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HomeKit - page 7

Amazon adds HomeKit support to Eero routers

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eero
HomeKit comes to Eero.
Photo: Eero

Some of the best mesh-routers on the market is finally adding support for Apple’s HomeKit.

Eero revealed today that its devices can now be added to the Home app on iPhone and iPad. The update allows you to control aspects of the eero routers remotely and also adds extra protections for other HomeKit accessories in your house.

Netatmo adds HomeKit Secure video support to its Smart indoor camera

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Netatmo adds support for Apple's HomeKit Secure Video standard to its Smart Indoor Camera.
Netatmo adds support for HomeKit Secure Video standard to its Smart Indoor Camera.
Photo: Netatmo

Smart home device-maker Netatmo added support Tuesday for Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video standard to its Smart Indoor Camera.

The free and automatic update began rolling out today to users, according to an announcement by the French company. It should become available to install on all Netatmo Smart cameras over the next few days.

Abode’s cheap DIY home security kit adds HomeKit

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Abode Smart Security Kit gets you started
The starter Abode Smart Security Kit now works with Apple’s home-automation system.
Photo: Abode

Abode’s do-it-yourself home security system just gained support for Apple HomeKit. With this software update, the Smart Security Kit can be controlled via Siri commands, and an iPhone or other Apple device will be notified when sensors detect a window or door is opened, or there’s movement in the house.

Robin ProLine video doorbell is first with HomeKit Secure Video

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The industrial finish on the ProLine HomeKit video doorbell looks gorgeous.
The Robin ProLine Video Doorbell now securely stores and transmits its video recordings.
Photo: Robin Telecom Development

Support for Apple’s new HomeKit Secure Video system has been added to the Robin ProLine Video Doorbell. With this combination, users can see who is at their door while staying assured that this information is kept private.

Wemo WiFi Smart Plug with HomeKit is Belkin’s smallest yet

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The Wemo WiFi Smart Plug both support HomeKit
The Wemo WiFi Smart Plug and Wemo Stage were both unveiled at CES 2020.
Photo: Belkin

CES 2020Belkin’s latest version of its Wemo smart plug with HomeKit support is significantly smaller than its predecessor, making it less obtrusive on wall sockets.

The company also unveiled at CES 2020 the Wemo Stage, a remote than can be used to launch HomeKit scenes with the punch of a button.

HomeKit-compatible security tools are all over CES 2020

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August Wi-Fi Smart Lock offers HomeKit
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock can be added to your door and your HomeKit network.
Photo: August

CES 2020This week’s Consumer Electronics Show brings a range of security devices that support Apple’s HomeKit home-automation system, including the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock.

Other notable announcements are new security cameras from Abode, and a smart lock and pair of cameras from ADT.

Sengled smart bulbs get even smarter with Apple’s HomeKit automation system

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Sengled Smart Hub now has HomeKit support
With HomeKit support, give Siri commands to the Sengled Smart Hub to pass on to smart bulbs.
Photo: Sengled

CES 2020Accessory maker Sengled added support for Apple’s HomeKit to its smart home hub. This enables iPhone users to control Sengled’s smart bulbs through Siri commands.

The company also added to its lineup of smart home products with new lights and a smart plug.

ADT launches HomeKit-ready doorbell and security camera

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ADT Blue Doorbell Camera is a DYI project.
The Blue Doorbell Camera talks to your iPhone with HomeKit.
Photo: ADT

CES 2020 The new Blue Doorbell Camera by ADT lets users talk with visitors from anywhere via an iPhone app, and alerts the user whenever anyone approaches their door.

It joins just two other doorbells that support Apple’s HomeKit home automation system, making this a significant addition to the available options.

How to get started with HomeKit home automation

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Wemo WiFi Smart Plug is a nice start to home automation
A Wemo WiFi Smart Plug is a simple way to learn more about home automation with Apple’s HomeKit.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Controlling the lights and other gadgets in your home from your iPhone is convenient and fun, too. There are plenty of HomeKit and Alexa accessories that make home automation a snap.

I’ll go over some of the best options I’ve found that will get you started with as little trouble as possible.

It’s the hottest gifts, tech and stuff of 2019, this week on The CultCast

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CultCast 419
It's time to reveal all our favorite stuff of the year!
Photo: @YSR50

This week on The CultCast: From the hottest gift of 2019, to our favorite tech and travel locations, catch our picks for Best of the Year!

This episode supported by Squarespace

Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code “CultCast” at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

Apple joins rivals to create open standard for smart home devices

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Abode Iota is a security system by itself
Building your smart home is about to get a whole lot easier.
Photo: Abode

Apple is teaming up with Amazon, Google, and the Zigbee Alliance to create a new open and royalty-free standard for smart home devices.

