Many smart home vendors are reportedly building homes that prioritize accessories that work with the smartphone assistant Alexa while deemphasizing accessories that are compatible with Apple's HomeKit framework for the connect home.
Connected Home
HomeKit Automation #004: manage your setup codes with the HomePass app
In the fourth installment of our HomeKit Automation series, we take a look at one of the constant struggles for any HomeKit user—storing and organizing the medley of secure HomeKit pairing codes.
August adds 24 hours of free cloud video storage for smart doorbell camera owners
Smart lock maker August announced today that owners of their Doorbell Cam and Doorbell Cam Pro home security cameras will now have access to 24 hours of free cloud video storage.
HomeKit Automation #003: Create a status light for smart locks & sensors
In our third entry to our HomeKit automation series, we explore a simple way to create a door lock status light. While the status light could represent many things, I use it as a way to be sure all my doors are closed and locked.
How I created HomeKit smart light solutions for my fish tanks
There are so many unique applications for HomeKit, many of which we've explored. One of my favorite applications in my own home has been creating custom HomeKit lighting solutions for my pair of fish tanks.
Amazon acquires smart home startup Ring, continues to pledge HomeKit support
Seemingly out of nowhere, Amazon looks set to acquire Ring.
Bixby tabletop speaker will make its debut in the second half of 2018
Samsung's mobile head D.J. Koh has official confirmed that his company is working on a smart speaker powered by its digital assistant Bixby that will debut in the second half of this year.
After being announced at CES, Arlo has added HomeKit support to baby cam through update
After being announced at CES 2018, Netgear has followed through with adding HomeKit support to their Arlo Baby HD camera.
Getting to know the various status lights on your HomePod and what they mean
Knowing what the various status lights on the top of your HomePod convey is an important feedback mechanism when using the speaker's touch controls and other interactions.
iDevices finally releases Instant Switch, with some concessions
After first being announced at CES 2017Â touting HomeKit and Alexa support, iDevices has finally released their easy-to-use Instant Switch for smart homes.
Quick tip: How to change device icons in the Home app
The Home app gives all your HomeKit accessories a default icon whenever you add them. Did you know, there are other icons you can choose from?
HomeKit Automation #002: How to properly group accessories
In the second entry to our HomeKit automation series, we take a look at the different grouping methods for accessories. This is especially helpful in lights or fixtures that utilize multiple bulbs.