HomeKit Blog

A recent update to the TP-Link Kasa Smart app has brought Siri shortcuts to the line of smart home accessories company. Distributed by u / Tomreddit4 on the HomeKit subreddit, the update landed quietly at the end of last week in version 2.21, which is referred to as "primarily a maintenance version".

Adding Siri shortcuts brings convenient voice and iOS voice controls for HomeKit accessories. Once the update is installed, users will see the Kasa Smart app listed among other apps in Apple's shortcuts. Siri controls include changing color and brightness, playing a scene, and turning devices on / off.

TP-Link does not include a list of exact accessories that can use the new integration. The Kasa TP-Link line currently includes light switches, smart plugs, power strips and cameras. Based on the controls displayed in the Shortcuts application, it is likely to say that the compatibility of the company's Smart Plug Mini and its multicolor bulb are compatible.

Before running to buy Kasa accessories, it should be noted that Siri shortcut support is not HomeKit, Apple's smart home platform. TP-Link accessories will not be available in the Apple Home application and are not available for use with automation and scenes. However, the latest integration allows accessories to work with personal automations running outside the HomeKit.

OverDrive has announced a new partnership with Sonos audio experts, which brings Libby audio books to the popular line of wireless home speakers. The partnership provides free, convenient wireless access to thousands of audio books available in local libraries.

"This new Sonos compatibility is the latest answer to how librarians are evolving to promote and provide access to books and reading anytime, anywhere," said Shannon Lichty, vice president of partner services at OverDrive. "Our partnership with Sonos for public library audiobooks will allow millions of households to enjoy the sounds and storytelling of a great story wherever a Sonos speaker is connected."

For starters, all you need is a Sonos speaker and app, the Libby app and a library card. According to OverDrive, approximately 90% of libraries in the United States participate in the program, which means you can listen to free audio books or read e-book versions in minutes.

Whether you're listening through the Sonos speaker or reading through the Libby app, progress is synchronized for seamless transitions. Libby also supports offline reading and has other integrations such as Apple CarPlay and Amazon Kindle for added convenience.

As in the library, titles selected through Libby act like borrowing or checking a book. The titles will expire after a set period of time if they are not returned, preventing users from charging late fees. Some titles may also have a set amount of quantities that can be checked once, but reservations can be booked to ensure you get a tour.

The Libby by OverDrive app is available for free in the iOS AppStore. Libby apps are also available for Android and Windows.

Arlo has announced a couple of smart home goodies, including the launch of its Pro 3 Floodlight camera and an upgrade of its Alexa ability for Video Doorbell.

The versatile flood camera brings powerful LEDs, an integrated 2K HDR camera, a 160-degree field of view, two-way audio, custom lighting configurations and a built-in siren for any home or small business. It is also suitable for a number of use cases through a robust suite of intelligent functions, with the support of the subscription-based AI Arlo service, Arlo Smart. Featuring a sleek, fully integrated design, the floodlight room offers a beautiful outdoor security solution that will satisfy most stock owners.

Arlo's security hybrid, Pro 3 Floodlight, combines a powerful designer with the company's popular Pro 3 camera in one convenient package. The flood chamber can be powered by the included rechargeable or hard-wired battery and can be integrated with existing Arlo devices or can function as a standalone solution.

The new camera offers a 160-degree field of view, HDR and captures images at 2K resolution, 2560 x 1440. The camera also includes a built-in siren, and the lighting can be set to solid, or a flashing pattern. Other features include two-way sound, weather resistance, and smart home integration through Amazon and Google Assistant.

Speaking of Alexa, Arlo's CEO has took to Twitter today to announce that an updated Alexa skill is now available for his video. The updated ability allows Amazon Echo devices to respond and talk in two ways with visitors when the Video Doorbell button is pressed. CES in Arlo also mentioned that the company intends to add this functionality to other rooms in the coming weeks.

The Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight is now available for purchase at Home Depot at a retail price of $ 249.99. Floodlight will soon be available at other major retailers, such as Best Buy and Amazon, as well as on Arlo.com.

Wink, the best-known smart home platform for integrating first- and third-party accessories into a single application and hub, has announced that automation and control rates will begin on May 13th. The company says the move, which is almost guaranteed to be on fire, is the result of "recent economic events" that have caused "additional efforts" on the business.

Wink has taken many steps in an effort to maintain the blue light of your hub, however, long-term costs and recent economic events have caused additional efforts on our business. Unlike companies that sell user data to offset the costs associated with providing free services, we do not. Data privacy is one of Wink's core values ​​and we believe that user data should never be sold for marketing or any purpose.

Starting next week, users of the Wink platform and app will be subscribing to $ 4.99 for continuous access to their smart home accessories. If users choose not to subscribe, they will lose the ability to use the Wink app, in-app voice controls, automation, and API access. If customers decide to subscribe later on the road, all their existing functions will be restored.

If you choose not to subscribe to a subscription, you will no longer be able to access your Wink devices in the app, with voice control or API, and your automation will be disabled on May 13th. Your device's connections, settings, and automation can be reactivated if you decide to subscribe at a later date.

Although subscription models are becoming the norm and the new fee is not the highest, the one-week notice from Wink is not correct for platform users. Wink users, some of whom chose Wink especially for the lack of taxes, which was proudly announced by the company, have only 7 days to figure out where to go or risk losing access to the things they have come to depend on.

Fortunately, most smart accessories, other than those specifically designed by or for Wink, can integrate with other platforms through hubs or account connection. If you're using Wink and you're ready to switch to another platform, then this would be a great time to read about Apple's HomeKit, which requires local access to accessories and has no subscription. See our guides below to help you get started.