When I started watching smart video ringtones for my new home, a specific feature I was looking for was HomeKit support, but as it turned out at the time (just 3 months ago), it didn't exist. So, like everyone else, I was content with a ringtone from the Ring, which worked reliably for me. Installation was simple. The setup was a breeze, and daily use was as frictionless as you would expect from a bell.

But then Logitech introduced Circle View Doorbell in December 2020, the first device of its kind to support HomeKit, thus playing nicely with all Apple devices in the house and pocket.

So I contacted the people at Logitech who sent me one Ringtone with circular view after giving me a brief briefing on the product. In this review, I will share your impressions of this smart video sound. But a bit of a warning: this review will be heavily nuanced by my experience with the Ring, which I see as standard in the category or the beating device, if you will.

Initial installation and configuration

Logitech Circle View Doorbell

The installation was a little more boring than the Ring. Where I only had to connect a few wires to the Ring bell, The Circle View required a little more work. Specifically, the installation of a sound kit on your physical bell added something to an otherwise simple installation.

And because Circle View needed more power than Ring, I also had to change the ringer transformer in my house. This is not necessarily difficult to do, but it adds friction to the experience. It also adds costs!

Logitech has an excellent website that guides you through the installation process, but the fact that it needs a website to get started tells you a lot about it. Instead, the installation and configuration of my ring was done in a few minutes following the instructions in 3 steps from a brochure that was in the box.

Once installed, the setup was painless. It is made entirely in Home application and lasts only a few seconds.

To take full advantage of HomeKit support, especially video recordings, you'll need to be on ICloud plan of 200 GB / month or above. If you're under it, you'll still be able to use the ringtone, but features like video recording won't work. You will be able to stream, but not record. This is no different from the Ring, which requires a $ 3 / month plan to offer similar features. It's important to note that although you need a 200GB iCloud plan, videos stored in iCloud don't count in your plan.

Beautiful hardware

The appearance of the Logitech Circle View ringtone is absolutely top notch. It is simple, elegant and has a special feeling, something I can't say about the Ring, which I thought was cheap.

I would argue that the hardware itself is actually the best thing about Soneria Circle View.

Reviews Circle View Doorbell

A lighted circle tells your visitors where to press, but the entire bottom half of the device can be pressed to ring the bell. At night, you have the option to turn on a night light that shines a surprisingly large amount of light at your door. This can be turned off and on in the Home app.

All in all, this is a beautiful piece of hardware. Unlike the ring, which I find quite repulsive to look at, it has a simple and modern design in a small footprint.

But HomeKit ruins them all

If the Logitech Circle View Ring shines with its hardware, it quickly lags behind the Ring in the software department, and that's not Logitech's fault. Choosing to make a HomeKit compatible ringtone, they had to rely entirely on what the Apple Home app can offer to manage all the smart ones.

There aren't many things to ask for from a video ringtone. You want to send / record videos of activities happening at your doorstep, and you want to be informed about these activities. While the transmission / recording of the activity was impeccable, my main problem is how HomeKit does not allow too many customizations of the activity. Notifications.

Home application notification

This quickly became apparent when I began to be inundated with motion notifications. That's because my kids were playing by the font door. My phone literally announces to me every few seconds that there is activity at the door. No big deal, I thought. Ring allows you to postpone / silence these notifications for a certain period of time right from the notification itself, so HomeKit certainly has a similar function. Wrong! Your only option is to set a schedule or turn off motion notifications completely. Although I didn't want to, I chose to completely disable notifications for motion detection. A huge teddy bear if you ask me, because this is one of the best features of smart video ringtone.

Worse than not being able to change my notification settings, I would often receive notifications a few seconds after my activity was detected or someone knocked on my door. In one case, the delivery man rang the bell while I was not home. When I received the notification and opened it to talk to him, the guy was already gone. This happened a few times, enough to make me angry. The people at Logitech told me that I should try to restart my hub (Apple TV or HomePod used as the central brain for all this) or the bell itself. It hasn't changed anything.

The straw that broke the camel back that was when I stopped receiving notifications altogether!

This actually happened yesterday, when I started writing this article and I realized that I had not received a notification for a few days, which is impossible since I knew that my son had rang the bell so he could talk to me while I was at my desk (I know, weird, but it's a quick way for him to plead with me when his mom says he can't watch TV).

So I did a few tests, disabled and re-enabled notifications, but still nothing. Finally, I received notifications of movement activities to return, but no notification for when someone would ring the bell. After the bell restarted, these bell notifications returned temporarily, but 10 minutes later, they disappeared again.

That was enough for me. I grabbed a screwdriver, removed the beautiful Logitech Circle View ringer, and reinstalled the Ugly Ring. And believe me, I cursed through it all!

I put all the blame on HomeKit

In case I haven't been clear before, all these disadvantages have absolutely nothing to do with Soneria Circle View. The device itself is absolutely flawless, but it is kept by HomeKit itself and apparently Logitech can't do anything about it.

Notifications are the only feature a video ringtone needs to correct. Not only did HomeKit fail to get started, but it made me insecure, asking me to ask myself: what's the point of using this if I can't rely on it?

I don't expect progress to be made until iOS 15, because, like most Apple products and services, everything happens on an annual cycle, with little or no improvement between them.

Until then, I'll use the Ring.

Pros and cons of using a HomeKit ringtone

Pro:

If you live in an Apple household like me, these are really appealing features.

Versus:

Logitech Circle View support is available on the Logitech website and starts at $ 199. You can install it professionally for another $ 100.

A new year, which means it's time for TV manufacturers to unveil new TVs. And Sony won't start disappointing you in 2021 as it unveils a handful of new smart handsets.

Today, Sony officially announced five new smart TVs, each coming in several sizes, depending on what you need / want. The functions vary, at least, but all fall under the company's BRAVIA XR brand. This means that they are packed with a number of features designed to enhance the overall viewing experience, no matter what you're watching (or playing with the Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5).

These smart TVs offer standard connectivity options, including wired or wireless, depending on your needs. They range in size from 50 inches to 100 inches. They also include support for Apple AirPlay 2, which means owners don't have to use an Apple TV to stream content from their iPhone or other Apple devices directly to their TV. It also supports HomeKit, which means you can use Siri to control items on your TV, such as power, volume, and more.

At the time of the announcement, we do not yet know the prices for any of the new sets.

Sony 2021 TV Apple TV app

But, I will get out of the way for a moment and let Sony tell you all the most important moments of the new BRAVIA XR smart TVs that it launches today:

  • BRAVIA CORE ™: In collaboration with Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE), BRAVIA CORE ™ is the place where entertainment meets technology and was developed to add value and showcase Sony's unique experiences. Preloaded on all new BRAVIA XR models, users can enjoy a selection of the latest premium and classic SPE titles2 and the largest collection of IMAX Enhanced movies. BRAVIA CORE is the first in the industry to have Pure Stream technology ™, obtaining an equivalent quality UHD BD almost without losses with streaming up to 80 Mbps3. Learn more about this collaboration here: https://www.sony.net/bravia-core
  • Google TV: This range also introduces Google TV, a new entertainment experience that brings together movies, shows, live TV and more from apps and subscriptions4 and organize them just for you. Easily find something to watch with personalized recommendations and bookmark and movie shows in a single watchlist to see what to watch. Users can even add to their watch list on their phone or laptop using Google Search.
  • HDMI 2.1 compatibility: All BRAVIA XR TVs will have HDMI 2.1 compatibility included 4K 120 fps, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)5, Low latency automatic mode (ALLM) and e-ARC, supporting higher resolutions and frame rates ideal for next generation games.
  • Reality sound from the image: In addition to the best image quality in the class, the new XR cognitive processor also delivers incredible sound with Sound-from-Picture Reality ™, which aligns the position of the sound with the images on the screen to provide a unique realistic experience.
  • Hands-free voice function: With hands-free voice control built into Google TVs from Sony6, you can leave the remote control and use your voice only to search for entertainment, receive answers, and control your TV and smart home devices. Try saying "Hey Google, turn on the TV" or "Hey Google, what should I watch?"
  • Compatibility with smart speakers: With Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa7 enabled devices, you can project and control YouTube videos with Google Nest speakers8 or change the channel or volume with devices compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
  • Release of the Creator's intention: The new models will continue to deliver the creator's intent with Netflix calibrated mode, featuring quality studio and IMAX® Enhanced ™ Netflix content that features remastered IMAX images and sounds, as well as IMAX Enhanced mode - fully optimized for movie playback.

You can expect to find these new features in all new handsets, which is good because Sony brings the flagship items to all sizes and ranges. And with full support for all new primary sales features (VRR, ALLM and 4K 120 fps) for the latest Microsoft and Sony video game consoles, this is also a win-win for potential owners.

Here are the new TVs:

Unfortunately, as mentioned above, we do not know when, exactly these new TVs will become available. And we still don't know how much they will cost. Sony says prices and availability will be announced sometime this spring.

If you want to find out more about each TV and see the landing page for each, click on the links above.

Looking to upgrade your TV this year?

Free, open-source Scenecuts application from Seattle developer Nick Hayward is a great little utility that lets you bypass Apple's awesome Home app and access your smart devices at home and trigger HomeKit scenes directly via the macOS menu bar.

Just click the Scenecuts icon in the menu bar to display a drop-down menu that contains all the HomeKit scenes you've created in the Apple Home app. The application is widely configurable: you can edit this drop-down menu, add or remove individual HomeKit scenes from it, and more.

This allows you to turn off all the scenes you don't need to quickly locate the ones you use most often. In the latest update, the app added support for default HomeKit scenes from the menu bar via the Apple Symbols SF font, virtually turning HomeKit scenes into individual menu bar items (similar to how you can drag items from the Control Center to the bar of the menu.

