The myHomeKithome Podcast

Nowadays, AI is everywhere, but what can it do in our Apple Home?  In this episode, we discuss this trending topic plus look at some news points from the last weeks, and I talk about some major changes coming to myHomeKithome!Get 3 months of ExpressVPN for free!  Find out why ExpressVPN is the #1 most recommended VPN.  https://expressvpn.com/myhomekithome

As CES 2024 wraps up, we look at some of the Apple Home and Matter highlights from the show and look forward to a smarter 2024.

It's time to play Apple Home news catch-up once again and, once again, the headlines are dominated by Matter and Thread releases.  While I love the Latter, the former is not so exciting for me and after looking at product releases from SwitchBot, Tuo, Philips Hue, Aqara, SemiSmart, and Onvis, I'll tell you why I am not Matter's biggest fan…yet.Learn how to get 3 months of ExpressVPN's award-winning VPN service at https://expressvpn.com/myhomekithome

Black Friday and Cyber Monday smart home deals are everywhere, but how do you know which ones are the best?  We're here for you!  In this episode, we preview just a few of the literally hundreds of Apple Home and smart home offers to be had during this annual shopping extravaganza!

Matter 1.2 Brings BIG Things to HomeKit Plus More Apple Home News!I've largely been sleeping on Matter because Matter was kind of sleeping on Apple Home, at least until now.  The 1.2 update update brings some well overdue and long-awaited device categories to HomeKit and we discuss them, as well as some other goings-on in the world of the Apple smart home.

I've come to realize that my journey in the smart home has a lot to do with my experience as a blind individual and the ability of the connected home to make my abode more accessible, this is really at the core of myHomeKithome.  In this episode, I talk with renowned blindness advocate, assistive technology consultant, and global podcasting personality Jonathan Mosen to discuss what accessibility is, why it's important, and its implications for the smart home. Save 20% off the Grid backpack from Ekster by using promo code MYHOMEKITHOME20 at checkout or by going to https://shop.ekster.com/myhomekithome20Check out Jonathan's Living Blindfully podcast: https://livingblindfully.comLearn more about Jonathan Mosen: https://mosen.org

Late summer early fall is tech time and we're used to seeing a bevy of Apple Home product launches and we're getting that in spades, but we've also got some software and firmware developments to discuss.Save 20% off the Grid backpack from Ekster by using promo code MYHOMEKITHOME20 at checkout or by going to https://shop.ekster.com/myhomekithome20

iOS 17 was recently unleashed unto the public and there's no shortage of useful and just plain cool features to toy with, including some decent ones for Apple Home fans.  In this episode, we'll break them all down with some insight from a blindness lens. Save 20% off the Grid backpack from Ekster by using promo code MYHOMEKITHOME20 at checkout or by going to https://shop.ekster.com/myhomekithome20

Apple's iPhone events don't usually have anything to do with the smart home, but this year there were a couple of announcements that I think will be pretty big  for Apple Home users and so does Eric Welander and this is our uncut conversation all about Apple Home at the September 2023 iPhone event.Eric Welander's Thoughts on Thread on iPhone 15: https://youtu.be/cuCP46kKGyo?si=g7IL3y1XjGuJvpcUFollow Eric everywhere!https://youtube.com/ericwelanderhttps://x.com/ericwelanderhttps://instagram.com/ericwelanderhttps://ericw.org

Apple's iPhone 15 has a lot going for it, including a freakin' Thread radio!  That's right, but we still have no idea how they plan to implement it.  In this episode, special guest Eric Welander and I speculate Thread's potential on iPhone, I look at the Apple Event from a smart home and accessibility perspective, and also break down of Apple Home and other smart home news.Save 20% off Ekster's brand new Grid backpack with promo code MYHOMEKITHOME20 at checkout or by going to https://shop.ekster.com/myhomekithome20Eric Welander's Thoughts on Thread on iPhone 15: https://youtu.be/cuCP46kKGyo?si=g7IL3y1XjGuJvpcUFollow Eric everywhere!https://youtube.com/ericwelanderhttps://x.com/ericwelanderhttps://instagram.com/ericwelanderhttps://ericw.org

IFA 2023 wrapped up earlier this week and in this episode, we break down the biggest announcements for Apple Home, Matter, and the smart home.

