LG took the wraps off a dozen large-screen TVs on Thursday, all of which support Apple’s AirPlay 2 and HomeKit so they can be integrated into an iPhone-controlled smart home. Screen sizes for these 2020 TVs range from 49 inches all the way up to 86 inches.
2018 LG TVs will get AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support later this year
AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support is headed to some of LG’s 2018 smart TVs by October, updated support documents read. This includes LCD models with SK and UK in the name, alongside OLED models with B8 through Z8 in their names.
AirPlay 2 means that TV owners can stream content from their iPhone, iPad and Mac straight to their TV sets. This could include movies and TV shows, podcasts, Apple Music, or just collections of photos. Meanwhile, HomeKit integration means that users can add their LG TV to control television functions such as power, volume, and source via voice or app.
Meross HomeKit-compatible smart plug adds home automation on the cheap
A HomeKit-compatible smart plug is an easy way to try home automation. And the Meross Smart WiFi Plug Mini is an especially inexpensive option. It enables a lamp or other simple electrical device to be remotely controlled from an iPhone using Siri voice commands.
Everything we think we know about iOS 14 [Updated]
Thanks to unprecedented early leaks, some of the biggest new features planned for iOS 14 have already been spoiled. Apple is supposedly making some huge changes to the Home screen, iMessages, HomeKit, Apple Pencil and much more in its next-gen mobile operating system.
The recent wave of leaks proved so overwhelming that we rounded them all up in one place. We will keep updating the list as we inch closer to this summer’s Worldwide Developers Conference, where Apple traditionally previews all of its upcoming platform updates.
Apple’s HomeKit may add Night Shift to smart lights
Apple’s HomeKit home-automation system will reportedly get a version of Night Shift to reduce the amount of blue in smart light bulbs as each day nears its end. This feature, allegedly coming with iOS 14 in the fall, is supposed to help people sleep better.
In addition, Apple might be adding facial recognition to security cameras controlled with HomeKit.
Amazon adds HomeKit support to Eero routers
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
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
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
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
Belkin’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
This 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
Accessory 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
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.
Nanoleaf’s new HomeKit lights are so smart they learn your routine
The upcoming Nanoleaf Learning Series home-automation products are designed to learn users’ needs and react proactively. These smart switches and smart bulbs support Apple’s HomeKit, so they can be controlled from an iPhone, too.
How to get started with HomeKit home automation
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
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!
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Apple joins rivals to create open standard for smart home devices
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
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
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
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
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
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.
eufyCam 2 protects your privacy with HomeKit Secure Video
Anker is adopting Apple’s tech that makes video security systems more private and secure. It’s upcoming eufyCam 2 uses the Apple Home app to stream live video directly to an iPhone or iPad, without going through an Anker server.
Best new (and returning) features in iOS 13.1 beta 1
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
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.