Scenecuts for macOS Mac 001

John Voorhees, writing at MacStories:

You can add an icon to any of the scenes you add to the menu bar using Apple's SF symbols. I immediately added separate items from the menu bar for the space heater in my office and the settings for the top lights I use to shoot the products, as these are two scenes I want to shoot regularly from my desk. Using SF symbols is a great way to choose something meaningful and memorable for triggering scenes.

Thanks to the app's global shortcuts, you can enable scenes without clicking the macOS menu bar (customize these useful shortcuts to your liking in Scenecuts settings). Hayward notes that Scenecuts currently only supports the main house in the Home app. In addition, the support application must be running for Scenecuts to work.

Scenecuts requires macOS 11.0 Big Sur or later.

Download free MacOS Scenecuts from the App Store.

It was a bit mountainous for the owners of LG 2018 smart TVs when it comes to AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support. But, a few months after the initial cancellation of plans to add new features for older smart TVs, the update is now released.

That's according to a report today from MacRumors, based on comments made by readers of the publication. At the time of publication, there is no detailed list of smart TVs in the 2018 LG list that receive the update. However, in April, LG confirmed that smart TVs called "SK" and "UK" will receive the update before the end of 2020. So it is possible that these will be the TVs receiving the update now.

This was a wild ride, at least for those who waited for this support. As mentioned above, LG said that the update to support both AirPlay 2 and HomeKit will arrive for some smart TVs from 2018 at some point in the future. However, by September, LG had changed its mind, saying it could not "guarantee" a solid user experience with older smart TV applications. As a result, it has essentially given up on plans to provide support.

LG Apple TV app 002

But it seems that those plans have changed again. TV owners made asks LG to change its mind, so it looks like this has had an impact on the company's decision makers.

With AirPlay 2 supported on these selected smart TVs, owners will be able to stream content from iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and / or Mac without the need for an Apple TV as an intermediary. With HomeKit support, people will be able to control TV controls, such as volume, power and more with the Home app and voice commands via Siri.

So, good news for the selected LG 2018 smart TV owners who have been waiting for these features! Tell us if you see support on your TV in the comments below.

Logitech Circle View Wired Doorbell official

HomeKit has evolved and improved over the years, thanks to better overall functionality and support from third-party companies such as Logitech.

And this trend continues today, with Logitech revealing a new video sound. The company has just taken the packaging from Circle View Wired Doorbell, which is now available as an Apple-only online store. At the time of publication, the new home accessory is available for order now at $ 199.95 and should arrive as early as this week if you place your order today.

This smart ringtone supports HomeKit right out of the box, along with the HomeKit Secure Video feature. With this support, video analysis and important notifications only happen on your Apple devices. And if you store information in iCloud, it's encrypted before it is stored in the cloud. Users can also set notifications to inform them when animals, people, and other objects enter a specific area covered by the video ringtone. The bell can even recognize people. And finally, users can store up to 10 days worth of camera activity without affecting the iCloud storage limit.

Logitech Circle View Wired Doorbell official2

According to the official landing page of the product:

Get a smarter welcome with the Logitech Circle View Wired ringtone. Circle View Doorbell is an easy-to-use video ringtone with HomeKit Secure Video with facial recognition, the best Logitech TrueView video ™, a 160 ° field of view with head-to-toe HD optics and color night vision. Designed to fit any home, the seamless glass front and slim silhouette add a touch of elegance and intelligence to the entrance.

Here are the main bullet points:

  • The best Logitech TrueView video ™ with a 160 ° field of view, HD video from head to toe, HDR and color night vision to capture every last detail.
  • Developed exclusively for the Apple HomeKit. Enjoy a seamless two-way viewing experience in the Home app on your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV.
  • The seamless glass front and slim silhouette are designed to enhance any door and complement any home style.
  • The high-quality sensor with High Dynamic Range gives you more detail in high-contrast videos so you can see your visitors clearly in sunlight or shadow.
  • Comes with everything you need, including several mounting options, Chime Kit and cables for connecting to a wired ringer system (8-24V AC 10 VA or higher).
  • If required, full installation services can be purchased from HelloTech at a later date.

This is the second product in the extensive Logitech Circle View product range. The company introduced the outdoor / indoor security camera not long ago.

Logitech's Circle View Wired ringtone is now available. With the fastest shipping option chosen, customers can receive their home accessory immediately after Thursday, December 10th. With the free delivery option, the fastest arrival is Friday, December 11th.

Are you going to pick up the new smart ringtone from Logitech?

EZVIZ DB1C Video doorbell

Smart home security specialists EZVIZ have unveiled a new night vision ring accessory that offers a full 1080p HD video with a 170-degree vertical field of view.

Called the DB1C Video, the accessory could be an ideal holiday purchase to improve your smart home security and personal safety. In addition, the video ringtone is currently on sale for only $ 69.99 at Walmart through the New Year, which makes it even more appealing.

EZVIZ DB1C Video doorbell wide angle

The accessory is powered by an artificial intelligence algorithm that allows it to intelligently detect a person's movement, ensuring that users will only receive notifications when people pass by (you can stop them at will). Thanks to its vertical field of view, the device can capture a head-to-toe view of visitors and clear records of any deliveries left on the doorstep.

EZVIZ DB1C Video doorbell shape detection

When a visitor rings the bell, the menu initiates a two-way video call through the EZVIZ app on the smartphone. This allows you to answer the door, no matter where you are. The device can be operated by voice via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The IP65 ringer works reliably in rain, sleet or snow.

EZVIZ DB1C Video doorbell night vision

With night vision, the ringtone captures clear photos up to five meters away, with low visibility

And this:

Unlike many of the video ringtones on the market, the EZVIZ DB1C supports dual-band Wi-Fi, giving users the option of 2.4 or 5 GHz connections for optimal network performance. DB1C also offers enhanced storage solutions with advanced H.265 video compression technology for better video quality using only half the bandwidth and half of the storage space of the previous H.264 compression standard.

A built-in MicroSD card slot can store up to 256 GB of images and recorded images. An additional backup is available through the EZVIZ encrypted cloud service with subscription plans that can store up to 30 days of video history. Data transmission between the camera and the EZVIZ Cloud is end-to-end encrypted using 128-bit AES encryption, the TLS encryption protocol, and more.

Unfortunately, the video ringtone doesn't currently support Apple's HomeKit framework for connected home, so capturing recordings in iCloud and tighter integration with the Home app, Siri, and the Apple ecosystem are currently not supported until you add HomeKit compatibility.

The DB1C is available from Walmart at a discounted price of just $ 69.99 until the New Year. After that, the device will be sold for $ 99.99.

HomeKit sockets are an easy way to convert an existing appliance into an appliance that works with your smart home setup. What if you need more than one? HomeKit surge protection is the easiest way to turn multiple devices into devices that work with HomeKit. I bought a handful of these and now have my favorites. So read on if you want to learn more about the best HomeKit surge protection devices.

HomeKit Weekly is a series that focuses on smart home accessories, tips and tricks on automation, and everything related to Apple's smart home framework.


Surge protectors are useful for adding extra protection to expensive items such as electronics, but they are also useful for expanding an outlet to include multiple items. All of the products mentioned here are native HomeKit products, so you don't need to load them into HomeKit via the product app. All you have to do is scan the code and then connect.

VOCOlinc HomeKit surge protection

homekit surge protector 1

VOCOlinc is one of my favorite home kit manufacturers, and Homekit surge protectors are no exception. It contains three power ports as well as two ports for charging USB-A devices. When you use it in your office, it becomes a convenient device that you can use to charge your iPhone at your desk. Each port is 5V2.4A so it is not suitable for fast charging an iPad. The sockets are far apart so everything stays easily connected. I have this surge protector in my dining room with a couple of lamps that I combined in the Home app to only appear as a single light. The Wi-Fi connection is only 2.4 GHz, like many smart home products, and I would really like more 5 GHz connections for HomeKit products in the future.

Meross surge protection

meross homekit surge protector

The Meross surge protector is the latest addition to my HomeKit lineup and is used in my office to power a lamp, charge my iPhone and HomePod. The key difference between this product and the VOCOlinc is that it contains a total of four USB ports and the USB ports are available in HomeKit so you can enable and disable them remotely. As with the VOCOlinc, the USB ports are used to charge items with lower power consumption, but an iPad can be charged overnight.

Eve Energy Strip

eve energy strip

Eve is a top HomeKit maker and makes some of my favorite products. The water guard, HomeKit button, and Eve Cam are great additions to any HomeKit home. Of all the HomeKit surge protectors I've used, the Eve Energy Strip has the best build quality, but it's also the most expensive. It's at least twice as expensive as the other two products, but it also looks a lot better. It contains three plugs that can be controlled individually. You can automatically simulate lights to turn them off and on through the Eve app to make them look like someone is home.

Wrap the HomeKit surge protector

All three products I own are really fantastic products. The Eve Energy Strip has the best build quality but is a premium price. Both the Meross and VOCOlinc products are great too, but they're made of plastic. Overall, I recommend them all. I would recommend the Meross product as the USB ports for HomeKit are available. So if this is what you need for your use case, it is the ideal product.

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Philips hue labs work from home lifestyle

After a period of beta testing, Philips Hue customers can now take advantage of HomeKit's new Adaptive Lighting feature in the company's smart Ambiance lighting products.

According to the Dutch blog iCulture, a firmware upgrade version 1941132070 or higher is required to enable HomeKit adaptive lighting support for White and Color Ambiance smart bulbs and White Ambiance lamps in all shapes. Open the Hue app on your iOS device and choose Settings. Now tap Software Update, then choose Update to update your Hue Bridge.

Then open the Home app and tap a banner that displays the Philips lights that now work with Adaptive Lighting, and then choose the specific lights for which you want to enable the feature.

HomeKit Adaptive Lighting ipad 001

Adaptive Lighting is a new HomeKit feature that was introduced alongside iOS 14, iPadOS 14, watchOS 7 and macOS Big Sur earlier this summer. With Adaptive Lighting, your HomeKit bridges automatically adjust the color of accepted bulbs based on criteria such as warmer light in the morning and less blue light in the evening.