We are at the beginning of the tech busy season and I for one am pretty excited.  Smart home manufacturers have been busy pushing out Matter updates and entirely new devices and something feels fresh about it all.  In this episode, we talk about a couple of Matter updates and a new product from SwitchBot, look forward to some Apple Home-related releases at IFA, and Aqara is up to their usual product drop shenanigans with their first international lighting product.  We round out today's episode with my uncommon, but miserably irritating experience with some Matter devices. Did you know there are lots of different ways to support what we do here at myHOmeKithome?  https://myhomekithome.com/thankyou

A MASSIVE Apple Home News Episode Thanks to Matter & Thread!While I have spent the past couple of weeks on “vacation”, it was a working holiday, but somehow a metric ton of HomeKit news piled up and we had better dump it before it really gets out of control! 

Amazon Prime Day is upon us yet again and there are some killer Apple Home Prime Day deals to be had from the likes of Eve, SwitchBot, Lutron, August, Onvis, and so many more.  This episode of the podcast teases just a few of the savings in store for Prime Day 2023.⭐️Check out ALL of the best Apple Home Prime Day deals: https://myhomekithome.com/primedayhomekitdeals 

Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference is usually a very exciting time for Apple Home enthusiasts since the event focuses on software, but this year was overshadowed by some major hardware announcements and it seems like Apple almost forgot they have a smart home platform…almost.  We'll also discuss some notable HomeKit product releases, I give a brief update on my trials and tribulations with the Aqara G4, and we'll wrap up the episode for a look at what's in store for myHomeKithome content in the near future.Last chance to enter to win an Aqara G3 Camera Hub: https://youtu.be/kSbGKEDcfuQ 

I finally got my Aqara video doorbell installed and I have thoughts.  Matter got its first update and shocker, it's kind of boring.  In this episode we also touch on some other stories from the HomeKit news cycle and top the show off with another reason to hate Wemo.

The HomeKit news cycle tends to ebb and flow throughout the year, but with Matter's release and a large portion of the smart home industry testing the waters, it does seem we have slightly more things to talk about… especially if your podcast host has been sleeping a bit.Save up to 35% off your order of Ekster's smart wallets and accessories during their Father's Day event: https://shop.ekster.com/myhomekithome

Though we're pretty late in the iOS update cycle, it would seem that iOS 16 still has some HomeKit tricks up its sleeves.  Alongside the re-release of the new HomeKit architecture, we also got some HomePod updates and they might just be hinting at some upcoming Apple Home additions in iOS 17.  We also explore some third-party HomeKit app updates and round out the episode with a look at an iOS security exploit that involved HomeKit.Get up to 35% off your order of Ekster's smart wallets and accessories during their Father's Day event through June 20! https://shop.ekster.com/myhomekithome

The Yale Smart Safe is HomeKit's first connected strong box and it does have a lot going for it, but does your Apple Home really need a connected safe?

After a short Apple Home news dry spell, we've been kind of inundated with news this last week or so.  New products, preorders, and LOTS of Matter product news.  In this episode, we'll talk about new gear from Aqara, Hubitat, SwitchBot, Nanoleaf, Zemismart, Meross, and we'll wrap things up with a “You Know What Grinds My Gears” segment. SPONSOR:  Save 20% off your order of Popl's smart business card solutions by going to https://myhomekithome.com/Popl

In this premiere episode of The myHomeKithome Podcast, we briefly dive into the format for the new show and then we go right into some exciting news from Eve and Aqara followed by a review of Aqara's Motion Sensor P1, and  then a rousing discussion on the day-to-day use and applications of Zigbee vs. Thread networks in a HomeKit home.HomeKit News ArticlesThe Eve Motion is The First Thread Motion Sensor Aqara Curtain Motor E1 is Now Available with HomeKit Support Aqara Rleases Updated M1S with Custom Ringtones, WPA3 Support HomeKit Product Review LinksReview: The Aqara P1 Motion Sensor is (almost) PerfectThis THREAD Button Isn't EXACTLY What I Wanted HomeKit Versus: Zigbee vs. ThreadA HomeKit Button to Rule Them All | Aqara Wireless Mini SwitchHomeKit Products Mentioned in Today's ShowGet the new Eve Motion: https://amzn.to/3d1dcny Get the Aqara Curtain Motor E1: https://amzn.to/3BFNSxH  Get the Aqara Hub M1S: https://amzn.to/3Q3JQn8  Get the Aqara Motion Sensor P1: https://amzn.to/3dcoJQMGet the Aqara Wireless Mini Switch: https://amzn.to/3OW0R1e Get the Wemo Stage Scene Controller: https://amzn.to/3d59Kbw Get the Eve Energy with Thread:https://amzn.to/3dac3Kv Get the Sensibo Air A/C Controller:  Where Else Can You Find Us?https://myhomekithome.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/myhomekithomeTwitter: https://twitter.com/myhomekithomeInstagram: https://instagram.com/myhomekithome Facebook: Https://facebook.com/myhomekithome Support the show

