Signify Releases New Philips Hue Contact Sensor Firmware Adding Support for Apple HomeKit

According to Hueblog.com, Signify has released new firmware for the Philips Hue Contact Sensor that adds support for Apple HomeKit. Previously, the indoor sensors could only be controlled via the Security Center of the Philips Hue app. Now, after updating to the new firmware (1961076030), they will appear in the Home app, where users can use the 'open' and 'closed' status of the sensors to create automations and control other HomeKit devices that aren't connected to the Philips Hue bridge.

Released in September, the Philips Hue Secure Contact Sensor can be applied to doors, windows, cabinets and more, sending notifications when the contact sensor is opened or closed. Users can remotely activate an alarm that flashes the lights, sounds a siren and contacts local authorities, and there are options to adjust camera settings. As with Philips Hue Secure cameras, the sensors can be linked to lights to activate them when the sensor is triggered, so they can be used, for example, to turn on the lights in the bathroom when the door is opened. Philips Hue Secure Contact Sensors cost $40 for one or $70 for a set of two, and various mounting brackets and other additional hardware can be purchased for $15 to $50.

More information can be found on the Hue website.

Everything New in iOS 17.2 Beta 4

Apple is finalizing development of iOS 17.2, with the update expected to be released in December. We've rounded up everything new in the fourth beta of iOS 17.2. There's a new "Default Alerts" section that lets you...

via MacRumors

Police Departments and News Sites Misinformation

Apple with iOS 17.1 and watchOS 10.1 has introduced a new NameDrop feature designed to allowing users to place Apple devices together to quickly exchange contact information. Sharing contact information is done with the user's explicit consent, but some news organizations and law enforcement are spreading misinformation about how NameDrop functions.

The Washington

What to Expect from the All-New CarPlay

At WWDC in June 2022, Apple previewed the next generation of CarPlay, promising deeper integration with vehicle features like air conditioning and FM radio, multi-display support on the dashboard, and improved personalization. Apple's website still states that the first cars with support for the next-generation CarPlay experience will be announced "late 2023", but this has not been shared...

iOS 17.1.2 Likely to Arrive This Week

Apple will likely release iOS 17.1.2 this week, based on mounting evidence of the software in the website's analytics logs over the past few days. As a minor update, iOS 17.1.2 should focus on fixing bugs, but it's unclear exactly what issues can be addressed. Some users continue to experience Wi-Fi issues on iOS 17.1.1, so perhaps iOS 17.1.2 will include the same fix for Wi-Fi...

Apple to Stop Development of Custom 5G Modems, Claims Reports

Apple is reportedly going to stop in-house modem development after several failed attempts to perfect its own custom 5G modem chip, according to unconfirmed reports from Asia.

via MacRumors