchBot
• Hey Siri, who's home ?: RoomMe personal location sensor
• Hey Siri, turn on the lights: Pendant light Luke Roberts Model F
• Hey Siri, what's in the fridge ?: Smarter fridgeCam
• Hey Siri, it's hot here: Both Climate 2
• Hey Siri, good night: Adjustable base for adjustable bed Malouf M555
• Hey Siri, set your mood: Smart light WiZ Quest
• Hey Siri, where are my keys ?: Tile Mate
• Hey Siri, turn on the fan: Bond Bridge

Favorite staff

Neato Botvac D7 Connected offers powerful suction, mapping, programming and, of course, voice control through Siri shortcuts. Now you can finally yell at iPhone or HomePod to start cleaning, to interrupt your current job, or to send your robot back to its workstation.

• $ 674 on Amazon

• $ 800 at Best Buy

The dream of making a Siri made a batch of coffee is finally here, with the coffee maker Smarter. In addition to voice and start / stop controls, this coffee maker can switch between beam and filter modes and has customizable resistance settings.

• $ 215 on Amazon

• $ 250 at Home Depot

The Dyson Pure Cool line combines the unique technology of the keyless fan and air purification in an elegant package. This combo works with Siri for convenient controls, such as turning the fan on and off, making it an excellent desk companion. Other models include options such as heating and larger roofing surfaces.

• $ 439 on Amazon

• $ 450 at Best Buy

This smart little gadget can do anything with a snap button. Simply attach the SwitchBot to things like a garage door opener button, electric fireplace control, coffee filter or a light switch and ask Siri to work for you. Just make sure you choose the SwitchBot Hub Mini for connect it to the home network.

• $ 29 on Amazon

• $ 40 for the SwitchBot Hub Mini on Amazon

RoomMe's personal location sensor works with your family's phones to determine who is entering and leaving certain areas. This allows personal automation, such as starting a favorite playlist or setting the lights, to automatically come back to life.

• $ 69 on Amazon

• $ 69 at Walmart

For those who want to space everything gray, the light pendant of Luke Roberts fits the bill. Not only does this light look all sorts of beautiful, but it can also display up to 16 million different shades of color and white. This pendant is also crazy bright, climbing up to 4,000 lumens!

$ 499 on Amazon

The FridgeCam Smarter is a small, recharged connected room that you throw in the fridge to give you an instant look at your current power supply. This allows you to call a live feed using only Siri voice, which is great for those times when you are in the grocery store and you have the problem whether or not you need more eggs.

• $ 199 from Amazon

• $ 199 from Home Depot

If you own a window or portable air conditioner and you envy those smart thermostats that only work with whole air conditioning systems, then Ambi Climate 2 is exactly what you need. Ambi Climate 2 connects to your home network and acts as a relay that sends IR signals to your current power unit, giving it the Siri boost you always wanted.

$ 129 from Amazon

The Malouf M555 adjustable base ensures intelligent connectivity in the bedroom via Siri control and applications. Additional features such as under-bed lighting, dual USB ports on each side and massage areas take the night routine to another level.

$ 1,826 on Amazon

Quest Smart Light is a compact table companion, which is able to set the mood at a price that will not break the bank. This light "projects" tons of colors and up to 64,000 different shades of white on a nearby surface and also works as lighting for tasks, reaching up to 700 lumens of brightness.

• $ 70 at Amazon

• $ 55 at Home Depot

Even though Apple's version of an item tracker is in development, Tile Mate is a Siri-connected accessory that you can buy today. Tile Mate can track just about anything, with its compact size and integrated keychain, and with Siri, you can ask HomePod, iPhone or iPad to help you find the keys to a certain effect.

• $ 25 on Amazon

• $ 25 at Best Buy

If things start to wrap up a bit, ceiling fans are a great way to circulate the air, so why not make Siri for yourself? Bond Bridge works with any fan that has a remote control. Set it within range and watch the fan come to life with only your voice. Although designed primarily for ceiling fans, this smart controller can work with other devices, such as fireplaces or table fans, through IR and RF functions.