Thread continues to make headlines and this week we get two more devices from Eve and wemo.  We also got word that Feit Electric has bought out LIFX hopefully helping to prop up the beloved smart lighting manufacturer.  But what do you do when the lights go out?  If you have local control, you're good to go, but if not you may be left in the dark.  We discuss the issue of local control and how to mitigate device discontinuation.HomeKit News ArticlesRedesigned Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller ReleasedWemo's New Smart Dimmer Works with Thread and HomeKit, but Not MatterFeit Electric Has Bought Troubled Smart Lighting Brand LIFXHomeKit Products Mentioned in Today's ShowGet the new Eve Motion: https://amzn.to/3d1dcnyGet the New Eve Aqua: https://amzn.to/3JPVakE Get the Wemo Dimmer: https://amzn.to/3QydXD2 Get the Sensibo Air A/C Controller: https://amzn.to/3p9ytOL   Where Else Can You Find Us?https://myhomekithome.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/myhomekithomeTwitter: https://twitter.com/myhomekithomeInstagram: https://instagram.com/myhomekithome Facebook: Https://facebook.com/myhomekithome Support the show

It was a pretty calm week in the HomeKit space, but we did see the North American release of the world's first Thread-enabled air purifier which I'm stoked about.  I also discuss my experience with SwitchBot's first foray into the HomeKit space with a mini review of their Smart Plug mini with HomeKit.  To round things out, we dive a little deeper into what Thread is and why you should, or maybe shouldn't, care.My sincerest apologies for this week's audio quality.  The combination of a VERY reverby recording space and a USB cable malfunction were to blame.HomeKit News ArticlesAirVersa Launches First HomeKit Smart Air Purifier Compatible with ThreadHomeKit Products Mentioned in Today's ShowGet the AirVersa Purel Air Purifier: https://amzn.to/3PPgGHD   Get the SwitchBot Plug mini w/ HomeKit: https://amzn.to/3A8esx9 Get the Eve Door & Window: https://amzn.to/3c4z4OP Get the Eve Weather: https://amzn.to/3Ci5905 Get the Eve Water Guard: https://amzn.to/3Pzm8OG Get the Eve Room: https://amzn.to/3dEu2ZF Get the Nanoleaf Essentials Bulb: https://amzn.to/3pwHYYi  Get the Nanoleaf Essentials Lightstrip: https://amzn.to/3QF1uxO Get the new Eve Motion: https://amzn.to/3d1dcnyGet the New Eve Aqua:  https://amzn.to/3JPVakE Where Else Can You Find Us?https://myhomekithome.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/myhomekithomeTwitter: https://twitter.com/myhomekithomeInstagram: https://instagram.com/myhomekithome Facebook: Https://facebook.com/myhomekithomeSupport the show

We start off this week's episode with news of another HomeKit product biting the dust.  Thankfully, there's a new HomeKit air purifier from SmartMi to help if you have allergies.  Finally, we wrap up with a look at the brand new Tap Dial from Philips Hue which conveniently leads us into a rousing discussion of the benefits, and random pitfalls, of physical control over your HomeKit home.  HomeKit News ArticlesChamberlain Discontinues Its HomeKit Hub for MyQ Garage Door ControllersSmartMi Announce P2  Cordless Air PurifierPhilips Hue Gets a New Tap Dial Switch, Customizable Track Lighting, and More HomeKit Products Mentioned in Today's ShowGet the SmartMi P1 Air Purifier: https://amzn.to/3pLTwHi Get the Hue Dimmer Switch: https://amzn.to/3wybxwxGet the Hue Motion Sensor: https://amzn.to/3R8PV1I Get the Lutron Caseta Dimmer Switch: https://amzn.to/3AOefAzGet the Leviton Switch: https://amzn.to/3wwP5UEGet the Wemo Dimmer Switch: https://amzn.to/3TaLdCm Get the Aqara Wireless Mini Switch: https://amzn.to/3PZgq92 Get the Aqara / Opple Scene Switch: Other Related LinksWemo Stage Scene Controller Review: Philips Hue Scenes in HomeKit: Aqara Wireless Mini Switch Review:  Where Else Can You Find Us?https://myhomekithome.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/myhomekithomeTwitter: https://twitter.com/myhomekithomeInstagram: https://instagram.com/myhomekithome Facebook: https://facebook.com/myhomekithomeSupport the show

The rumors had been swirling for months and Apple, sort of out of left field, dropped the second generation HomePod on us earlier this week, but is it what users were wanting?  In this episode, we break it down and also look at a couple of pretty unique HomeKit products and wrap it all up with a discussion on an issue with product categories in Apple Home. 

