HomeKit Insider

AppleInsider

Learn about the latest HomeKit devices, news, reviews, and more on HomeKit Insider.

  • 1 hour 4 minutes
    Apple's New AI Home Strategy, Denon Home Siri Speakers, & Hands on with Sonos Play!

    Join Andrew and guest host Dan Turk as they break down the latest in Apple’s ecosystem, smart home innovations, and industry trends. From upcoming WWDC announcements to new hardware, this episode offers insights packed with excitement for Apple fans and smart home enthusiasts alike.

    Main Topics Covered:

    • Apple's WWDC 2024 event expectations & rumored hardware updates
    • Advancements in Matter support and smart home device integration
    • The evolution of Siri as a more powerful, agentic AI
    • New product reviews including Denon speakers and Sonos portable
    • Recent updates on Apple TV, HomePod delays, and third-party integrations

    Key Insights:

    • Apple’s WWDC is scheduled for June 8-12, with potential announcements on smart home APIs, new iOS features, and hardware delays
    • The upcoming updates aim to unify the smart home OS and enhance developer APIs for more seamless device integration
    • Gurman reports that HomePod, Apple TV, and related hardware are delayed to sync with new AI-powered Siri features
    • Matter support is expanding, with new certified outdoor cameras and broader ecosystem compatibility, including Samsung SmartThings
    • Apple is adopting a more agnostic stance on LLMs, supporting various AI models beyond ChatGPT in the upcoming software
    • Exciting hardware: newer Denon speakers support spatial audio, AirPlay, and Apple Assistant; new Sonos portable has impressive size and sound quality
    • Apple’s AI strategy is linked to broader privacy goals, maintaining a focus on local processing and secure integrations
    • The potential for new sensors and AI-driven smart home automation is on the horizon, with Apple emphasizing privacy and contextual awareness

    Send me your smart home questions and recommendations with the hashtag #SmartHomeInsider. Tweet and follow your host at:

    Sponsored by:

    Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel

    Links from the show

    30 March 2026, 1:12 pm
  • 1 hour 3 minutes
    First Matter Camera, tvOS 26.4, & Pawport Smart Pet Door with CEO Martin Diamond

    Join Andrew and Martin Diamond, CEO of PawPort, as they explore the latest in smart home technology, pet security innovations, and the future of integrated home devices. Discover how pet doors are evolving into secure, smart, and stylish fixtures within modern homes.

    In this episode:

    • Apple’s recent software updates and new features for Apple TV, including discovery enhancements and interface improvements.
    • The future of smart home hubs and the impact of executive changes at Apple’s smart home division.
    • Detailed walkthrough of PawPort’s smart pet door, including security features, installation options, and upcoming integrations.
    • Insights into the evolving smart pet tech landscape, including potential for full home ecosystem integration and Matter support.
    • The trend toward built-in appliances and modular home automation, including custom installations and future home design trends.
    • Challenges and opportunities with Matter, device interoperability, and cross-platform management in smart homes.
    • Practical tips for pet owners using tech to enhance animal safety and convenience, including cat-proofing pet doors and automating routines.

    Send me your smart home questions and recommendations with the hashtag #SmartHomeInsider. Tweet and follow your host at:

    Sponsored by:

    Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel

    Links from the show

    23 March 2026, 7:00 am
  • 1 hour 11 minutes
    Sonos Launches Play & Era 100 SL Smart Speakers with Guest Jennifer Pattison Tuohy

    Discover the latest developments in smart home technology, from Matter-certified devices popping up in big box stores to the challenges and opportunities with AI assistants. Join guest Jennifer Pattison Tuohy from The Verge and your regular host Andrew O'Hara as they share insights into the industry’s future, recent product launches, and their personal experiences navigating smart home ecosystems.