• $ 99 on Amazon

• $ 99 at Walmart

Hey Siri, do the job

Siri's shortcuts have opened the door to a whole new world of smart home gadgets that simply don't fit into the world of Apple's HomeKit. Aside from the new and unique categories, only supporting Siri shortcuts prevents you from being trapped in one ecosystem, ensuring that you will always be under control, even if you decide to change things.

We love the Neato Robotics D7 smart vacuum cleaner, which can smartly house your home, giving you the opportunity to tell Siri to clean a specific room on demand. This robot vacuum also has some of the most powerful suction around and a unique design that allows it to enter corners.

Do you have a unique situation where you just want a gadget to push a physical button on a "mute" device? Then check the SwitchBot. This tiny box sticks to whatever you want and, with a simple touch or shout, sends a little "finger" that pushes that button. Remember, though, that you need a separate hub, SwitchBot Hub Mini, to make this magic happen.

Finally, FYRTUR smart blinds activated for IKEA HomeKit are finally available for purchase online. Discovered today by u / grumpybaboon on Reddit, most sizes of the FYRTUR range are available for home delivery.

The FYRTUR line is made up of 8 dimensions, ranging in length from 23 centimeters to 48 inches, each sharing the same length of 76 inches. All shutters share the same gray fabric material and are listed as off, making it a solid option for bedrooms.

The blinds are connected to the TRADFRI Gateway IKEA over the ZigBee and can be integrated with Apple's HomeKit for convenient Siri controls and automation.

You can control the wireless blinds to adjust the light or to create privacy depending on the activity in the room. You can use the TRÅDFRI gateway and the IKEA Home smart application to create multiple groups of wireless blinds and to control them in different ways. When you add the TRÅDFRI Gateway and the IKEA Home smart app, you can set the wireless blinds to go up and down with a stopwatch.

IKEA includes a removable rechargeable battery with each blind that can be inserted into the blind which allows it to operate completely wirelessly. A wireless signal repeater, USB cable charger and a small remote control are also included. In addition to HomeKit, blinds also work with Alexa Amazon and Google Assistant.

Although smart blinds are certainly not new, the arrival of IKEA blinds makes them the most affordable option for HomeKit fans, with prices starting at just $ 129. However, transportation costs vary so far, with some seeing only $ 5, while others, like myself, see a $ 199 charge, which is just kind of crazy.

A new update of the popular HomeKit code storage application, HomePass, is launching today on the App Store. Already one of our favorite HomeKit applications for its perfect backups and synchronization capabilities, HomePass version 1.7 makes it even easier for HomeKit fans to manage their precious accessory codes.

Removing things is a new grid look on the home screen of the app that groups the accessories on the camera. Rooms and accessories can only be hidden from view with a tap, providing a quick way to get to a certain accessory and code. Also, a new category view has been added, which sorts the accessories according to their type of device, such as cameras or sockets.

• HomePass now allows you to easily browse Houses and Rooms in a simple grid. Tap a room name to crash and hide your accessories, then tap again to display.
• The new look of the categories adds the ability to view all your accessories according to their category type, for quick reference.
• We've also added context menu support to all the accessories in these new layouts, just press and hold for a quick set of options, including Edit, Delete and Copy Code.

Additional settings include a new custom field section for accessories that can be used to store things like MAC or IP addresses, and the app now saves serial numbers automatically. When completing the visual changes, context menus are added that present options such as editing or deleting with a long press.

• Custom fields allow you to save any information you want on the accessory. For example, you can store MAC addresses for easy-to-send devices or manufacturer specific information if you want.
• HomePass will automatically save serial numbers along with the default device name, manufacturer and model information, each time you add an accessory.