→ How to set up HomeKit notifications for your accessories

This allows you to relax in the morning with warmer colors, stay focused at noon with cooler colors, and relax at night by eliminating the blue light, with subtle transitions between changes.

It's basically Night Shift for smart lighting.

Philips Hue lights now support HomeKit Adaptive Lighting for all users after an earlier smaller rollout. The function was developed to adjust the color temperature of smart lights to the time of day, as Apple explains.

Lightbulbs that change color can be automatically adjusted throughout the day to maximize comfort and productivity. You can relax into the morning with warmer colors, stay focused and be alert at noon with cooler colors and relax at night by removing blue light ...

At the end of last month, Eve was the first to use the new feature of her light strip. iCulture reports that Philips has now done the same for all White Ambiance and White & Color Ambiance lamps, regardless of format.

There is adaptive lighting for intelligent lamps: a kind of night shift for your intelligent lighting. Philips Hue had previously promised to release an update and now the update is released. You can use Adaptive Lighting with version 1941132070 of the Philips Hue Bridge […]

This is done fully automatically, without you having to adjust the color of your lamps yourself. At Philips Hue, this works with both the White & Color Ambiance and White Ambiance lamps in all different shapes (candle lamp, E27, GU10, etc.).

There are two steps required to use the feature. First you need to update the Hue Bridge:

  1. Open the Hue app and tap the settings .
  2. Scroll down and tap Software Update.
  3. A new version is sought. Tap Update to install it. The correct version is 1941132070 of the Philips Hue Bridge. No new update is required for the lamps.

Don't be surprised if this version isn't available yet. The worldwide introduction of updates usually takes a few days. Bridge updates can also be slow. So it's generally best to get it started and then check again in about half an hour.

After the final update, you should receive a notification in your Home app that Adaptive Lighting is now available and ask you to select the lights you want to configure. Just scroll through them and check out the ones you want to use the feature.

If you're using Hue outdoor lighting, it's a good idea to check if your power supply has been affected by a recent safety recall.

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Back in September, Roku announced that there would be support for HomeKit and AirPlay 2 sometime this year. The new features are now being rolled out for both 4K Roku streaming devices and Roku TV models.

AirPlay 2 and HomeKit have been introduced on a variety of smart TVs from companies like LG, Samsung, and Vizio over the past two years. Roku's rollout is particularly noteworthy given that the company's popular streaming sticks and set-top boxes are often cheaper than the competition.

Here are the Roku players who support HomeKit and AirPlay 2:

Companies like TCL and Sharp also sell smart TVs powered by the Roku platform. In a blog post today, Roku confirmed that these devices will also be updated to Roku OS 9.4, and support for HomeKit and AirPlay 2 will be added "in phases" over the coming weeks.

AirPlay 2 support for Roku products makes it easy for you to share or mirror content from your iPhone, iPad or Mac to your TV. With HomeKit support, your TV can be integrated with the Home app on your device, manage playback with Siri, add scenes and automations to your TV, and much more.

Roku also added support for Apple TV + and the Apple TV app last year.

If you own any of the above Roku streaming products, you can update starting today to get the functionality of HomeKit and AirPlay 2. When you get the new features on your device, let us know what you think in the comments!

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In September, it was confirmed that some Roku branded streaming devices will receive an update to support AirPlay 2 and HomeKit. Now, more than a month later, that update is finally being released.

Today, Roku officially announced that it has started launching the update for certain Roku streaming devices. With this new software, which increases the number of versions to Roku OS 9.4, both AirPlay 2 and HomeKit are supported. Here is the list of supported streaming devices, according to Roku's announcement:

And in the coming days, Roku says that supported Roku 4K TV models that are upgraded to OS 9.4 will also support AirPlay 2 and HomeKit.

With regular automatic software updates, the Roku operating system allows consumers to easily access the entertainment they want through the new features we add over time, ”said Ilya Asnis, senior vice president of Roku operating system at Roku. "With Roku OS 9.4 now available for streaming players, we're adding new ways to navigate and control content-rich experiences on Roku devices, as well as making sure Roku devices deliver a great entertainment experience for customers, no matter what. other tech products prefer in their homes and especially by adding Apple AirPlay and HomeKit.

With AirPlay 2 support, customers will be able to stream content directly to their iPhone, iPad or Mac. With HomeKit support, customers will be able to use Siri or the Home app to control things like the volume on the TV, to turn the device on or off, to change the source, and more.

The update should be available for all supported streaming devices from Roku in the coming days.

Popular HomeKit maker Eve has announced that some of its HomeKit-enabled accessories will be supported by Thread later this month. Products include the US version of the Eve door sensor and the EU version of Eve Energy. Firmware updates for Eve Aqua and Eve Thermo will follow shortly.

"The HomePod mini offers powerful Home Hub capabilities embedded in an affordable Siri-enabled speaker and gives HomeKit an important boost," said Jerome Gackel, CEO of Eve Systems. "The support of HomeKit over Thread puts the entire Eve platform at the forefront of smart home innovation. We are excited to be among the first to bring this innovative smart home technology into the homes of HomePod Mini users bring. "

"By enabling Thread on their devices, Eve is delivering significant value today and laying the foundation for a scalable, robust smart home ecosystem," added Sujata Neidig, vice president of the Thread group. "This advanced approach is now improving the customer experience and helping them enjoy a reliable and seamless smart home for years to come."

Thread support will be an important part of the HomeKit and HomePod Mini. In addition to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, thread technology is a central aspect of the upcoming standard for open application layers, which was developed by the Project Connected Home over IP (CHIP) working group within the Zigbee Alliance. Thanks to Thread's IP foundation, devices from different manufacturers can connect to create a reliable network for running connected home devices.

Thread and its low-power mesh networking technology do not rely on a hub. So there is not a single point of failure. When devices are taken offline, data packet routes can be alternated to access the Internet. Once a HomePod mini is added to the network, threaded accessories automatically communicate with it and with each other. This connectivity is automatic with no need for users to configure anything in advance. Thread support is one of the main features of the HomePod Mini over the original HomePod

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Shortly after Nanoleaf unveiled its HomeKit-enabled Shapes Triangles and Mini Triangles in October, Nanoleaf introduced its new Essentials Smart Color Changing LED lamp and LED Lightstrip. The new products are introduced exclusively at Apple, do not require a hub and offer great features such as HomeKit and Thread support.

Nanoleaf CEO Gimmy Chu teased last month that the new Essentials lamp and Lightstrip would arrive in November, and Apple users will be delighted when these new HomeKit accessories hit shelves. Nanoleaf detailed the two new Essentials products in a press release today:

Nanoleaf's latest innovation is making smart lighting more accessible than ever without sacrificing the quality that users know and love of the brand. Lighting that allows you to be both comfortable and productive is essential as we spend more time indoors than ever before. Essentials enables optimal lighting for every day - regardless of whether you work from home, relax before bed or create the ambience for a special night with loved ones.

When introducing the HomePod mini, Apple found that its new smart speaker supports Thread, a standard that provides direct device communication that increases reliability and more. Nanoleaf's Essentials Bulb and Lightstrip are the first smart lighting products to support Thread.

The Essentials will be launched exclusively in Apple stores worldwide and are the first intelligent consumer lighting to work with Thread *, a mesh network with low latency and low power consumption. With Thread, users get improved connectivity, greater control, and the ability to set custom schedules. Thread enables additional smart features and integrations with future updates, including color scenes, screen mirrors, and Rhythm Music Sync (available next month). Users can also set up Essentials through Bluetooth.

When it comes to Nanoleaf's new lightbulb and strip of light that enable "the best possible lighting for every day," the company has developed a new feature called "Circadian Lighting" that is similar to Apple's new HomeKit Adaptive Lighting.

The lightbulb and light strip have a built-in circadian lighting function that allows the lights to automatically adjust the color temperature throughout the day to complement natural daylight and create the perfect ambience for any time of the day. With the brightest white lighting in the smart lighting category, Essentials is ideal for everyday lighting needs. Users can even set a custom timing to adjust the lighting to irregular schedules that are unique to them.

Along with a no-hub design and thread support, the Nanoleaf Bulb Landing for just $ 20 and the Lightstrip for $ 50 make the new products really competitive in the HomeKit market.

We just got our hands on both new smart lights and will be posting a full review shortly.

Here are some more specifications for the Essentials lightbulb with a sharp geometric design:

With the largest maximum brightness range on the market, the Essentials lamp offers the brightest white lighting at all color temperatures (2,700-6,500 K) and illuminates an average brightness of 806 lumens and a maximum brightness of 1,100 lumens. The light bulb itself, with its unique rhombicosidodecahedron shape, is also a work of art that can assert itself without a shadow.

And for the Essentials Lightstrip:

The Lightstrip is also specially equipped with four white LEDs per LED set - two warm and two cold - to achieve the best lighting for your daily needs. It is equipped with 21 LED sets per meter. With a length of 80 inches and extensions of 40 inches, each lightstrip can be easily cut to allow users to adjust it to their own space. You can extend the length up to 10 meters and at the same time ensure optimum brightness (between 2,000 and 2,200 lumens).

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I’ve got quite the HomeKit set up at this point as I have over 50 devices on my Wi-Fi network at any given time. A few weeks ago, I woke up on a Tuesday morning with motion alerts on my eufy cameras. This alert is not uncommon as there is a neighborhood cat that frequently walks around our porch at night. Little did I know that once I checked the alerts, my day would get a lot more complicated. Read on to learn how HomeKit likely prevented my car from being stolen.

