This week on The CultCast: A new report details what’s (probably) next for Apple’s 2019 and 2020 iPhones. Plus: Apple plans Netflix-for-games subscription service (with Alex E. Heath!); it’s not just you, everyone got way more spam calls in 2018. And we talk a new wireless charging brick for iPhone, a smart outlet with HomeKit support, and the super-smart HomeKit thermostat you’ve never heard of, in an all-new Under Review.

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Apple’s stealth play to hype HomeKit devices at CES gave the home-automation platform a major boost.

A slew of new HomeKit-compatible devices are headed our way. From locks and TVs to blinds and video doorbells, they promise to make smart homes more exciting in the very near future. 

Apple doesn’t really make its presence felt directly at CES. However, at 2019’s event it has ramped up its focus somewhat. No, Apple’s not unveiling the Apple Car at the gigantic tech lover’s event, but it did invite reporters to meet with a number of third-party companies who have created HomeKit devices for smart homes.

These include smart lights, smart locks, smart door cameras, and more.

ConnectSense, a company known for its HomeKit-friendly smart plug, has launched its next-generation device, the Smart Outlet2.

The outlet packs two Wi-Fi connected sockets that can be controlled individually via Apple’s Home app or the ConnectSense app.