Those who control their smart home with a Crestron remote can now add Apple TV and HomeKit accessories. The remote can be programmed to display Apple TV selections on its touchscreen, or commands can be given to HomeKit devices via Siri.
LG’s newest Smart TVs will start getting AirPlay this week
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
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.
Satechi’s dual HomeKit plug makes dumb outlets smarter
There’s new home automation option from Satechi. The Dual Smart Outlet allows two devices to be controlled independently. And it supports Apple’s HomeKit so it can be accessed from an iPhone or Mac.
Time and location triggers make Shortcuts far more useful in iOS 13
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.
Vizio starts inviting TV owners to test AirPlay 2 support
Vizio has started inviting TV owners to test AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support.
The invites come just over a month after users started registering their interest in the beta. Apple’s frameworks are baked into Vizio’s new SmartCast 3.0 platform, which is managed via an iOS app.
Apple hires smart lock CEO to help make its smart home dreams a reality
Apple has secured the expertise of Sam Jadallah, former CEO of smart lock company Otto, to head up its smart home initiatives.
Combined with Apple’s recent acquisition of voice-enabled tech company Pullstring, it’s a sure sign that Apple wants to up its game in home automation.
Amazon buys mesh Wi-Fi router maker Eero
Right when Apple has decided to get out of the router business, one of its biggest competitors is ready to jump in.
Amazon revealed today that it reached an agreement to acquire mesh Wi-Fi router maker Eero, giving the online retailer another powerful tool in its effort to dominate the smart home market.
HomeKit geofencing may soon gain pinpoint accuracy
Instead of you having to tell your HomeKit devices that they should work together, Apple wants its home-automation system to know when items are close to each other. The goal is to greatly simplify both setup and daily usage of HomeKit gear.
40 reasons to love the MacBook Pro’s Touch Bar [Cult of Mac Magazine No. 280]
Some people love the MacBook Pro’s Touch Bar. Other people absolutely hate it. Bottom line is that the thin OLED strip can work wonders — if you use it right!
Get our top 40 tips for making the most of the Touch Bar in this week’s free issue of Cult of Mac Magazine. Get it now from iTunes — hey, the price is right! — or keep reading for the week’s best Apple news, reviews and how-tos.
First HomeKit-enabled video doorbell gets launch date
The first HomeKit-compatible video doorbell finally has a launch date in the USA, giving iPhone lovers an alternative to Amazon’s Ring doorbell and Nest Cam from Google.
Robin Telecom Development — a tech hardware company from the Netherlands — revealed today that its ProLine Doorbell will launch in over 50 countries on January 31, but people in the USA and Canada will have to wait until February 28.
The most exciting new HomeKit devices coming in 2019
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.
Finally! Apple’s bringing HomeKit to your favorite TVs and gadgets, this week on The CultCast
This week on The CultCast: Smart window blinds, smart plugs, smart lights, smart locks and now … the best televisions on the market. Apple just revealed big moves to bring HomeKit to all your favorite gadgets, and Cupertino is just getting started. In 2019, the smart HomeKit devices we’ve always wanted finally arrive. Plus: Tim Cook just let it slip — Apple’s got new services lined up for release this year, but what could they be? We think we might just know.
Our thanks to LinkedIn for supporting this episode. A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters. Head to LinkedIn.com/cultcast and get a $50 credit toward your first job post.
Control Ikea’s new blinds with HomeKit
Too lazy to get up and close the drapes? Then you need Ikea’s new HomeKit-enabled blinds, Kadrilj and Fyrtur. These new powered blinds have already launched in Germany, and can be integrated with your home hub, your Alexa, or your Google Assistant.
Apple’s TV service just scored a huge win at CES 2019
The biggest TV makers in the business are finally ready to play nice with Apple.
Apple’s long-rumored TV streaming service isn’t expected to launch until later this year, but in the meantime, Vizio and LG revealed that they’re adding AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support to their 2019 TVs. And it could be a crucial win for Apple’s growing ambition to take on Netflix.
Apple is quietly hyping HomeKit devices at CES 2019
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’s Smart Outlet 2 lets you keep tabs on your connected devices
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.
First HomeKit sprinkler ensures the grass is always green
Looking for a smarter, high tech way to water your lawn? The Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller has your back — by becoming the first smart sprinkler controller to add HomeKit support.
The personal watering assistant will help you monitor and manage your sprinkler system using by using the Apple Home app or asking Siri. This means that can stay on town of your garden maintenance via your iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch, or HomePod — even when you’re not home at the time.
Eve’s new Light and Power strips offer HomeKit automation
iPhone users into home automation just got several new options from Eve Energy. It unveiled a Power Strip, a Light Strip, and an updated version of Eve Room, all with HomeKit support.
These devices can be controlled from any iOS device via Siri, or schedules can be set up to turn them on or off.
Ikea expanding its HomeKit accessory lineup with smart plug
Ikea, the Swedish-based “affordable” home furnishing company, is looking to expand its lineup of Trådfri smart home accessories to include an affordable smart switch. The report, which was first published on reddit and reported by Swedish tech site Teknikveckan, shows a pair of smart plug accessories that would allow your to control “dumb” devices with your smartphone or connected speaker.
Siri Shortcuts can now control your HomeKit devices
Apple’s new Siri Shortcuts app, which is currently being beta tested ahead of a release alongside iOS 12, now comes with limited HomeKit support.
Its latest update gives testers the ability to add certain smart home controls to their workflows.
Philips’ new Hue lights are ready to take over your home
Philips wants to cover your home from the inside to the outside with its new lineup of smart lightbulbs that debuted today.
The new collection includes the smart vanity mirror that leaked last month and has a ton of new lights that are perfect for your bathroom, living room, bedroom, den or even the backyard.
Philips Adore mirror brings HomeKit automation into the bathroom
Think about how nice it would be to have the best lighted bathroom mirror and dim the lights without having to get out of the tub. That’s one of the promises of the Adore Bathroom lighted mirror as it can be controlled from your iPhone or iPad.
The center of this product is a standard mirror that’s about 20 inches across. This is surrounded by a while LED light that can be dim or bright.
New HomeKit authentication system could bring tons more accessories
Accessories can now support Apple’s HomeKit without a special chip. The Wemo Mini Smart Plug is the first to use this new system of software authentication.
The Mini Smart Plug ($34.99) offers a single electrical socket that can be controlled by an iPhone though HomeKit. Anything plugged in can be turned on or off remotely, or on a schedule.
Cheap box brings HomeKit-powered sprinklers to the masses
Adding a smartphone-controlled sprinkler system to your house just became insanely affordable feature thanks to a little black box made by the folks at Elgato.
The Eve Aqua aims to turn dumb water faucets into smart water systems by adding Apple’s HomeKit technology to the scene. Watering your lawn is as about to become just a Siri command away.