Once I checked the eufy app, I saw three, what appears to be, high school-aged kids opening my car door, being startled, and then running away. At 5 a.m., I was pretty startled, so I immediately went to look for my keys. I have a Chipolo One tracker on my keys, and it couldn’t find them. The last time it connected was at 7:45 p.m. the previous night, and that was precisely the last time I was near my car, so I quickly realized I had left my keys in my car by accident.

Because my eufy cameras are tied into HomeKit, they can activate other devices when they detect motion. From watching the videos, I gathered that as they were rifling around in my car, they found my keys, and then my hue floodlights were activated by the motion detected from the cameras, and they ran between my house and my neighbors’. Once they realize no one was coming out, they darted off the street towards the main road. I do not doubt that without these HomeKit automations, my car would have been stolen.

I’ve embedded one of the videos below so you can see it in action. Situations like this are another reason I am excited about my Tesla Cybertruck pre-order and Tesla Sentry mode

Obviously, I immediately had my house locks rekeyed, and I took my truck down to Mountain View Nissan here in Chattanooga to purchase a new keyfob as well as have my keyless entry system reprogrammed so my old keys would no longer work.

You’d think the story would end there, but it didn’t. The next morning, I walked out my backdoor to take my dog out first thing in the morning, and the Chipolo app alerted me that it had found my keys. I immediately launched the app and told it to ring my keys. I could hear them in the woods behind my house. They weren’t there the previous night, so it’s clear the same people came back. My house is the first house in the neighborhood, so I suspect they tried to lock/unlock my truck from the main road to see if the keys would still work, and when they didn’t, they tossed the keys (minus the $300 keyfob) into the woods as they were likely worried about being tracked somehow. I dug the keys out of the woods and attached them to my new keyfob.

AirTags are coming soon

I am now even more excited about Apple’s upcoming AirTags. One of the headline features is being able to put them into “lost mode.” They will also use all iOS devices as passive trackers for lost items to help locate them. While Tile and Chipolo have similar features, the large install base of iOS devices will make it even more likely that my keys could have been traced back to the people who broke into my car.

While this situation wasn’t fun and was costly, it is a great reminder of the benefits of being able to combine HomeKit devices together to create automations. Most of the time, these automations are fun, but in this situation, I have no doubt that it saved my car from being stolen.

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I've previously found that HomeKit presence detection is extremely unreliable to me because I rely on location services.

GPS location can be less than 100% reliable in cities anyway because signals are either blocked by tall buildings or bounce off them. There is then an added complication for those of us who live in apartment blocks ...

Even 100% reliable location detection is triggered when we reach the building lobby, not when we are in front of our door. Since we live on the 18th floor and it can take a few minutes to get from the lobby through the security doors and elevator, it is unsafe to use presence detection to unlock the front door, for example.

It's frustrating because there's a much more reliable option: triggering presence detection when we connect to our home's Wi-Fi network. For most people, this will be within sight of their front door.

It would also be useful to borrow some features from some Android devices like the Pixel. For example, this may result in your phone's ringtone automatically switching from a loud ring (which may be needed on the street) to vibrating (more home-friendly) when it is detected that you are home.

There's also an Android app called Tasker, an IFTTT app for triggering customized actions when your phone connects to your home WiFi. For example, it can open an app, toggle settings, and even send messages. iOS sandboxing would limit what a third-party app can do, but Apple could enable this type of automation natively in iOS.

So here is what I would like to see. Identify your home Wi-Fi network and let iOS remind you. Then set up a variety of automations once your phone connects. This includes:

A second set of actions can be triggered when your phone connects to your work network - and of course, things switch back when you leave either network.

These are just things I can think of straight away. You probably have more ideas.

Would you like to see HomeKit presence detection over a Wi-Fi network? Please take our survey and let us hear your thoughts and ideas in the comments.

Ben Schoon contributed to this piece.

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One of the main features of the HomePod mini is the new intercom system that allows you to send messages to different rooms in the house. Intercom works on all HomePods as well as on iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. As much as I look forward to trying out the intercom, as a father of three, I need less noise in our house so I really enjoy using signals on HomeKit.

HomeKit Weekly is a series that focuses on smart home accessories, tips and tricks on automation, and everything related to Apple's smart home framework.


Signals for HomeKit can be used to alert your family that it's time for dinner, time for bed, or just about anything else that HomeKit uses. The signals work with HomeKit lamps or socket adapters with lights attached. When it is time for dinner you usually have to yell at your family to get to the dining table. With signals, you simply execute a command that causes the lamps to flash in a specific color. You can create another signal to let your kids know when it's time to go to school by flashing a blue lightbulb.

Signals is designed to take advantage of the smart lights already in place and use them as a communication function at home. With a single touch of a button, you can flash any combination of lights in the house and instantly grab their attention. Pair them with a text and you will know they got the message.

Signals can be triggered in the app using Siri shortcuts and even directly from your home screen using the iOS 14 widgets. Hence, it is extremely easy to trigger an order to inform your family of something.

signals app

Light effects contained in signals are flash, hold and pulse. The flash function slowly fades in and out a certain light. The hold function displays a solid color for a preset time and then returns to the original color. The pulse is just a flash of lightning, but in a much faster pattern. At my house, we always use the pulse to alert everyone that dinner is ready as our kids are younger.

Signals offers robust shortcuts support. You can easily customize them further. You can create that "Time to Go" signal I mentioned and then change the Siri shortcut to send a "Let's Go" text to everyone in your house.

I've really enjoyed using Signals since the new version 2 was released. It's a great addition to HomeKit that Apple can be integrated with the Home app in the future. Version 2.0 also included a new version of the iPad, and a Mac Catalyst version will be available soon.

Signals is a free app on the App Store and there is a $ 4.99 in-app purchase to unlock the ability to create Signals. If you're looking for a way to mimic Apple's new intercom feature without making noise in every room in your home, check out Signals for HomeKit.

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One of the new HomeKit functions in iOS 14 is the so-called adaptive lighting, with which the color temperatures of smart lights are automatically adjusted to the time of day. Popular HomeKit accessories maker Eve today announced that its Eve Light Strip is now the first to support the new Adaptive Lighting feature for iOS 14.

For strangers, Apple describes the adaptive lighting in HomeKit with iOS 14 as follows:

Lightbulbs that change color can be automatically adjusted throughout the day to maximize comfort and productivity. You can relax into the morning with warmer colors, stay focused and be alert at noon with cooler colors and relax at night by removing blue light.

With the Eve Light Strip, this means that the color of the strip can automatically adjust during the day, with everything being managed directly in the Home app itself. The color temperature is set automatically every time it is switched on and with smooth transitions, explains Eve.

In addition to supporting Adaptive Lighting for the Light Strip, Eve reminds users that the HomeKit Secure Video compatible Eve Cam has also received some notable updates thanks to iOS 14. This includes Apple TV integration, face recognition, and activity zones.

The Eve Light Strip update is available through the Eve app for iOS. Just open the Eve app, choose Settings, choose Accessories and look for the streak of light. Then tap Details to update the firmware. The Eve Light Strip is available on Amazon and Best Buy for $ 79.99.

If you are an Eve Light Strip user and want to try this new adaptive lighting feature, let us know what you think in the comments! Check out our full review of the Eve HomeKit Light Strip here.

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Philips Hue is the gold standard for HomeKit lamps, and I love the ones I own. They're bright, rarely need to restart to fix an interruption, and come with many color combinations. On the other hand, they are a bit expensive as a hub has to be bought. If you're looking to make the switch to HomeKit lights cheaply, check out these two options.

HomeKit Weekly is a series that focuses on smart home accessories, tips and tricks on automation, and everything related to Apple's smart home framework.


Meross HomeKit lightbulbs

Meross becomes a popular HomeKit provider. They released a HomeKit garage door opener a few weeks ago, and I used their outside plug for a while to allow a non-smart headlight to be triggered by my door sensor. The latest product is a HomeKit LED light that does not require a hub. I've had a few of these over the past few weeks and I've been pretty impressed with how they work compared to my Hue lights. They were just as responsive and I loved the color options they offer.

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The Meross lamp allows you to adjust the brightness from warm / cold white (2700K ~ 6500K) to multiple colors. It also allows you to control the brightness using HomeKit automations. I use my occupancy motion sensor to trip a lamp around my coffee about 30% if it detects motion after 5 a.m. in the morning. Since the cost of a two-lamp package is over 70% cheaper than buying a comparable Hue, this is an extremely affordable way to get started with HomeKit lamps. The only negative I found about the product is that it only contains 2.4 GHz and I would prefer to use 5 GHz.

VOCOlinc lightbulbs

vocolinc wifi bulb

Another brand of lamps that I have used over the past few weeks is the VOCOlinc HomeKit lamps. Like the Meross lightbulbs, it's a two-pack for significantly less than Phillips' Hue-branded offerings. It has 850 lumens and supports millions of color variations. It works directly over WiFi so you don't need to buy a hub to run it. As long as you have a Home Hub (Apple TV or HomePod), you can control it remotely. My lamps immediately needed a firmware update, but the VOCOlinc iPhone app could do this without any problems.

Pack the HomeKit WiFi lights

Compared to using socket adapters, I prefer using Wi-Fi enabled lamps with HomeKit. They offer a range of colors, the ability to be dimmed, and a variety of automation options. If you're looking for an inexpensive way to replace your non-smart lighting with HomeKit, check out the Meross lamps and the VOCOlinc lamps.

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HomeKit security system manufacturer Abode first unveiled its intelligent outdoor / indoor / doorbell camera at CES in January. After a few setbacks compared to the original launch plan for March, the new outdoor smart camera can be pre-ordered.

The new smart camera from Abode is an interesting product in that it is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications and can also be used as a doorbell with the bracket supplied. It has IP56 protection, a resolution of 1080p, a field of view of 152 degrees, a microphone for two-way conversations and much more.