Project “Connected Home over IP” aims to increase compatibility among smart home gadgets and make development easier for device manufacturers. It should also simplify smart technology for consumers.

Sony brings AirPlay 2 and HomeKit to select 2018 and 2019 TVs

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Sony-Z9F-TV
Part of an Android 9 upgrade.
Photo: Sony

Sony is rolling out an update to select 2018 and 2019 TVs that adds AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support for the first time.

The features are part of a wider Android 9 upgrade, which also adds Dolby Atmos. But if your existing set isn’t on the list of supported devices today, it never will be.

Abode Iota becomes first home security system with HomeKit

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Abode Iota is a security system by itself
Building your smart home is about to get a whole lot easier.
Photo: Abode

Abode finally scored HomeKit certification for its Iota home security hub. This allows iPhone and iPad users to arm and disarm the system, get alerts, and access the video feed coming from this gateway. Even better, sensors connected through this hub can also be controlled via HomeKit.

ProLine Compact doorbell brings HomeKit Secure Video

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Robin ProLine Compact is HomeKit compatible
You can securely answer the ProLine Compact with your iPhone, thanks to HomeKit Secure Video.
Photo: Robin Telecom Development/Cult of Mac

A follow-up to the world’s first HomeKit-compatible video doorbell from Robin Telecom Development will support Apple’s new system that makes video security systems more private and secure. It’s quite possibly the first video doorbell to do so.

Almost as importantly, the Robin ProLine Compact is smaller than its predecessor.

Fun new emoji and HomeKit Secure Video debut in macOS Catalina update

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The Photos app gets a couple of new features in macOS Catalina 10.15.1.
The Photos app gets a couple of new features in macOS Catalina 10.15.1.
Photo: Apple

Just a few weeks after the debut of macOS Catalina, Apple already has an update with features that had been planned for the original version.

On the list of enhancements are support for additional emoji, the just-launched AirPods Pro, HomeKit Secure Video and more.

Apple steps up smart home fight against Amazon and Google

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The HomePod -- a beautiful body with the brain of an idiot.
Apple wants to make a bigger mark on your home.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

Apple is ramping up its smart home efforts in a bid to better compete against Amazon and Google, according to a new report.

Cupertino is said to be hiring for a team that will be focused on revamping HomeKit software and devices. It also wants to encourage more third-party manufacturers to support its platform.

Best new (and returning) features in iOS 13.1 beta 1

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iOS 13.1 beta 1 adds Books reading goal, brings back almost every feature dropped in previous betas.
iOS 13.1 beta 1 brings back almost every cool feature dropped from previous betas.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

Surprisingly, iOS 13.1 is already in beta. It looks like Apple’s release strategy this year is to freeze the current beta version of iOS 13.0 in order to get it ready for the new iPhones expected on September 10. Meanwhile, Apple continues to test the next version, adding back some features removed during the beta period — Shortcuts automations, for example.

So, what other new (or revived) features will you find in iOS 13.1 beta 1?

TP-Link scraps HomeKit upgrade for Kasa Smart Plug Mini

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Kasa-Smart-Plug-Mini
No HomeKit for you.
Photo: TP-Link

TP-Link has cancelled plans to bring HomeKit support to its Kasa Smart Plug Mini.

The device was supposed to get an update that would make it compatible with Apple’s platform earlier this year. But after months of delays, that promise has been scrapped.

LG’s newest Smart TVs will start getting AirPlay this week

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LG-AirPlay
Users will start seeing the update on July 25.
Photo: LG

LG will start bringing AirPlay 2 and HomeKit to its newest Smart TV sets this week.

2019 models will play nicely with iPhone, iPad, and Mac after the update. You will be able to stream content straight from your Apple devices, and control your set in the Home app on iOS.

Legrand’s new HomeKit light switches require no hub

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Legrand Home Smart Lighting for Apple HomeKit
Legrand’s latest dimmable light switches and wall plugs are all HomeKit compatible.
Photo: Legrand

The just-released Legrand Home Smart Lighting for Apple HomeKit collection includes 3-way and dimmable wall switches, as well as plug-in wall sockets that are also either on/off or dimmable. Any of these can be controlled via an iPhone, HomePod, etc. with no pesky hub required for in-home use.

Time and location triggers make Shortcuts far more useful in iOS 13

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Shortcuts iOS 13
This is Shortcuts in iOS 13. It looks great.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

Apple’s Shortcuts app is already great, but in iOS 13 it gets even better. You can still create simple or complex workflows to do all kinds of tasks, from downloading YouTube videos or setting a quick meditation timer to resizing a whole folder of photos. But until now, you had to trigger those shortcuts manually.

In iOS 13, your iPhone or iPad can run a shortcut at a preset time or when you arrive at a specific location. This is huge.