Siri shortcuts support also gets an update in HomePass 1.7, with new commands available through the Shortcuts app. The latest additions include ways to get all the information stored for an accessory, or the entire accessory database. Finally, HomePass also introduces x-callback-url support, which gives developers a way to programmatically add accessories to the application.

• Sometimes you need better shortcuts, and I finally offered them.
• Now you can get all of your HomePass accessory information with Siri shortcuts for use, however you want.
• A "Get Accessories" shortcut returns all information on the accessory, while the "Get All Accessories" shortcut gives you every accessory in the database.
• We also included the ability to directly select which accessory to load in shortcuts. It is not added manually anymore.

HomePass 1.7 is now available on the App Store as a free upgrade for existing owners, or $ 2.99 for new purchases. HomePass is also available through the Home Essentials package, which includes other popular applications from Sunya Limited, including HomeRun and HomeCam, for $ 9.99.

Nanoleaf has entered the work of home spirit, recently sharing a special playlist of light scenes dedicated to the company's light panels. The playlist, which can now be found in the Nanoleaf application, is made up of 6 scenes that can help owners stay focused, energized and relaxed, or just look like office staples.

The first three scenes use different shades of white, blue, yellow and even red to help with your work day routine. Scenes like that The soothing of the dawn they are used to help start the day, while others like it Splash of Light use yellow tones to energize:

• Calm Dawn: Relieve your day with this comforting scene.
• Fresh Air Breathe: Remember to breathe and keep calm.
• Splash of Light: Stay energized and focused!

Other scenes provided use playful colors to simulate some of the more familiar work day routines. As you can guess, Water Cooler uses deep blue, Lets Matcha uses light green, and Coffee Break is made of brown:

• Lets Matcha: Perfect for drinking your favorite cup of green tea.
• Water cooler: corner of office gossip, reimagined.
• Coffee break: Whether it's the first or third cup of the day.

To go along with the move to work from home, Nanoleaf offers a 15% discount on lighting kits and their extensions. This discount brings popular starter kits, such as touch-sensitive Nanoleaf canvas or triangular light panels, up to $ 179.99 for 9 panels. Bigger discounts of up to 20% off are available for larger panel packages and accessory packages.

Philips Hue smart lights are pretty fantastic because you can control them with your phone through the Philips Hue app, HomeKit or a virtual voice assistant (Alexa, Siri or Google). However, for those times when you need a physical button, you can go with the official Philips Hue Smart Dimmer switch for convenient controls. It works just like a normal light switch, except that it is equipped with intelligent technology that, as it is written in the name, allows for wireless darkness. Here are some accessories that can improve how you use and store Dimmer.

Favorite staff

Hue Smart Plug works with all kinds of devices, not just lighting. When combined with the Switch Dimmer Switch, you can add smart control to fans, air purifiers, chargers and more. As the jack is accepted and turned on and off, you can program the dimmer buttons on the dimmer to control other accessories in your room.

• $ 40 at Amazon

• $ 40 at Best Buy

If you have a Smart Dimmer Switch, you will need Philips Hue Bridge for it to work. Bridge can connect up to 50 Philips Hue lights, so you can control them over the phone, voice controls or with remote controls like the Smart Dimmer Switch.

• $ 48 on Amazon

• $ 60 at Best Buy

While it is possible to keep the remote control in the swing most of the time, it is still a remote control, so it can be replaced. With Tile Mate, you can beat it on the remote control and track where it is in the house through the phone. If you can't find it, make it ring and follow the noise!

• $ 16 on Amazon

• $ 25 at Best Buy

While the Hue Dimmer is easily glued to the wall next to the light switches, they do not prevent the old switch from being used. This Samotech rocker light switch cover is a smart, small accessory that installs on the existing switch, completely removing it from the equation, making your light state the only way your lights can be controlled.

$ 10 on Amazon

As with the cover of the rocker switch, Samotech Toggle Cover is installed on the existing switch, giving you a perfect home for the Dimmer. Installation is quick and easy, using the existing light switch plate screws, and however the magnetic base allows you to detach the dimmer when needed.