Here's how Abode describes it:

The new Outdoor Smart Smart Camera has a modular structure and can be deployed using the brackets provided to optimize installation flexibility and provide extended video coverage. The new video camera has a PIR motion sensor that allows people to be detected, an IR LED for low light visibility, a built-in microphone for bidirectional communication, a light sensor and a wide-angle lens that allows 1920x 1080p resolution -Video over a field of view of 152 °. With its weatherproof protection class IP65, the abode Outdoor Smart Camera can withstand a variety of outside temperatures and environmental conditions.

Abode Outdoor Smart Camera HomeKit

Features of the Abode Outdoor Smart Camera:

Abode notes that in the future, people and pets will be detected / notified via a firmware update:

The abode Outdoor Smart Camera was developed for the future and has integrated advanced computer vision functions. This feature enables customers to opt for future firmware updates that will allow the Outdoor Smart Camera to understand and warn the presence of people, packages and pets. If available, this functionality is at the sole discretion of the user and can be turned on or off at any time.

Unfortunately, when it comes to HomeKit, Abode applied for certification (back in January) but is still waiting for the green light from Apple. It is currently unclear whether the outdoor smart camera will receive it before it reaches customers in early November. It comes with Alexa video support at startup.

For a limited time, the Abode Outdoor Smart Camera is available at an introductory price of $ 159 and will typically retail for $ 199.

In addition to opening orders for the Outdoor Smart Camera, Abode announced improved video performance for all Abode cameras.

Every Abode streaming video camera, including the all-in-one Abode iota security kit, benefits from enhancements that dramatically reduce the time to the first frame, reduce latency, and improve video quality. These improvements in video performance, optimized for the abode Outdoor Smart Camera, are delivered with the new camera and are available to existing customers with an abode video-capable device via firmware update.

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In 2017 ,olekule introduced the “Air”, the world's first molecular air purifier, and came with a practical iOS app. Now the company is going one step further and adding HomeKit support to its Mini + Molecular Air Purifier. It ends up in Apple stores and Apple.com in the US. Read on for a closer look at this top-notch HomeKit air purifier.

HEPA air purifiers have been the standard for some time, butolekule's technology, drawn from over 20 years of research and development, goes even further. The Molecule range, including the Mini +, now available from Apple, use Photo Electrochemical Oxidation (PECO) to not only trap, but actually destroy, allergens, viruses, bacteria, pollutants, mold and chemicals.

The Molecule Mini + is designed for rooms up to 250 square meters in size and has useful features such as a particle sensor and an automatic mode that allows the air purifier to be adjusted to your air quality. With the Auto Protect mode, you can find out how high the air quality is in your room on the Mini + or with your iPhone.

I actually bought several Molecules (two Mini + and one Air) last spring after building a house to remove the dust and debris from the building process. It was great to see the molecules go to work and make a really noticeable difference in our air quality within a few days. Other examples are when we burn dinner or our cat sheds a lot of fur, the Mini + automatically detects what is happening and adapts accordingly.

Molecule Mini + HomeKit Air Purifier

Molecule Mini + becomes the HomeKit air purifier

Jaya Rao, CEO ofolekule, reported more about the Mini + offering from Apple and the introduction of HomeKit support:

“The face of today's air pollutants is changing rapidly and includes bacteria and viruses from the air as well as toxic chemicals from smoke. We believe this air pollution challenge requires new and advanced technologies, ”said Jaya Rao, CEO ofolekule. "Adding the compatibility and availability of HomeKit to Apple Stores toolekule Air Mini + brings that vision to even more people and enables us to create user experiences that meet the needs of today's consumers."

The HomeKit support for the Molecule Mini + includes, in particular, the ability to set up the air purifier with the Home app and to enable control via Apple's smart home platform and Siri. There will also be functions to include Mini + in HomeKit automations.

At the moment, unfortunately, we've heard fromolekule that HomeKit support only comes with new Apple Mini + air purifiers. We have checked this again and are waiting for an answer. In particular, HomeKit is not yet mentioned in the Mini + list on Apple.com or on theolekule website. It also sounds like existing Mini + owners won't see a software update to enable HomeKit. There is currently no word on HomeKit for Molecule Air or Air Pro.

The Molecule MIni + is available now in Apple stores in the US and at Apple.com at a price of $ 499.95. If you are interested in multiple molecules, you can get discounts with bundles direct from the company.

For more information on Molecules, please visit the company's website. For more information on the science behind Molecule's PECO technology, please visit here.

Note: Molecule makes a Mini + and a Mini, only the Mini + will initially receive HomeKit support.

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Over the summer my school was doing a major renovation project and as a result I moved into a brand new office. One of the things I decided to do was add HomeKit products. Of course, I started with a HomePod as a HomeKit hub, and the very first product I added next was the VOCOlinc light bars.

HomeKit Weekly is a series that focuses on smart home accessories, tips and tricks about automation, and everything related to Apple's smart home framework.


VOCOlinc is one of my favorite HomeKit providers. In the past I checked the air filter, window sensors, and outlet adapters. They make reliable products that are a very reliable addition to a HomeKit setup. With the VOCOlinc strip, I have completely changed the atmosphere of my office. The starter kit is the perfect length for my desk so I can attach it to the back and plug it into the floor. Pairing with the Home app is as easy as you'd expect from a native HomeKit product. All you have to do is scan the code and then add it. With the VOCOlinc app, I was able to apply the latest firmware update, but beyond that everything is done in the home app.

Anyone who has a full-time job knows that the workday can sometimes drag on, and mixing my lights during the day was a fun way to change things up. In my new office setup, I have a HomePod that I use with Apple Music. I've heard the new Apple Music Country Live almost every day since it was announced. I have a HomeKit automation set up that starts playing at 8 a.m. and stops playing at 5 p.m. every day. I initially forgot to change it to only work Monday through Friday so the cleaning company had a nice treat when they got through.

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I have also set up a second automation where the VOCOlinc is switched on when I work with a second lamp connected to a VOCOlic socket adapter. It turns off when I leave. I often have outside meetings with salespeople over coffee, etc., so I told the people in our office to look in my office if they are looking for me. When the lights are on, I'm on campus, but I'm off campus when the lights are off.

The VOCOlinc light strip can be extended up to 13 feet or cut to the size you want to cover. Since I have the HomePod in my office, I run it 100% of the time from Siri and am very impressed with how quickly the colors change. We joked at work that I should create a color card outside of my offsite to determine my mood (red = don't bother me, blue = good mood). That would be an exciting addition to Apple Watch and HomeKit in the future.

Wrap on VOCOlinc light strips

Overall, the VOCOlinc light strip was a fun addition to my office that is extremely inexpensive. It can be installed in just a few minutes with the built in adhesive, and then HomeKit takes over from there. Instead of relying on ceiling lights to light up my office, I enjoyed having mood lighting instead.

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Last spring, Nanoleaf launched its new HomeKit lighting line called Shapes with Hexagons. Now, two new options that work with hexagons are added to the touch-sensitive modular lighting palette with features like music visualization: triangles and mini-triangles.

Nanoleaf today showed its new modular lighting products Shapes HomeKit in a virtual event and in a press release:

Nanoleaf, industry leader in intelligent lighting, announces the launch of Shapes Triangles and Mini Triangles, the latest addition to the company's hugely successful Shapes line. The latest innovation from Nanoleaf offers shape interoperability with Nanoleaf's exclusive Connect + technology, which for the first time allows users to connect different shapes of lighting - including hexagons - together.

Here's how Gimmy Chu, co-founder and CEO of Nanoleaf, describes the goal of Shapes:

“Nanoleaf's vision for the Shapes line is to give users complete design freedom to create their most personal lighting experience yet. Smart lighting is about pushing the boundaries of what's possible, and that's exactly what we wanted to deliver with our Shapes line, ”said Gimmy Chu, CEO and co-founder of Nanoleaf. “With Triangles and Mini Triangles, users can explore and combine light shapes like never before. The Shapes Line combines intelligent technology and well thought-out design and leads the Smart Decor category for a lighting experience that really knows no boundaries. "

Nanoleaf says it has also improved the snap-on mounting system. This is what it looks like when you connect the different shapes together (we have the new shapes in our hands and will publish a review shortly):

nanoleaf shapes rearview

The new Shapes Triangles and Mini Triangles offer so many ways to customize your space and the new sizes make it easy to create anything from a subtle to a bold experience. They also offer the same great features that the Hexagons Shapes contain, such as Rhythm Music Sync, Screen Mirror, and are touch enabled.

Note: The previous generation Nanoleaf triangles are not compatible with the Shapes triangles, mini triangles, and hexagons.

They have HomeKit, as well as Google Assistant and Alexa support. That means you have voice control, the physical controller, Apple's home app, as well as the Nanoleaf app (new version today) and the Nanoleaf remote control to control these modular lights.

True to the company's commitment to make usability a top priority, the latest addition to the Shapes line will also include an update to Nanoleaf's signature app. A new color picker takes the RGB experience to the next level with a larger and more intuitive user interface that allows access to a larger color palette and additional palette ratios to further optimize your color choices. This includes a new dashboard for easier access to all products and removing unnecessary items to put the preferred features in the spotlight. The new redesign becomes much more intuitive and allows users to take any action without any obstacles.

In addition to today's debut of Triangles and Mini Triangles, Nanoleaf also announced that it will unveil its Essentials line, which will include the company's first smart light bulbs and light strips, in November. CEO Gimmy Chu announced during the virtual event that the Smart Bulb will sell for $ 20 and the Lightstrip will sell for $ 50.

Learn more about Shaped's expanded modular lighting program on the Nanoleaf website and stay tuned to 9to5Mac for a full review in the coming weeks.

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Now that it's fall here in the US, my family spends a lot of time outdoors at night. After the 90 degree days in August and the first half of September, we undoubtedly enjoy the cooler 70 degree days. One of my favorite things to do at night is going out on the screened porch and reading something from Apple Books, listening to an audiobook in the prologue, or even watching TV. One of the most recent additions to my HomeKit setup is the Eve Flare, which is a perfect addition to our porch.