While many are still nursing their New Year's hangovers, the tech community is buzzing with the excitement of the Consumer Electronics Show held in Las Vegas every year.  Showing off the latest and greatest in tech, the smart home has been getting more and more attention and perhaps this year was the biggest so far now that Matter is finally here.  In this episode, we discuss the best in Apple Home and Matter from this year's event.Make new friends and clients this New Year with a custom smart business card from Popl and save 20% as a myHomeKithome Podcast fan! https://myhomekithome.com/Popl 

December is usually crickets in the HomeKit and smart home world as device makers start to wind down the year and start to look forward to CES, but not this year!  We've got some exciting news, confusing news, and even some really bad news.Sponsor: Get up to 40% off Ekster's premium smart wallet and accessory holiday bundles ➡️ https://shop,ekster.com/myhomekithome  

It seems there has been a flood of HomeKit hubs hitting the market as of late with all sorts of functionality.  It also seems that Aqara never stops pushing out new products.  In this episode, we discuss a couple of Homekit hub newcomers and Aqara's latest accessories.  We then wrap up with a brief chat about the differences between Shortcuts and full HomeKit support. 

After 3 LONG years and LOTS of speculating, Matter is FINALLY here and we can, for now at least, keep waiting a little while longer.  Last week, the CSA held the official Matter launch event and in this episode, we talk about the highlights, and wax on Matter's short-term and long-term potential impact on HomeKit and the Apple Home platform.SPONSOR: Save up to 25% on your very own Ekster AirTag wallet or any other high quality Ekster gear by going to https://shop.ekster.com/myhomekithome

Coinciding with the release of the iPhone 14, Apple has unleashed the latest version of its mobile operating system.  Boasting new features like lock screen widgets and the ability to edit and delete iMessages, iOS 16 also brings a revamped Home experience.  In this episode, we'll walk you through the new interface, but we'll do it with a twist using Apple's built-in accessibility tool, VoiceOver.  I'll also share my thoughts on the changes with accessibility in mind.

We don't really expect smart home talk at Apple's iPhone event, but there was a brief mention of HomeKit this year.  We discuss it along with some accessibility implications of the new AirPods Pro.  Also, Eve made waves at this year's IFA show in Germany showing off Matter and announcing some new additions to their lineup.  Leviton released a new HomeKit-enabled fan speed controller.  IKEA also looks to be gearing up to join the Thread and Matter conversation with a new hub.  What is a hub, you ask?   Why should you care?  We end our episode with a discussion on smart home hubs. 

We start off this week's episode with news of another HomeKit product biting the dust.  Thankfully, there's a new HomeKit air purifier from SmartMi to help if you have allergies.  Finally, we wrap up with a look at the brand new Tap Dial from Philips Hue which conveniently leads us into a rousing discussion of the benefits, and random pitfalls, of physical control over your HomeKit home.  HomeKit News ArticlesChamberlain Discontinues Its HomeKit Hub for MyQ Garage Door ControllersSmartMi Announce P2  Cordless Air PurifierPhilips Hue Gets a New Tap Dial Switch, Customizable Track Lighting, and More HomeKit Products Mentioned in Today's ShowGet the SmartMi P1 Air Purifier: https://amzn.to/3pLTwHi Get the Hue Dimmer Switch: https://amzn.to/3wybxwxGet the Hue Motion Sensor: https://amzn.to/3R8PV1I Get the Lutron Caseta Dimmer Switch: https://amzn.to/3AOefAzGet the Leviton Switch: https://amzn.to/3wwP5UEGet the Wemo Dimmer Switch: https://amzn.to/3TaLdCm Get the Aqara Wireless Mini Switch: https://amzn.to/3PZgq92 Get the Aqara / Opple Scene Switch: Other Related LinksWemo Stage Scene Controller Review: https://youtu.be/XtWnHLZgdbA Philips Hue Scenes in HomeKit: https://youtu.be/AFSvUnGvDMk Aqara Wireless Mini Switch  Review: https://youtu.be/vBl7Hr3Y0GAWhere Else Can You Find Us?https://myhomekithome.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/myhomekithomeTwitter: https://twitter.com/myhomekithomeInstagram: https://instagram.com/myhomekithome Facebook: https://facebook.com/myhomekithomeSupport the show

