Apple today released iOS 12.1.1 along with a bunch of updates to its other operating systems (sans watchOS), plus a minor update to its Shortcuts app.
Shortcuts 2.1.2 update brings two new handy actions for your iOS automation workflows
Automation
A quick look at Siri Shortcuts
In iOS 12, Apple introduces Siri Shortcuts, which lets you pair your daily routines with third-party apps. Better still, Siri learns your habits and make suggestions based on that knowledge.
Watch HomePod execute Siri Shortcut automation scripts on other devices
Shortcuts, Apple's new vision for Siri and automation on the iOS platform, is a new feature in iOS 12 that many power users and fans of the Workflow automation app will appreciate a lot.
Apple announces Shortcuts, a Workflow-like automation app for iOS
Folks hoping to see Apple improve upon its digital assistant Siri in iOS 12 will be happy to hear it has announced a new app called Shortcuts. The app, which looks every bit like the Workflow automation app it acquired a year ago, will allow you to connect 'Shortcut' operations to Siri, making complex tasks as simple as speaking a command.
Things 3.4 brings URL linking scheme, powerful automation & handover from other apps
German developer Cultured Code today released Things 3 .4 for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac, bringing several new productivity features to the popular to-do app, including an expansive new URL scheme for linking, powerful automation and handover from other apps.
HomeKit Automation 001: how to create a toggle button
In this first entry into our new HomeKit Automation series, we walk you through fixing one of HomeKit's biggest shortcomings: creating a true toggle button to enable and disable a scene.
ConnectSense announces in-wall HomeKit outlet and other sensors to be released this year
ConnectSense has announced a new HomeKit connected smart outlet, set to be released later this year.
Apple updates Workflow app with support for HEIF/HEVC, drag and drop, iPhone X & more
A popular automation tool for iPhone and iPad, Workflow, was updated on App Store this morning with several new iOS 11 and iPhone X features.
Sylvania starts preorders for new HomeKit bulb and light strip
Sylvania has now started taking preorders for two additional products in their SMART+ lineup. A new soft white LED bulb, and a full-color LED light strip. Similar to the color LED bulb (that we recently reviewed), they require no hub or Wi-Fi to operate, are HomeKit compatible, and can connect directly to your device.
Review: Sylvania HomeKit Smart+ full color LED bulb works without a hub
The go-to HomeKit accessory that the majority of people jump to is lightbulbs. Everyone can use them, and they offer a ton of functionality. That is why products like the Philips Hue system took off. The Sylvania Smart+ LED bulb is a great alternative, because it requires no expensive networked hub, and instead talks directly with your devices.
Review: Logitech HomeKit Pop button is affordable and essential
Logitech made waves by putting the first HomeKit programmable button on the market. After spending some time with it, I'm convinced these easy-to-use, addicting buttons will make your smart home even more useful.
iDevices HomeKit Wall Switch review
The iDevices HomeKit Wall Switch fixes one of the crucial issue with many smart homes. Not only does it fix a glaring issue, it comes with enough bells and whistles to make it the best HomeKit wall switch on the market.