HomeKit Weekly is a series that focuses on smart home accessories, tips and tricks on automation, and everything related to Apple's smart home framework.


Eve is one of the best manufacturers of HomeKit products. Some of my favorites are the Eve Button, Eve Degree, and Eve Water Guard. I bought the Eve Flare without doing much research, but it's a pleasant addition thanks to the versatility of being outdoors and being battery powered.

As with all Eve products, you can add it directly to HomeKit without having to add it to the Eve app. I should mention, however, that the Eve app is well done. Since this product is on our screened in porch, I wrote down the HomeKit code in case it should wear out in the future. An app like HomePass is very useful here as you can save the HomeKit codes in it and sync them with iCloud.

eve flare 1

The Eve Flare is waterproof to IP65 and lasts for six hours on a single charge. While I have it outdoors, it would be a perfect bedside lamp or fun lighting for a kid's room. Once it's in the Home app, you can control how it looks like any HomeKit-enabled lightbulb. It offers a wide range of colors, is dimmable and can be connected to automation systems. I already have several outside lights on our porch so I added them to my automation so that they come on when my back door is opened. I control the door automation with my door sensor, but you can also use Eve's door sensor if you don't have a HomeKit alarm to trigger the automation.

HomeKit automation

eve flare homekit

If you are just starting out with this product and HomeKit automations there is an easy way to open HomeKit and then switch to automations. Then tap + to create a new one. For this sensor, you can try "A time of day occurs". For outdoor lighting, you can use Sunset and select all seven days of the week. Then you want to find your Eve Flare. You can specify how long the device should stay on after the machine has triggered on the last screen. In this scenario, it can be helpful to turn it off after four hours. I leave my Eve Flare on the charger most of the time unless I take it to the uncovered part of our porch to sit on the table so I don't have to worry about draining the battery on me.

Final thoughts on Eve Flare

Eve Flare is a fun HomeKit product that offers outdoor lighting in a variety of colors. I love to spend time outdoors in the fall and I believe this product is one that I use almost every day to give mood lighting outside when I am relaxing and enjoying the cool weather.

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The new adaptive lighting feature in HomeKit has been seen in the wild by some Philips Hue beta testers in Germany, the German-language blog iPhone-ticker.de reported today.

HomeKit, Apple's software framework that powers smart home devices, gets a new adaptive lighting feature for smart bulbs with iOS 14, iPadOS 14 and macOS Big Sur. Adaptive lighting was not implemented in the initial versions of iOS 14 and iPadOS 14. According to Apple, the feature will arrive later in the year through an iOS software update.

→ How to create rooms and areas in the Home application for HomeKit

Announced at the WWDC 2020 online launch in June this year, it was designed to automatically adjust the color of your compatible smart bulbs throughout the day in a similar way to the Apple Shift Night Shift feature on iOS, iPadOS and macOS.

HomeKit Adaptive Lighting ipad 001

In the morning, you can have warmer lighting. Then, as the day progresses, you have the easy rule. Until the evening turns, reduce the blue light so that it is easier for your eyes.

iOS 14 Home light automation

According to Apple, you may not relax in the morning with warmer colors, stay focused at noon with cooler colors, and relax at night by eliminating the blue light. ”This feature requires smart bulbs that support the ability to change the brightness of the light, just like Hue bulbs.

→ How to set up HomeKit notifications for your accessories

Philips said the recent firmware update brought support for adaptive lighting of its White and Color Ambiance smart bulbs. At the time of writing, only beta testers in Germany have been able to install the firmware update.

HomeKit has many benefits to a home, but can often handle mounting products on the wall, over the door, or even when replacing a doorbell. However, there are many HomeKit projects that will work well in an apartment or house that you rent. Read on to find the best HomeKit products for homes and rentals.

HomeKit Weekly is a series that focuses on smart home accessories, tips and tricks on automation, and everything related to Apple's smart home framework.


August Smart Lock

An important advantage of the August Smart Lock is that you do not have to replace the outer part of the bolt. In an apartment complex, you can replace the inside of your castle with an August castle while the outside looks normal so your property manager doesn't get upset. If you move, it will take ten minutes to uninstall and replace the old latch. The August Smart Lock is one of my favorite HomeKit enabled devices.

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock

If you've ever struggled to find your keys while carrying bags of groceries, you'll love the August Smart Lock's automatic unlocking feature. When you walk to the door it will automatically open for you to enter and re-lock a few minutes later. With its easy installation and dismantling, it's a perfect HomeKit product for homes. For more information on the benefits of August Smart Lock, check out my in-depth review.

eufy indoor camera

Eufy explains the HomeKit delay with the indoor camera

Outdoor cameras are not that convenient for apartments and rentals because you have to drill holes in the outside of the house. An excellent option for cameras would be to use one of eufy's indoor cameras aimed at your doors. Both it and the pan and tilt camera now support HomeKit Secure Video, so you can use your iCloud storage to store your recordings. Both cameras also support recording on an SD card. They plug into a standard AC power supply and can sit on a side table or bookcase, making them great HomeKit cameras for an apartment.

VOCOlinc outlet adapter

vocolinc homekit 2

If you already have appliances that you want to enable HomeKit support with, check out the VOCOlinc socket adapters. With this product you can make a coffee pot “intelligent”, a lamp that can be controlled with a Homekit, or really anything that you want to control from your phone.

Sonos surround sound

sonos beam 3

If you want to create a “media room” without installing speakers in the ceiling, a Sonos system is an easy way to improve your audio quality without drilling holes. Start with something like the Sonos Beam and pair it with two Sonos SL speakers. With AirPlay 2 support, you can integrate it right into your Apple ecosystem and listen to Apple Music or Apple Podcasts.

Residence security system

abode iota

I have been using Residence for my security system for six months. The installation would be ideal for a rental property or apartment. The iota base station doubles as a motion sensor and camera. The door sensors can be installed with glue so that they can be removed when moving. They can be fully controlled either via the stay app or the home app. I wrote an extensive review earlier this year. The base station can be operated via WLAN and has battery backup. Coupled with professional surveillance, it has LTE redundancy for monitoring when your internet goes down. It can be installed in minutes and uninstalled in minutes.

Pack the HomeKit for Apartments

As with any HomeKit home, you'll want to add an Apple TV or HomePod to remotely access your HomeKit setup. One of these devices acts as a HomeKit hub. Do you live in an apartment or a rental house and use HomeKit? What are some of your favorite ways to automate HomeKit?

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Apple has been extending the availability of AirPlay 2 and HomeKit to other companies for some time. And now Roku devices are officially on the list.

Well close. Official support for both Apple technologies will arrive on certain devices later this year. But at least the support is coming. Roku is one of the most popular companies available when it comes to streaming content, so getting AirPlay 2 and HomeKit even on a select number of those devices is good news.

According to Roku's announcement today, AirPlay 2 support, along with HomeKit, will be available through a free software update later this year.

At the end of this year, we expect Roku customers to enjoy the capabilities of Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit on certain Roku 4K devices. With AirPlay 2, Roku customers can stream, control and share their favorite content directly from their iPhone, iPad or Mac on their supported Roku device and bring the experience to the big screen. HomeKit allows customers to easily and securely control their Roku device using the Home and Siri app on their iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch or HomePod.

The next software update, Roku OS 9.4, will start at the end of this month for some devices. In the coming weeks, Roku says that the new software will start to be released for all supported streaming players. It looks like the Roku-ready smart TV models are ready to start receiving the latest update, with a phased launch in the next few months.

Once AirPlay 2 arrives on these Roku devices, customers will be able to stream content directly to the device from their iPhone, iPad or Mac. With HomeKit support, customers will be able to use Siri or the Home app to control things like the volume on the TV, to turn the device on or off, to change the source, and more.

Finally, Roku also confirmed that any eligible customer who purchases an accepted Roku device between October 23, 2020 and January 31, 2021, will have access to a promotional code for three months of Apple TV + service. However, you will need to be a new Apple TV + subscriber to be eligible for the transaction.

Let's not forget that Roku launched support for the official Apple TV application in October last year.

Are you the owner of a Roku device and are excited about this news?

Roku has announced that it will add support for Apple's HomeKit and AirPlay 2 platforms later this year. This is one of the biggest additions to HomeKit and AirPlay 2 functionality that we've seen in the set-top box market in particular.

Roku said the AirPlay 2 and HomeKit features will be available "later this year" for 4K Roku device selections. Details are currently unclear, but the features will be made available as part of the Roku OS 9.4 update. Roku devices that only support 1080p playback will not get AirPlay 2 or HomeKit support.

Features like AirPlay 2 and HomeKit have been rolled out on a variety of smart TVs from companies like LG, Samsung, and Vizio over the past two years. Roku's announcement is particularly noteworthy as the company offers a range of set-top boxes that do not require smart TV functionality.

The Roku platform also powers smart TVs from companies like TCL and Sharp. This means that Roku's introduction of HomeKit and AirPlay 2 support will bring the capabilities of a wide range of users, including those with only Roku streaming boxes as well as those who happen to own a Roku-powered smart TV.

With AirPlay 2 support, you can easily share or mirror content from your iPhone, iPad or Mac on your TV. With HomeKit support, your TV can be integrated with the Home app on your device, manage playback with Siri, add scenes and automations to your TV, and much more.

Later this year, we're expecting Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit functionality for select 4K Roku devices. AirPlay 2 lets you stream, control, and share your favorite content straight from your iPhone, iPad or Mac to your Roku device, and bring the experience to the big screen. With HomeKit, you can easily and securely control your Roku device with the Home app and Siri on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch or HomePod.

Roku OS 9.4 is rolling out to select Roku players starting this month, the company said. Roku TV models are expected to receive the update gradually over the coming months. Roku added support for Apple TV + and the Apple TV app last year.