$ 9 on Amazon

If you are not committed enough to make Hue Dimmer the primary method for turning your lights on and off, then the Mitzvah Magnetic Switch Cover works great as a temporary solution. This lid is magnetically attached between the light switches, preventing those from using the switch below and can be easily removed.

$ 5 on Amazon

Philips Hue Go is a portable lamp that lasts 2-3 hours on a single charge, at 40 percent brightness, or you can leave it plugged in for 100% brightness (300 lumens). It has two white light options and five color presets that you can do with a lamp button itself. You can also use the app to access 16 million colors and you can use the Smart Dimmer Switch to adjust the brightness as you wish.

• $ 80 at Amazon

• $ 80 at Best Buy

Illumination with prejudice is infuriating these days and if you want to skip, then the Hue Play Bar is one of the best options around. These compact, colorful color bars are designed for installation behind a TV or monitor, either by mounting them on your set or with the included brackets. A Philips Hue Dimmer switch makes starting and stopping a breeze.

• $ 130 from Amazon

• $ 130 at Best Buy

Ambient lighting is an important thing for the Philips Hue ecosystem, so you may want to consider LightStrip Plus. You can place these lightweight strips anywhere, such as underneath bars, bed frames or cabinets, and cut to the desired length. These tapes offer superb color displays and can be darkened with the Smart Dimmer remote control.

• $ 80 at Amazon

• $ 80 at Best Buy

The Econic exterior wall lantern is a beautiful modern outdoor light that works with the Hue Dimmer switch. You can easily control the brightness of the outdoor lighting using the remote control or even set up programming and geofencing options for Inara through the app.

• $ 130 from Amazon

• $ 170 from Philips Hue

Standard Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 bulbs allow you to complement a room with normal white or color lighting, depending on what you want. These bulbs also have a lifespan of approximately 25,000 hours, so you will not have to replace them for a period.

• $ 42 on Amazon

• $ 50 at Best Buy

Hue products are expensive, but if you just want to get started with the Hue ecosystem, the Hue White A19 base bulbs are reasonably priced. They have a 60W light and can be dark, which makes it perfect to go with your Smart Dimmer switch.

• $ 15 on Amazon

• $ 15 at Best Buy

Not just for darkness

With all these accessories, your Philips Hue smart remote control charging switch is used for great use! Our favorite accessory is the Philips Hue smart plug, which works with the dimmer to add the remote control to just about anything you can connect. This plug works great with lamps, fans, heaters, air purifiers and more.

Are you having trouble connecting your Hue bulbs to someone in your home using the old wall light switch? Then check the cover of the light switch from Samotech Toggle. This handy accessory is installed at the top of the light switch, preventing others from using the traditional method, and a magnetic base to give the dimmer the home it deserves.

The best
AirPlay 2 receivers
immoral
2020

AirPlay 2, Apple's wireless audio streaming technology, delivers high-quality audio in multiple sources simultaneously, directly from your chosen device. Whether playing music on your HomePod in the kitchen or in the home theater receiver, AirPlay 2 keeps everything in sync, allowing you to travel freely, without losing your rhythm. We've gathered the best receivers to help determine the best ones for your needs.

Favorite staff

Denon's AVR-S750H offers all the essentials and combines them with an affordable price, making it an excellent choice for home theater construction. Features include 7.2-channel surround sound, 4K video paskh with HDR10 support, Dolby Atmos and HDMI ports 6, yes 6. Of course, AirPlay 2 is also on the road for travel, giving you plenty of bang for the buck.

$ 349 on Amazon

Yamaha AVENTAGE RXA-780 supports all major audio formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS: X, giving you exceptional sound for your movies, music and games. This receiver also uses Reflected Sound Control technology to analyze acoustics. in your room and the features of your speakers to provide a truly personalized sound experience.

