HomeKit Blog

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.