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The HomeKit doorbell market has grown into a joke. Countless companies have announced Support for them in the future, but very few have delivered. Currently, Yobi and Robin ProLine are the only two options that are shipping. Countless others have announced upcoming products or firmware updates for existing products to improve HomeKit compatibility, but very few companies have. The Yobi doorbell is a great option, but it lacks a way to record it. Robin is a nice product, but it's expensive and requires power over ethernet to function. What if I told you Nest is the most economical HomeKit doorbell?

HomeKit Weekly is a series that focuses on smart home accessories, tips and tricks about automation, and everything related to Apple's smart home framework.


Before you rush to the comments to let me know that Nest doorbell doesn't support HomeKit, read on and let me explain. Nest products don't inherently support HomeKit, but Starling Home Hub makes them native HomeKit products. I reviewed the Starling Home Hub earlier this year and my opinion about it has continued to improve. There is now a new version 2 of the product that is even smaller and uses less electricity. Version 1 will, however, still receive software updates.

Starling Home Hub was recently updated to version 6.4 and is now ready for iOS 14 and tvOS 14. When you add the Starling Home Hub to your HomeKit setup, the Nest doorbell supports picture-in-picture on iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS. and HomePod doorbell announcements. Can you think of any other HomeKit product ready for Apple's fall software updates?

nest homekit 2

I'm not entirely sure what's going on with the HomeKit doorbell market, but it gets frustrating for people looking to use Apple's smart home platform for everything in their home. I speculated that this had something to do with the availability of power that most households have with their existing doorbell cabling, but I haven't confirmed this other than noting that the Robin ProLine needs power over ethernet to power their doorbell operate.

Adding the hub to your existing setup will take minutes once it's connected. All you have to do is go to http://setup.starlinghome.io on your local network and pair your Google account with the hub, then pair it with an iOS device with HomeKit. You can then configure your cameras, thermostats, etc. in HomeKit just like you would on a native HomeKit device. In case you're wondering, HomeKit Secure Video is not supported, but the developer hopes to add it in a future firmware update. Even if this feature is added, the camera footage is of course also stored on Google's servers.

If you have Nest products but want to use them with HomeKit automations and Siri, I highly recommend checking out Starling Home Hub.

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Belkin's Linksys brand has confirmed that it is now rolling out support for HomeKit integration for users of the Linksys Velop tri-band mesh router. This gives Velop users additional security controls for smart home accessories connected via HomeKit.

The benefits of HomeKit-enabled routers are mostly related to additional security features, including the ability to lock down accessories to prevent them from accessing your entire network. Apple describes it as the ability "to improve security by monitoring the network activity of your home accessories and preventing unsafe connections".

In the Home app on your iPhone, iPad or Mac, you can adjust the connection security for each HomeKit accessory. The safest option is to make sure your HomeKit accessories can just Interact with HomeKit through your Apple devices. Here's how Apple explains the options:

Amazon's Eero was the first network company to add support for HomeKit routers and bring the feature to the Eero and Eero Pro systems. Linksys was touted as a partner for HomeKit router functionality when Apple announced the platform and WWDC 2019. As a result, it has been a long time coming for Linksys Velop users to get started today.

The full Linksys press release can be found below. If you are using the Velop tri-band mesh routers, you can check for the HomeKit software update in the Linksys app for iOS. Linksys says this will be a "gradual rollout" and that it is slowly being rolled out to a "limited number of US users" to begin with.

Linksys Velop Tri-Band Mesh Routers now support Apple HomeKit for added security

A free software update provides more secure management of smart home accessories connected to Linksys Velop routers

LOS ANGELES - September 22, 2020 - Linksys, the Connected Home division within Belkin International and Foxconn Interconnect Technology (FIT) (HK: 6088), today announced HomeKit support for its Linksys Velop tri-band mesh routers and even offers customers more privacy and security for their smart home accessories.

With the Home app on iPhone, iPad and Mac, Linksys Velop Tri-Band Mesh Router customers can manage secure access to their HomeKit-enabled accessories and control how each accessory can communicate at home and over the Internet. With HomeKit support, Linksys Velop tri-band mesh routers can use HomeKit accessories as a firewall preventing them from communicating with other Wi-Fi devices connected to the home network and untrusted services over the Internet.

“At a time when much of the world continues to work, live and learn from home, we are pleased to offer our customers an easy way to improve the security of their Linksys Velop tri-band routers with HomeKit to "said Matthew Keasler, Linksys senior global product manager." "These routers are powered by our Intelligent Mesh technology, so we can offer users additional benefits over time such as software security, health and wellness services like Linksys Shield, Linksys Aware and more."

Linksys customers can take advantage of these additional security and privacy features available through HomeKit with a free software update for their Velop tri-band mesh routers, which will soon be available in the Velop app for iOS and iPadOS . This feature will initially be available to a limited number of Velop Tri-Band users in the US and later in a gradual roll-out in most countries worldwide. The security settings for all HomeKit accessories are available in the Apple Home app on iPhone and iPad.

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The wait for the long-promised Netatmo video doorbell with HomeKit support was tedious. We first picked up the device back in January 2019, and it's been quiet since then, but the company says it'll finally hit the market next week.

We received the first hint in July that we were approaching the start thanks to a 9to5Mac Reader…

He discovered a new installation guide with the accompanying YouTube video. A Reddit user has now posted a graphic from an email they received from Netatmo stating that the video doorbell will be available within a few days. A second user on the thread confirmed that they received the same thing.

"Netamo Video Doorbell will be released next week."

"Exactly, I received the same mail."

The price is reportedly at a pretty steep $ 349.

We have already explained why people have been waiting so impatiently for the product.

It's 2020 and we've really only seen a true HomeKit consumer doorbell with the Yobi B3. There's Robin who launched the first HomeKit doorbell, but that's more of a commercial doorbell, priced over $ 500.

The Netatmo Smart Video Doorbell is exciting because it has a clean, modern design, HomeKit support, no subscription fees, wired setups (no batteries to charge), and comes from a company that has a solid reputation for smart home devices. It will be a great addition to Netatmo's HomeKit-enabled Smart Outdoor Security Camera and Smart Indoor Security Camera.

Other great features include 1080p resolution, a 160 degree field of view, bidirectional speaking, a microSD card slot to record your own footage, and the ability to save footage to Dropbox or an FTP server.

The doorbell had no Siri assistance at the time we tried, but the company explained how that would work.

With Netatmo's HomeKit integration, Siri also lets you control the doorbell. A special, limited demo version of the Netatmo software was run on the device we tried. However, the company does promise that you can say something like "Hey Siri, check my doorbell" to instantly stream video from the device's camera.

Netatmo was originally scheduled to launch in the second half of 2019 and is now a year behind schedule. We'll give you a review when it's available so we can find out if it was worth the wait.

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Apple TV features tvOS 14 - hero image

Apple yesterday released the tvOS 14 software update that brings new capabilities and feature enhancements to the company’s Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K digital media players. Some of the big ones you’ve already heard about, such as an expanded Picture in Picture feature and multiuser support for Apple Arcade. With the media’s attention focused on the headline-grabbing improvements in iOS 14, we thought you might also want to learn about everything new in tvOS 14 so here it goes…

What’s new in tvOS 14?

Without further ado, here are all the new Apple TV features in the tvOS 14 software.

Audio sharing

A year ago, iOS 13 brought audio sharing to the iPhone and iPad. And now, tvOS 14 enables audio sharing on your Apple TV. This feature makes it easy to connect two sets of AirPods or other compatible headphones to your Apple TV so you can enjoy movies with a friend or your significant other without disturbing others around you.

Apple TV features tvOS 14 - audio sharing

Simply connect two sets of AirPods in the Settings app on your Apple TV HD or Apple TV 4K and you’re ready to share your viewing experience. Each set of wireless earbuds gets separate volume controls in the tvOS Control Center.

Aside from the AirPods and AirPods Pro, the feature works on these Beats products:

Audio sharing also works on the iPhone and iPad models compatible with iOS 13.0+.

Expanded Picture in Picture

tvOS 13 brought Picture in Picture to the Apple TV for the first time, but the handy feature was confined to the TV app. You could watch a show from the TV app in a small overlay window while using another app, but that was it. Thankfully, tvOS 14 has brought support for Picture in Picture to any third-party Apple TV app that chooses to implement this feature. This lets you enjoy two videos at once, browse for something new while a video plays in the corner of your screen.

Apple TV features tvOS 14 - enhanced Picture in Picture

If a video app supports Picture in Picture, you should see a Picture in Picture button appears above the progress indicator when you tap the Siri Remote. Swipe up from the bottom to highlight the button, then click the remote to enter Picture in Picture.

Now you can watch a movie while you keep an eye on the latest sports or check the weather while binging a TV series. How about playing a game while watching content by your favorite gamer? As long as your favorite Apple TV app supports tvOS 14’s expanded Picture in Picture feature, you’ll be able to use it on your big-screen TV. You can even use AirPlay to send a video from another device like your iPhone to a Picture in Picture window on your Apple TV.

Better smart home support

Great news for fans of home automation — tvOS 14 supports HomeKit cameras. This makes it possible to get a live video feed from your home security camera. Just ask Siri to view any camera at any time.

Apple TV features tvOS 14 - New HomeKit controls for doorbells and security cameras

You can also see all your HomeKit cameras in the Control Center and trigger custom scenes. Some cameras may even display a notification on your Apple TV if someone rings your smart doorbell or an unknown face shows up at your doorstep.

Multiuser for Apple Arcade gaming

Last year’s tvOS 13 release brought initial multiuser support to the Apple TV, letting you add users and switch between them. Each user got their own personalized recommendations and the Up Next list in the Music and TV apps and more. tvOS 14 expands multiuser support to make it easier for multiple people to play games with your Apple Arcade subscription.