    Key topics:

    • The evolution and significance of Matter-certified smart home products seen at Lowe's and CES
    • How Apple’s transition away from the HomeKit branding impacts smart home standards and consumer perception
    • Performance and limitations of Amazon Alexa+ and Google Assistant, and their comparison to Siri
    • The decline of new ecosystems and the long game of device adoption, especially for cameras and sensors
    • Challenges with smart thermostats in seasonal climate swings and how to manage off-season devices
    • Sonos's new portable speakers, including the Play and Aero 100 SL, and their potential use cases
    • The impact of delayed Apple smart home devices like the next-gen HomePod and Apple TV
    • How natural language control and profiles could streamline smart home automation and troubleshooting
    • Personal stories: managing offline devices, system reinitialization, and unresponsive smart items
    • Insights into marketing strategies for Matter products and how branding affects consumer choices
    • The evolution of AI assistants and their place within smart homes—limitations, potential, and future improvements

    Send me your smart home questions and recommendations with the hashtag #SmartHomeInsider. Tweet and follow your host at:

    Sponsored by:

    Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel

    Links from the show

    Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: [email protected]

    16 March 2026, 7:00 am
  • 1 hour 29 seconds
    Whisker CEO Jacob Zuppke: Integrating Pet Products into the Smart Home

    Explore the future of pet care with Jacob Zuppke, CEO of Whisker, as he talks about how smart pet products like the Litter-Robot 5 Pro are poised to integrate into our connected homes. Discover how these innovations transform routine tasks into intuitive experiences with advanced sensors and health-tracking features, offering life-changing insights for pet owners. Despite the potential, pet products remain isolated from mainstream smart home conversations. This episode delves into the challenges and opportunities of integrating smart feeders, water bowls, and more into a cohesive smart home ecosystem, providing actionable insights for tech-savvy pet owners eager to elevate their connected living experience.


    Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow your host at:

    Sponsored by:

    Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel

    Links from the show

    Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: [email protected]

    9 March 2026, 7:00 am
  • 57 minutes 2 seconds
    CSA's Nelson Henry Talks Aliro Launch: The Future of Digital Keys

    In this episode of "Smart Home Insider," host Andrew is joined by guest Nelson Henry to dive into the latest developments in smart home technology. They discuss the transition from HomeKit Insider to Smart Home Insider, highlighting the new show logo by Basic Apple Guy. The conversation covers IKEA's push into smart home devices with Matter and Thread, the innovative smart nightlight by Third Reality, and the security concerns surrounding DJI's Romo vacuums. They also explore the new Aliro standard for digital keys, its implications for smart locks, and the potential for increased interoperability across devices and ecosystems. Tune in for insights on the future of smart home tech and how it impacts everyday life.


    Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow your host at:

    Sponsored by:

    HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel

    Links from the show

    Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: [email protected]

    2 March 2026, 8:00 am
  • 1 hour 7 minutes
    HomeKit Insider's Next Chapter, Apple Experience, & More with Guest Brian Tong

    Join us as we sit down with tech veteran Brian Tong to discuss the exciting rebrand of HomeKit Insider to Smart Home Insider, Apple's evolving smart home strategy, and the future of AI in consumer devices. Whether you're a smart home enthusiast, Apple aficionado, or industry watcher, this episode offers deep insights into what’s coming next.

    Key Topics:

    • The story behind rebranding from HomeKit Insider to Smart Home Insider
    • Apple's strategic moves in the smart home space, including upcoming devices and sensors
    • The future of AI in consumer tech: Apple's developments, partnerships, and product ambitions
    • The state of CarPlay, Apple's automotive ambitions, and the evolving auto industry landscape
    • Privacy and security’s role in Apple's innovation and competitive advantage

    Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow your host at:

    Sponsored by:

    HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel

    Links from the show

    Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: [email protected]

    23 February 2026, 8:00 am
  • 36 minutes 57 seconds
    SwitchBot AI Hub, First Matter Gate Latch, & Invincible Wi-Fi

    In this episode of HomeKit Insider, Andrew O'Hara dives into the latest developments in smart home technology amidst a backdrop of frigid weather conditions. He shares personal experiences with smart home devices like Aqara doorbells and Rio Arc space heaters, highlighting their performance in extreme cold. Andrew also discusses the innovative Switchbot AI Hub, which offers local AI processing for video analysis and automation, enhancing privacy and functionality without cloud reliance. The episode covers the controversial Ring Super Bowl ad and its privacy implications, alongside a sponsorship segment on Incogni's privacy protection services. Andrew reviews new products like the Switchbot AI Hub and Eero Signal, and shares listener-submitted automation tips. The episode wraps up with a review of the SpotMinders tracking card, emphasizing its discreet design and functionality.

