New Ikea smart air purifier supports HomeKit, with a catch

By

Ikea's new smart air purifier can be disguised as part of a table.
Ikea's new smart air purifier can be disguised as part of a table.
Photo: Ikea

Ikea has launched the Starvkind smart air purifier, which can stand alone or double as a side table. And it supports Apple’s HomeKit smart home system, with one small caveat. You must connect it through Ikea’s Tradfri gateway system.

Ikea smart air purifier

Designed for indoor use, the new Starvkind employs a three-filter system to rid the air of odors and remove airborne particles and gaseous pollutants in the home. Its function is adjustable for rooms of sizes up to about 215 square feet in area.

The air purifier works on its own, but you can control and schedule its use through Ikea’s Tradfri gateway and the Ikea Home smart app.

5 speeds and ‘auto’ mode

Starvkind offers five fan speeds and an “auto” mode. Set for auto, it uses a sensor to adjust the fan speed according to the amount of small pollutant particles (PM2.5) in the air, such as those in smoke, dust and pollen. You can read the air quality level in the app.

The new product comes in two versions. One stands alone on the floor and looks like an air purifier. The other is part of a wooden side table, appearing like a basket with some controls under the tabletop.

The non-table version of the smart air purifier may not fit into your decor as well.
The non-table version of the smart air purifier may not fit into your decor as well.
Photo: Ikea

Support for HomeKit

Ikea’s new Starvkind air purifier will work with HomeKit. However, it must be connected through Ikea’s Tradfri gateway in order to function with HomeKit or any other smart home system. Tradfri costs $35.

Ikea said the launch date for Starvind will vary among different markets. Your local Ikea’s website should indicate when it will come out near you. Rollout begins in October 2021.

Prices: Stand-alone purifier $129; table purifier $189; Tradfri gateway $35.

Where to buy: Ikea

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.