$ 530 on Amazon

If you are looking for great power, the TX-NR595 is worth a look as it can produce up to 170 watts per channel. Not only is it extremely powerful for its price range, it also incorporates advanced audio enhancement technology, such as the Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer, which simulates sound at different heights without all the extra hardware.

$ 351 on Amazon

Don't let his low price fool you; The AVR-S640 still packs a serious punch. This budget-friendly receiver not only gives you access to all these sweet AirPlay 2 goodies, but it does it with 5 built-in amplifiers that send up to 150 watts on each of its 7.2 channels.

$ 250 at Amazon

Pioneer Elite VSX-LX503 creates a vast audio experience by supporting up to 9.2 channels, turning movie nights into a theater trip. In addition to AirPlay 2 support, the Pioneer receiver also plays nicely with other streaming technologies such as Chromecast and Google Assistant.

$ 550 at Amazon

Sonos Amp is a simpler approach to the classic receiver, which transmits the bevy of ports that its competitors offer. This allows the Amp to have a much cleaner and more compact design while delivering 125 watts of powerful 2-channel sound.

$ 578 on Amazon

He gets everything

AirPlay 2 delivers a truly magical audio experience, keeping everything in sync throughout your home. For home theater, AirPlay 2 lets you mix and match compatible speakers and components such as a receiver, allowing you to combine the surround sound that works best for you, without connecting the wires.

If you want to cover all the basics of home theater with the convenience of AirPlay 2 and want to do it at an affordable price, then the Denon AVR-S750H is the one for you. This capable receiver gives you access to all the bells and whistles, such as support for 4K HDR content, Dolby Atmos sound and 7.2 spatial audio channels.

Are you looking for a receiver that can provide a personalized sound experience? Then check out the Yamaha AVENTAGE RXA-780. This flexible receiver not only analyzes your space, but also measures the features of your speakers to deliver a truly unique sound.

A reference to the highly anticipated, but still to be announced, AirTags was identified in a supporting video on Apple's YouTube channel. First noticed by Appleosophy, the video, which has now been pulled, briefly shows an AirTags mention as you walk through steps detailing how to use Find features on a newer version of iOS.

During the video, an updated settings page is displayed for Find iPhone on iOS, which can now be found by accessing Apple ID> Find It> and then Finding My iPhone. In the Enable offline search option, you can find the following description:

Offline finding allows this device and AirTags to be found when not connected to Wi-Fi or cellular.

The following Apple AirTags are the company's takeover of tracking items, such as keys, similar to offers from competitors such as Tile. Tile recently testified that Apple has shown recent anti-competitive behavior, such as no longer selling the tracker in its stores and hiring an engineer, AirTags has undoubtedly put a new strain on the relationship.

Previous leaks have shown a panel of new items in the Find Me app, which shows users a map and an image of their objects, just like iOS devices. Also, rumors have indicated that the upcoming feature will bring sports notifications that will alert owners when a tag is away from their iOS device.

Given that the leaks date from last year and now, with the real product name being confirmed by Apple, AirTags may be just around the corner.

Philips Hue recently shared a collection of smart lighting formulas through Hue labs that are designed to help those who work from home. The formulas, which range from concentration to sleep routines, use the company's popular lighting line to simulate various shades of color and white.

In total, 4 home formulas were shared, the most interesting being Work breaks and Staff go to sleep. Work breaks the formula works by adjusting the color temperature according to the work schedule after setting the working time and the desired breaks. Whiter and cooler colors are designed to help concentrate, where softer yellow tones are used for relaxation during break periods.

Work breaks:
With this formula, you can switch between the bright and cool lights of Concentrate and the soft, soothing lights of Relax, to make sure you work efficiently - and take breaks when you need them. Select how long you want to work uninterruptedly, then how long it should be paused. Allow the formula to repeat throughout the work day.