Apple TV features tvOS 14 - enchanted multiuser support for Apple Arcade gaming

Now switching accounts on the fly creates an even more custom experience for gaming, with each user seeing just their individual game progress, achievements, leaderboards, friends list and invitations. And with the Continue Playing option in Apple Arcade on the App Store, users can pick up right where they left off without affecting other profiles.

Expanded game controller support

tvOS 13 brought native support for the PlayStation and Xbox controllers, but it felt half-baked because it lacked support for haptic feedback, button remapping and more. With tvOS 14, you can connect more of your favorite controllers to your Apple TV and remap their buttons.

Apple TV features tvOS 14 - support for additional PlayStation and Xbox controllers

Specifically, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 and Xbox Adaptive Controllers are now supported, too, not only in tvOS but also across iOS 14, iPadOS 14 and macOS Big Sur.

Summit up, tvOS 14 supports all these game controllers:

To create custom button mapping, just select your controller in the Bluetooth section of the Settings app. From there, you can customize a specific Apple TV app for your game controller or assign specific controls to buttons systemwide. Button customizations vary across controllers.

More screen saver options

Aside from birds-eye views of major locales, the Aerial screen saver includes gorgeous underwater scenes and NASA’s live footage of our planet from the International Space Station. Before tvOS 14, however, you couldn’t choose which Aerial categories to include in rotation.

tvOS 14 lets you choose only the locations you want to see, like Underwater or Cityscape. Use the Settings app to choose which types of Aerials will cycle onscreen.

Apple TV features tvOS 14 - Aerial screen saver themes

The following Aerial categories are at your disposal:

With the screen saver active, you can tap the remote’s Touch surface to see where the scene was shot or swipe left and right to cycle through the locales.

AirPlay in 4K

AirPlay, Apple’s media streaming technology that works between nearby devices, has been enhanced in tvOS 14 to support 4K media. Previously, you couldn’t beam a 4K video you took on your iPhone to your big screen TV in 4K resolution, not even if your Apple TV support 4K video output. With tvOS 14, AirPlay now supports 4K.

Apple TV features tvOS 14 - AirPlay in 4K

Now you can finally stream 4K videos and share 4K images from the Photos app on your iPhone or iPad to your Apple TV 4K in their full resolution. Needless to say, AirPlay in 4K is unsupported on the Apple TV HD media streamer that lacks 4K video output. You can also send something over AirPlay from another device to a Picture in Picture window on your Apple TV.

YouTube in 4K

Your favorite creators now look their best with the ability to watch YouTube videos in their full 4K glory on your Apple TV. tvOS 14 brings support for Google’s VP9 codec, which is the foundation of YouTube’s 4K library. No more 1080p YouTube videos on your Apple TV 4K!

The same codec is now supported on iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 and in Safari on macOS Big Sur. In other words, you can now enjoy not just YouTube in 4K but also other 4K content, like Netflix, across your Apple devices. And if you have a newer Mac, you can enjoy 4K in HDR Dolby Vision.

Audio controls in Control Center

Your audio sliders and other related controls have been moved around in tvOS 14.

Before iOS 14, you had to press the Home button on the remote to get to the tvOS Home screen, then you would press and hold the Play/Pause button to bring up the audio interface. In tvOS 14, you can get to these controls through the Control Center, which can be swooshed into view by holding the Menu button (you don’t need to exit to the Home screen).

Apple TV features tvOS 14 - audio controls in Control Center

Once in the Control Center, just highlight the AirPlay icon at the bottom and you’ll see your audio controls. Like before, you can play audio anywhere in your home from your Apple TV as long as your target device shows up in the tvOS audio menu.

tvOS 14 system requirements

Our device compatibility list lists tvOS 14 as supported across the Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K models. For more information on tvOS 14, visit Apple’s website.

Your favorites?

At first blush, tvOS 14 looks like a maintenance release with just one or two major new features. But scratch under the surface and there’s plenty more to discover and enjoy. tvOS 14 certainly isn’t as feature-packed as iOS 14, a monster release even by Apple’s standard, but it’s nice seeing that Apple continues to invest in the Apple TV and tvOS platform.

So, what’s your favorite new Apple TV feature in the tvOS 14 update?

Let us know by leaving a comment down below!

I consider myself a technology enthusiast, but I'm not someone who wants to keep a complicated setup. I previously wrote about the Starling Home Hub and how it made the Nest Homebridge project a turnkey solution. This product is my ideal way of furnishing. It's a turnkey solution that does something very technical. Homebridge is a growing platform, however. There are innumerable In other projects, all of your smart home products will be compatible with HomeKit. Let's say you want to take advantage of the growing Homebridge ecosystem (2,000 plugins) with ease. If so, you'll be pleased to hear that HOOBS is available as a homebridge in a box setup.

HomeKit Weekly is a series that focuses on smart home accessories, tips and tricks about automation, and everything related to Apple's smart home framework.


HOOBS come in three different ways. The first is with an actual box that you plug into your network. The second is preinstalled on a micro SD card. The third is to download the HOOBS image with a $ 7 donation. When you buy the SD card or download the image, you will also need to buy and set up a Rasberry Pie, case, power adapter, etc. to set it up. I didn't want to worry about the hardware aspect, so I bought the standalone HOOBS box.

Installation is easy after you've unzipped the device. Once you've plugged it into your network and powered it, visit http: //hoobs.local to begin the setup process. The main advantage of HOOBS is that you can take full advantage of Homebridge without having to set it up yourself. The wizard walks you through configuring a username and password, adding the device to HomeKit, and adding devices. After you've set it up, you can also run it over WiFi. Since the box is so small, you can easily store it next to your router. This entire process took about ten minutes from start to finish. If you want to search the entire catalog, you can check the directory that HOOBS created.

What can it control?

hoobs 2

Countless Homebridge projects are currently underway. They are all processed independently, and now you have the benefits of each. Do you want to use UniFi cameras but want to take advantage of HomeKit automations? You can do that with HOOBS. Would you like to activate your Neato vacuum cleaner with HomeKit? You can do that with the HOOBS. Would you like to use ring doorbells with HomeKit? You can do that. You don't have to look for plugins either. HOOBS includes a built-in installation wizard that you can use to find, add, and configure all supported features.

Who should buy HOOBS?

If you're the type who wants to build and maintain your hardware, you can set up a Homebridge server for free. I know many of you reading this article probably already have a Homebridge setup on an iMac or Mac Mini, and that's great. Since Homebridge is free, it can be set up on your hardware.

If you're the type who wants to buy a hardware appliance and wait with new updates and turnkey additions, check out HOOBS. I've been running it for the past three weeks and, similar to the Starling Home Hub, it's working fine. I had my Neato D7 installed in less than five minutes. Now I can start it with HomeKit, which opens the world of HomeKit automation to a product that will likely never get full HomeKit support out of the box. Of course, some of the UI in HomeKit for non-HomeKit devices might be a little dated (The Neato is shown as a fan), but otherwise it's a pretty magical experience.

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After my experience installing the OneLink Safe and Sound device, I decided to expand my OneLink configuration by replacing another smoke detector with the OneLink Smoke Detector and the carbon monoxide detector.

Weekly HomeKit is a series focused on smart home accessories, automation tips and tricks and everything to do with the Apple smart home frame.


The critical difference between the Smoke Detector and Safe and Sound is the lack of a built-in speaker for AirPlay 2 functionality. Besides, it's exactly the same product. The critical decision is when to use one product over another. If cost isn't a concern, it's nice to have an AirPlay 2 speaker connected to every ceiling in your home, but depending on what products are on sale when you go to buy it, the model with AirPlay 2 might be double cost.

Why a smoke detector connected

There are several types of smoke detectors that you could install in 2020. The first is a traditional wired smoke detector, the second is a battery-powered option, the third is one connected to your security system (even and listening to the sound from your other models), and the fourth is one that is related to your smart home setup.

My house was preamplified by the electrician when I built the house seven years ago, they are all standard electric except for the unique Safe and Sound model we replaced in our bedroom a few years ago, so I plan to replace them all in the next few years slowly. I have a few adode smoke monitors that I use to connect them to my security system, which I know will be monitored by the home monitoring station. I'm going to replace it all however, among the wired ones compatible with HomeKit. In general, I like to replace them all every ten years, so I'm perfect to be able to replace them slowly.

The OneLink installation process

IMG 0488IMG 0489
Existing smoke detector

Because everything is pre-wired with modern cables, installation is extremely simple. The first step is to remove the existing smoke detector from the ceiling and disconnect it from the electrical cables. Then I used a Philips head screwdriver to remove the current bracket. Then I screwed up the mounting bracket for OneLink. All that was left of the hardware was to plug it in and then lock it in the console. This process took about 15 minutes from disconnection until it was mounted on the ceiling. If you have older cables that require adapters, this process will take longer, but all those adapters are included in the box.

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OneLink smoke detector

Once the smoke detector has been turned on, you'll use the OneLink iPhone app to begin the pairing process. As the app is on board the smoke detector, add it to the Home app. This process took only about five minutes.

OneLink HomeKit

onelink app

Now that the smoke detector is online, that room now has a CO alarm on top of a smoke detector. If the device detects either smoke or CO, I will receive an alert via the Home app and the OneLink app without the need for a monthly fee. If I didn't have a home security system monitored, I would rely on this alert to let me know if I should call the fire department or leave the house due to a CO leak.

Because the smoke detector is in the HomeKit, you can create automations to turn on all your lights and turn on your HomePod if any of the sensors go out at night, so you'll be more likely to wake up and wake up. you hear it.

Wrap up

The first question is the value of this product compared to an offline one and I think it's worth the price. Since I want everything in my house to be on HomeKit, it makes sense to invest in HomeKit compatible fumes. The possibility of remote home check-in is worth the premium price. The second question is whether you buy Safe and Sound on this model. Although I would love to have a Safe and Sound in every room, I don't think it guarantees the cost. I think a mix of the two products will work well for most homes.

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