Apple's iOS 16, iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura updates lack support for using the iPad as a home hub, and upcoming Matter support may have something to do with it.
Apple removes support for using your iPad as a home hub
Smart Home
Apple announces refreshed Home app, support for new smart home standard Matter
Continuing with its iOS 16 announcements, Apple has unveiled a refreshed Home app. It doesn't appear to be a total redesign, but there are a ton of UI refinements that make the app easier to use. Additionally, Apple says that support for the new smart home standard Matter is on the way.
homeOS remains elusive, but appears again in a brand new Apple job listing
It's been a bit of a busy years (going on a busy two years, honestly), so no one would blame you if you didn't remember that, at one point, it was rumored that Apple could be launching a brand new operating system in 2021. Or just rebranding an existing framework. Either way, "homeOS" was all the rage for a very short period of time, and now it's back to help stoke the rumor flame.
watchOS 8: A redesigned Home app for Apple Watch picks up new smart home features
watchOS 8 brings a significant update to the Home app on your Apple Watch, making it easier to control your HomeKit accessories and scenes, use Intercom and more, right from your wrist.
Apple may announce a new homeOS operating system at WWDC21
Apple may unveil a new operating system at the WWDC21, its upcoming developer conference, with an Apple Music job ad referencing the previously unannounced software twice.
Apple, Google and Amazon to ship first Project CHIP smart home appliances later this year
The first smart home devices from Apple, Google, Amazon and other companies, based on the new Project CHIP interoperable standard, are scheduled to arrive later this year.
Apple is developing smart speakers featuring screens and cameras, but they’re not imminent
Apple's given up on the full-size $299 HomePod to focus on the more affordable $99 HomePod mini, with a new report alleging additional smart speakers from Apple may be on the way.
Apple had worked on an updated version of the full-size HomePod before the discontinuation
Apple is no longer making full-size HomePods, but a new report alleges that the company had been actually working on a new version of the Siri-powered speaker before the discontinuation.
Get this highly-rated smart video doorbell for just $90
Heads up, Amazon is running a sweet deal on this smart video doorbell from Eufy. It's easy to install, offers super clear video, does not require monthly fees, and right now it's just $90.
Get this highly rated smart plug for just $10
Turning your home into a smart home doesn't have to be expensive. Right now Amazon has the Kasa Smart Plug, which allows you to operate a light or appliance using your phone or voice, for just ten bucks.
Control HomeKit devices from your Mac’s menu bar with the free Scenecuts app
The free, open-source Scenecuts app by Seattle developer Nick Hayward is a great little utility that allows you to bypass Apple's unimpressive Home app and access your smart home devices and trigger HomeKit scenes directly through the macOS menu bar.
HomePod mini vs Amazon Echo: Which should you buy?
Apple introduced a tinier version of its popular HomePod called HomePod mini. This smart speaker is not only smaller in size, but also in price as compared to its parent. Both of these features put the HomePod mini more in the running as a direct competitor to the Amazon Echo.
Whether for yourself or a gift for a loved one, you might be trying to decide between the two (or three including the Amazon Echo Dot). To help, we have a comparison of HomePod mini versus Amazon Echo. Hopefully this will help you pick the best smart speaker for your home or someone else’s.