Staff go to sleep The formula works with the Hue lights to fade slowly when you're ready to hit the bag, instead of a set time. Hue Labs claims that this formula was "created especially for people who do not have a strict sleep" and works together with an accessory such as the Hue Dimmer Switch or even Amazon to start the end of the night process.

The staff goes to bed:
Created especially for people who do not have a strict bedtime, this formula prepares you to sleep with the push of a button. When activated, your lights will illuminate at the place of your choice, fading slightly until completely extinguished to help divert you to the dream country. You can also set the formula to be enabled when you touch a designated button on your morning switch Hue (long press) or Press the button or, telling your Amazon "Alexa, turn on the Personal Sleep Function" .

Other formulas include Light based on time and Personal awakening. All 4 work at home formulas are now available for free in the Hue Labs section of the Hue app or on the Hue Labs website. A Philips Hue bridge is required for Hue Labs functionality and will not work with the recent line of Bluetooth light bulbs on their own.

IKEA has launched the long-lasting HomeKit upgrade for the company's low-cost smart blinds, according to several reports on reddit. The blinds, which were announced earlier last year, experienced several delays before eventually hitting stores without HomeKit support at launch.

Shutters owners and the TRADFRI gateway can now check for updates in the IKEA Home Smart app. It is said that blind support is added in version 1.10.28 for the gateway, version 2.2.009 for blinds and 2.2.008 for the remote control. It seems that the launch is being rolled out, so it may not be available in all local locations until now.

Once added to HomeKit, users will be able to control blinds through the Home application, Siri voice control, and automation. In addition to opening and closing the blinds, users will also be able to set the distance the blinds open, such as only partially opening the half blinds if you wish.

FYRTUR smart blinds are now available in US IKEA stores, with prices ranging from $ 129 to $ 179 depending on size. A model of non-blackened blinds, KADRILJ, is also available outside North America.

ecobee has launched a new air filter delivery service that aims to provide timely replacement directly to the door to door. The subscription service, which starts at $ 13, recommends filter types and customer replacement programs through a simple sign-up process, which involves answering a few basic questions, such as the current filter size.

As for filters, ecobee offers 3 levels of quality, basic, luxury and premium, each focusing on MERV, MPR and FPR values. Once a filter is selected, the delivery preferences can be set either by a recommendation or depending on the preferences with options between the month, up to every 6 months.

Ecobee delivers the filters in pairs to reduce packaging and says the packaging they are sent to is "completely recyclable". Reminders to change filters on the company's line of connected thermostats can also be linked to the new service, sending notifications when needed.

Deliveries are free, and the service is now available to customers in the United States and Canada.

Satechi has quietly launched a single tracking store for one of our favorite HomeKit accessories for the EU market. First seen by SmartApfel, the slimmed down socket is now available for purchase on Amazon.de and includes smart home staples such as programming, energy monitoring and, of course, Siri voice controls.

Ideal for remote control of devices or automatic switching on and off of lights, coffee machines, TVs and more. The smart socket has been developed for European sockets and offers easy control of the device connected via the smartphone.

The updated plug connects directly to HomeKit via Wi-Fi, allowing it to work without an additional hub. Like all HomeKit Wi-Fi accessories, the jack is only compatible with 2.4GHz networks, but the setup only requires a simple scan of the HomeKit code from the Home app.

With real-time energy monitoring, you can monitor your high-performance devices, reduce excessive power consumption, and program your devices to turn on and off as needed.

Once added to the Home app, the socket will be available for automation and scenes. Advanced functions, such as energy monitoring, can only be found in the Satechi Home application.

The Wemo line is known for being one of the best smart home accessories, but unfortunately it came a little late to the HomeKit party. When it finally arrived, HomeKit still needed a separate smart bridge, which was sold separately and did not accept all Wemo products. Since then, HomeKit has been added to the latest versions of light switches and sockets, however, there are still some of those older accessories around which can make things a little confusing. Don't worry, but we solved everything.

