| Cult of Mac

Siri can command this robot to clear the air

By

The little bot will tell you how clean the air in your space is, and clean it for you.
The little bot will tell you how clean the air in your space is, and clean it for you.
Photo: nara Pro

When you start to worry the air in your home could make you sick, an air purifier can help. And they’re getting smarter (but hopefully not “rise of the machines” smart a la Terminator).

The nara Pro, which the company bills as “the versatile air purifier robot,” runs a two-stage system via artificial intelligence that works with Siri and HomeKit, as well as other smart-home systems.

And you can get a good deal on it on the Indiegogo crowdfunding platform.

Eve beams Matter support to an array of smart home devices

By

The Eve Motion sensor is one of the devices to receive the new firmware update with Matter support.
The Eve Motion sensor is one of the devices to receive the new firmware update with Matter support.
Photo: Eve Systems

A number of devices across Eve Systems’ product lineup are receiving support for the home automation networking standard Matter with a new, optional firmware update, the company said Monday.

Matter support — which lets devices from different makers work together over the same network — will come to Thread-enabled devices in the company’s Eve Door and Window, Eve Motion and Eve Energy lineups.

Trying to make your home smarter? Grab any of these 8 devices.

By

Take a look at these 8 smart home essentials.
Want to transform your home into a smart home? Check out these 8 essential electronics.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you’re trying to add some smart functionality to your home without major renovations or investments, there’s a lot you can do. Whether it’s for convenience or accessibility, automating and streamlining things at home can have a drastic effect on your quality of life. With a few simple additions, you can do things like program when the lights will come on, gain control over home security and more. The setup process for some of these smart home additions is quick and painless, too, especially when many modern smart home features are controlled by a few key devices. If you want to create the best smart home system for you, then take a look at these eight deals. 

Will Roku’s new smart-home gadgets work with HomeKit and Matter?

By

Those who use Roku streaming devices will find the new smart-home gear, like the doorbell camera, integrate seamlessly.
Those who use Roku streaming devices will find the new smart-home gear, like the doorbell camera, integrate seamlessly.
Photo: Roku

Roku is best-known for its streaming media devices. But it’s branching out with a whole-home strategy that will see a range of smart-home gadgets, including security cameras, lights and plugs, go on sale next week at Walmart, the company said.

But a report indicates the company isn’t saying yet whether its new gadgets will work with the new Matter smart-home connectivity standard supported by Apple and other companies. It’s designed to let devices from different makers work together on systems like Apple’s HomeKit and others.

Roku’s lack of clarity is a bit odd, given that it’s among the companies supporting Matter, and that might give some would-be purchasers pause.

Massive Home app makeover brings Matter support and more

By

The Home app has been rebuilt from the ground up, Apple said at WWDC22.
The Home app has been rebuilt from the ground up, Apple said at WWDC22.
Photo: Apple
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

Among the many new products and features Apple showcased at WWDC22 came news of a revamped Home app for the HomeKit smart-home platform.

Arriving with iOS 16 later this year, the app is rebuilt from the ground up. Apple said it will be more efficient and reliable, especially for homes with many accessories. And it will support the new Matter smart-home technology standard.

Secure any space with a portable night-vision camera

By

Tokk Camera
This 1.5-inch Wi-Fi camera is great for security or discreet recordings, with HD resolution, a built-in mic, night vision and other great features.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

There are plenty of occasions when a watchful digital eye can come in handy. Whether for security, for posterity or for fun, the ability to capture and transmit video is endlessly useful. Thankfully, it’s also simpler and more affordable than ever.

Aqara HomeKit-enabled smart wall switches more likely to work in your home

By

Aqara HomeKit-enabled smart switches work in older homes.
The new Aqara smart switches with HomeKit don’t require a neutral wire. That’s critical for many homes.
Photo: Aqara

There are quite a few wall switches that support Apple’s HomeKit home-automation system, but Aqara on Tuesday unveiled two that should catch the eye of anyone with an older home. Unlike virtually all competitors, these don’t require a neutral wire, something that exists primarily in newer buildings.

These switches make any ceiling fixture smart. They can be controlled via an iPhone or Siri commands from anywhere.

Make your house instantly smarter with these awesome accessories [Deals]

By

Smart Home Roundup
From security cameras to stronger locks and more, we've got some easy ways to make your home smarter.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Houses are mostly brick, wood and/or concrete, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be smart. With the right bit of technology, you can enhance the efficiency, convenience and security of the place where you and your family spend most of your time.

And right now you can save big on four smart home accessories. From easy water monitoring to tougher door locks, they’ll give your home a real boost.

Here’s a smart home cam with facial recognition, night vision and more for under $45 [Deals]

By

blurams Dome Pro
This highly rated smart home camera can be your extra layer of protection.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Home security cam shoppers are always looking for that middle ground between a feature-laden device and the sticker shock that usually comes with such units.

The Blurams Dome Pro 1080p Security Camera hits that sweet spot. It packs loads of high-quality, super-cool extras into a versatile, modestly priced package that should fit most user’s security needs.