It was a pretty calm week in the HomeKit space, but we did see the North American release of the world's first Thread-enabled air purifier which I'm stoked about.  I also discuss my experience with SwitchBot's first foray into the HomeKit space with a mini review of their Smart Plug mini with HomeKit.  To round things out, we dive a little deeper into what Thread is and why you should, or maybe shouldn't, care.My sincerest apologies for this week's audio quality.  The combination of a VERY reverby recording space and a USB cable malfunction were to blame.HomeKit News ArticlesAirVersa Launches First HomeKit Smart Air Purifier Compatible with ThreadHomeKit Products Mentioned in Today's ShowGet the AirVersa Purel Air Purifier: https://amzn.to/3PPgGHD   Get the SwitchBot Plug mini w/ HomeKit: https://amzn.to/3A8esx9 Get the Eve Door & Window: https://amzn.to/3c4z4OP Get the Eve Weather: https://amzn.to/3Ci5905 Get the Eve Water Guard: https://amzn.to/3Pzm8OG Get the Eve Room: https://amzn.to/3dEu2ZF Get the Nanoleaf Essentials Bulb: https://amzn.to/3pwHYYi  Get the Nanoleaf Essentials Lightstrip: https://amzn.to/3QF1uxO Get the new Eve Motion: https://amzn.to/3d1dcnyGet the New Eve Aqua:  https://amzn.to/3JPVakE Where Else Can You Find Us?https://myhomekithome.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/myhomekithomeTwitter: https://twitter.com/myhomekithomeInstagram: https://instagram.com/myhomekithome Facebook: Https://facebook.com/myhomekithomeSupport the show

Thread continues to make headlines and this week we get two more devices from Eve and wemo.  We also got word that Feit Electric has bought out LIFX hopefully helping to prop up the beloved smart lighting manufacturer.  But what do you do when the lights go out?  If you have local control, you're good to go, but if not you may be left in the dark.  We discuss the issue of local control and how to mitigate device discontinuation.HomeKit News ArticlesRedesigned Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller ReleasedWemo's New Smart Dimmer Works with Thread and HomeKit, but Not MatterFeit Electric Has Bought Troubled Smart Lighting Brand LIFXHomeKit Products Mentioned in Today's ShowGet the new Eve Motion: https://amzn.to/3d1dcnyGet the New Eve Aqua: https://amzn.to/3JPVakE Get the Wemo Dimmer: https://amzn.to/3QydXD2 Get the Sensibo Air A/C Controller: https://amzn.to/3p9ytOL   Where Else Can You Find Us?https://myhomekithome.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/myhomekithomeTwitter: https://twitter.com/myhomekithomeInstagram: https://instagram.com/myhomekithome Facebook: Https://facebook.com/myhomekithome Support the show

In this premiere episode of The myHomeKithome Podcast, we briefly dive into the format for the new show and then we go right into some exciting news from Eve and Aqara followed by a review of Aqara's Motion Sensor P1, and  then a rousing discussion on the day-to-day use and applications of Zigbee vs. Thread networks in a HomeKit home.HomeKit News ArticlesThe Eve Motion is The First Thread Motion Sensor Aqara Curtain Motor E1 is Now Available with HomeKit Support Aqara Rleases Updated M1S with Custom Ringtones, WPA3 Support HomeKit Product Review LinksReview: The Aqara P1 Motion Sensor is (almost) PerfectThis THREAD Button Isn't EXACTLY What I Wanted HomeKit Versus: Zigbee vs. ThreadA HomeKit Button to Rule Them All | Aqara Wireless Mini SwitchHomeKit Products Mentioned in Today's ShowGet the new Eve Motion: https://amzn.to/3d1dcny Get the Aqara Curtain Motor E1: https://amzn.to/3BFNSxH  Get the Aqara Hub M1S: https://amzn.to/3Q3JQn8  Get the Aqara Motion Sensor P1: https://amzn.to/3dcoJQMGet the Aqara Wireless Mini Switch: https://amzn.to/3OW0R1e Get the Wemo Stage Scene Controller: https://amzn.to/3d59Kbw Get the Eve Energy with Thread:https://amzn.to/3dac3Kv Get the Sensibo Air A/C Controller:  Where Else Can You Find Us?https://myhomekithome.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/myhomekithomeTwitter: https://twitter.com/myhomekithomeInstagram: https://instagram.com/myhomekithome Facebook: Https://facebook.com/myhomekithome Support the show