    This summary captures the essence of the episode, focusing on the blend of personal anecdotes, product reviews, and privacy discussions that engage listeners interested in smart home advancements.

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    Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow your host at:

    Sponsored by:

    HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel

    Links from the show

    Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: [email protected]

    16 February 2026, 8:00 am
  • 1 hour 41 seconds
    Smart Locks, Aliro, & Shared Family Living with Yale's Garrett Lovejoy

    Join us in this episode as Garrett Lovejoy, SVP at Fortune Brands and General Manager of Connected Security, shares insights into the evolving landscape of smart locks, industry standards like Matter, Thread, and UWB, and the future of intelligent home automation. Discover what’s next for connected security, design trends, and how AI is democratizing automation creation.

    In this episode:

    • The impact of CES 2026 on smart home industry innovations
    • How Matter, Thread, and UWB are transforming device connectivity
    • The role of AI in simplifying automation setup and personalization
    • Differences and future plans for Yale, August, and other brands in the market
    • Advances in retrofit solutions for smart blinds, shades, and other accessories
    • Challenges with multi-home device management in apartments and condos
    • Emerging smart lock technologies including UWB and Aliro
    • The User Experience evolution with automatic unlocking and tap-based access
    • The significance of design innovation and brand differentiation
    • Industry resilience and firmware update strategies for complex home systems


    Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow your host at:

    Sponsored by:

    HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel

    Links from the show

    Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: [email protected]

    9 February 2026, 8:00 am
  • 58 minutes 22 seconds
    Integrating Apple Home & Siri Shortcuts with Guest Matthew Cassinelli

    In this episode of HomeKit Insider, Andrew teams up with shortcut expert Matthew Cassinelli to delve into the world of smart home automation. They explore the evolution of shortcuts from Workflow to Apple Shortcuts, offering insights into personal and home automations within Apple HomeKit. Listeners will learn how to enhance their home setups with advanced logic, integrate APIs for custom solutions, and troubleshoot common issues. The episode also highlights future smart home interfaces, real-world automation examples, and the potential of AI in home automation. Perfect for tech enthusiasts eager to elevate their smart home experience.

    Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow our hosts at:

    Sponsored by:

    HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel

    Links from the show

    Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: [email protected]

    2 February 2026, 8:00 am
  • 1 hour 8 minutes
    Apple Home Hub Swivel Base, Netamto Thermostat, & Sony Cedes the TV Space

    In this episode of HomeKit Insider, Andrew O'Hara is joined by Eric from Modern Day Tech to discuss the latest in smart home technology. They explore the challenges of setting up smart home devices, the evolution of Eric's YouTube channel, and the future of smart home hubs, including Apple's potential new releases. The conversation also touches on the reliability of different smart home brands and the importance of local control in smart home systems.

    Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow our hosts at:

    Sponsored by:


    HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel

    Links from the show

    Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: [email protected]

    26 January 2026, 8:00 am
  • 56 minutes 40 seconds
    Mega Review Episode: Aqara U400, IKEA Matter Lineup, & Govee Nugget Ice Maker Pro

    In this episode of HomeKit Insider, host Andrew O'Hara dives into the latest smart home innovations, including an in-depth review of the U400 Smart Lock, the Govee Nugget Ice Maker Pro, and IKEA's new Matter-over-Thread lineup. Andrew shares his personal experiences from CES, discusses the exciting new features of Apple's Creator Studio, and explores the potential of AI in smart home technology. Tune in for expert insights, product reviews, and a glimpse into the future of smart living. Don't miss out on the latest trends and tips for enhancing your home with cutting-edge technology!

    Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow our hosts at:

    Sponsored by:

    HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel

    Links from the show

    Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: [email protected]

    19 January 2026, 8:00 am
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