Favorite staff

Use this little connector to turn any appliance into a smart home accessory. The Mini is HomeKit compatible right out of the box, without the need for a separate deck and is one of the most accessible jacks around. But the best part is that it is so compact that you can fit two of them into the same outlet, which is rare for smart chairs.

• $ 18 on Amazon

• $ 18 at Best Buy

The Wemo Wi-Fi Smart Dimmer Switch can turn on the lights automatically, in just a few taps of the phone or with a voice command with Siri. This dimmer has a built-in night light, which makes it easy to find in the darkest of rooms, and the center section of the switch is touch sensitive. This means you can simply slide your finger up and down to set your mood.

• $ 50 at Amazon

• $ 50 at Walmart

After installation, you can use this smart light switch to control all the lights in a room by setting programs and timers. Be careful though, as there are two versions of the Wemo light switch, one of which requires the smart deck. To make sure you get the HomeKit template, look for the "Works with Apple HomeKit" logo in the box or just use one of the links below.

• $ 40 at Amazon

• $ 40 at Best Buy

If you have an air light that can be switched on or off with two light switches, then you need a 3 way smart switch to add the connected home goodies. The Wemo 3-Way Smart Light Switch fits the bill in this situation and is sold in both single and double packages. The handy package makes it easy to add smartphones and offers a consistent look and experience with both switches having the same style.

• $ 80 at Amazon

• $ 80 at Best Buy

The Wemo Bridge brings HomeKit to older Light Light and Insight Smart Plug switches as well as discontinued devices such as the Wemo motion sensor, which is no longer for sale. If you have some of these older light switches installed around your home and you don't want the hassle of replacing it with the latest version, then the Wemo Bridge is the way to go.

• $ 35 at Amazon

• $ 40 at Best Buy

Even though the Wemo Mini offers built-in HomeKit support, it lacks the power monitoring capabilities that the older Wemo Insight has. This plug, when combined with the Wemo Bridge, gives you access to real-time power consumption, which can help you identify the devices that consume the most energy. This can lead to potential money savings, especially if you can stop that corn energy from a distance if you forget to exit the door.

• $ 33 on Amazon

• $ 50 at Walmart

We wemo wemo

Wemo is one of the top brands in smart home accessories, and its products are some of the best in the HomeKit ecosystem. If you're just starting out with home automation or smart home control, choose the Wemo Mini Smart Plug to use with something like a lamp. It's a great way to get started with home automation and from there you can easily build your smart home.

Are you looking to add Siri and darkness to your home lighting? Then the Wemo Wi-Fi Smart Dimmer is the one for you. This slk dimmer switch has a touchpad in the center that allows for dark controls via a finger slide. This switch also has a useful night light, making it easy to find in the dark.

The Apple Home app has been a nuisance to many today because it sent notifications for HomeKit accessory updates that are simply not available. In a series of posts on the HomeKit subreddit today, it appears that most notifications are for owners of Schlage Sense Door Locks, which may suggest that an upgrade is imminent, but others have said that accessories from other manufacturers, such as Yale, Vocolinc, Hunter, Fibaro and First Alert also showed the same.

In our experience, we have seen this problem appear with Kaiterra Laser Egg + CO2, which has presented updates available and started since the end of last year. In the case of Kaiterra, the company acknowledged the problem via Twitter, noting that working on a solution, but said it could take "a while". Other features with this issue include notifications that appear on some iOS devices, but not others, despite being logged into the same iCloud account.

Unfortunately, there is no known solution for users facing the problem, which means that update messages from the home application may be around for some time. If you get annoyed with the notification badge on the startup application icon, you can turn it off in the settings by following these steps:

1. Launch Settings app.
2. touch Notifications.
3. touch The home.
4. commutation badges at the off position.

You can also turn off notifications completely for the Home app, but messages surrounding updates will still be present in the Home status area and on each accessed icon. It's also important to note that disabling notifications for the Home app will affect everything related to HomeKit, such as camera notifications and motion events.