Smart Home Insider

Latest Episodes:

New Apple TV 4K, HomePod mini, & More Leak, Plus Anker Eufy Launch Event Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

Andrew O’Hara covers a packed week of smart home news, led by fresh Apple code leaks that point to new Apple TV, HomePod, and HomePod mini changes. He also breaks down Apple’s Apple Intelligence camera pricing, then shares hands-on impressions from the Anchor Eufy launch event and a quick look at new lock and projector hardware.

Key topics

In this episode, Andrew summarizes new Apple code references suggesting an upcoming Apple TV 4K that looks like the current model, plus hints at new HomePod-related features.
He explains how Apple may add sound to Apple TV screensavers, including the Snoopy screensaver, with a user toggle for enabling or disabling audio.
He discusses possible four-speaker HomePod surround sound support, which could allow more immersive multi-point audio in a room.
Andrew shares what the leak shows for Siri and Apple Intelligence on HomePod, including new animation assets and speculation about whether older hardware will support the feature.
He reveals new HomePod mini 2 color options surfaced in code: green, pink, blue, white, and black, with orange seemingly on the way out.
He argues that Apple Intelligence camera pricing is too high, comparing Apple’s camera limits and storage tiers against a competitor offering unlimited cameras for $10 per month.
Andrew breaks down the difference between HomeKit Secure Video storage and Apple Intelligence summaries, emphasizing that they are separate services with separate costs.
He covers Ultralock’s new deadbolts, including the Bolt Pro and Latch 5 Pro with Aliro NFC support, and the Bolt Mission with ultra-wideband but no Aliro or Home Key.
He explains why he prefers system-level access methods like UWB, Home Key, or Aliro over app-dependent unlock flows.
He looks at Govee’s Holiday Pattern Projector Lite, an outdoor projector with a dual-light setup, interchangeable projection films, Matter support, and use beyond holiday decorating.
He wraps with hands-on thoughts from the Anker Eufy event, including the company’s property-wide camera strategy and a standout track-light camera that follows motion.

Send me your smart home questions and recommendations with the hashtag #SmartHomeInsider. Tweet and follow your host at:

Sponsored by:

Quo: Try QUO for free PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://quo.com/HOMEKIT!
Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/homekit!

Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel

Subscribe to the Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.

Links from the show

Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

iPhone 18 Pro Impressions, Aqara FP400 Hands On, & New App Updates Sep 21, 2026

Show notes

Andrew O’Hara recaps a packed week of Apple launches, hands-on impressions with the new iPhone 18 Pro models and Apple Watch features, and the latest smart home news that actually matters for daily use. He also digs into new beta changes, battery tracking tools, smarter security features, and several interesting product updates from IKEA, Govee, and Aqara.

Send me your smart home questions and recommendations with the hashtag #SmartHomeInsider. Tweet and follow your host at:

Sponsored by:

Copilot Money: Limited-time: Get two months free when you sign up at copilot.money/smarthome and use coupon code SMARTHOME!
Hims: Visit https://hims.com/homeinsider to get a personalized plan that gets you!
Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/homekit!

Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel

Subscribe to the Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.

Links from the show

Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

Apple Event Roundup, Apple TV 4K MIA, and tvOS 27 Launches Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

Andrew is joined by Dan Turk for a post-event recap focused on what Apple actually shipped, what it did not, and why that matters for smart home and ecosystem users. They dig into tvOS 27, the new AirPods 5, the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, and the surprisingly compelling iPhone Duo, with a lot of discussion about Apple’s product timing and smart home roadmap.

We discuss Apple’s quality-of-life software updates, the camera and battery improvements in the new iPhones, and why the foldable may be the most interesting device in the lineup. There’s also a broader conversation about Apple’s smart home strategy, the upcoming home hardware rumors, and how the Duo may preview features for a future smart display.

Key topics

Dan Turk joins Andrew for a post-event analysis of Apple’s newest hardware and software announcements.
tvOS 27 gets a practical update pass, including faster app launches, better Control Center responsiveness, improved AirPlay behavior, Hi-Fi lossless Apple Music support, and Thread 1.4.
The new Apple TV remote app is getting its own standalone app, plus early hints of a built-in app launcher and top shelf carousel view.
No dedicated HomePod, Apple TV, or smart display was announced, which Andrew and Dan frame as a timing and PR strategy decision.
AirPods 5 bring ANC to the base model at the same price, improved water resistance, and better battery life and volume controls on the higher-end version.
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max deliver major camera, battery, thermal, and performance improvements.
The iPhone Duo impresses with its foldable design, software experience, standby modes, and potential smart home implications.
Andrew explains why the Duo’s standby-style display modes could preview Apple’s future smart display interface.
The hosts discuss Apple’s launch timing, rumored smart home hardware, and the company’s broader ecosystem strategy.

Send me your smart home questions and recommendations with the hashtag #SmartHomeInsider. Tweet and follow your host at:

Sponsored by:

CleanMyMac: Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code SMARTHOME for 20% off at https://clnmy.com/SMARTHOME
Factor: Head to factormeals.com/hki50off and use code hki50off to get 50 percent off and 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year, while supplies last until 10/31/2026!
Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/homekit!

Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel

Subscribe to the Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.

Links from the show

Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

Apple Event Rumors, New Sonos Gear, & How Matic Is Reinventing Robovacs with Co-Founder Mehul Sep 07, 2026

Show notes

Andrew kicks off with a fast-moving smart home news roundup, then sits down with Mehul, co-founder of Matic, to unpack how his team built a radically different robot vacuum. The conversation covers Apple event rumors, new smart home apps, Sonos hardware updates, and then goes deep on robot design, privacy, AI, and the tradeoffs behind Matic’s no-dock approach.

Key topics

Andrew previews the upcoming Apple event, including the iPhone 18 Pro, a possible foldable iPhone, new Apple Watches, AirPods, and the chance of new smart home hardware.
Mehul explains his background in computer vision, including early work at Like.com, Flutter, Google, and Nest security cameras.
The pair discuss why Matic was built around a taller, boxier form factor instead of the usual disc-shaped vacuum design.
Mehul argues that most robot vacuums are automation without intelligence, while Matic is designed to behave more like a human navigating a home.
The show highlights several new smart home apps and utilities, including Overflight, Wallflower 3, and Threadalytics.
Andrew and Mehul talk through Sonos’ new Beam Ultra and Ace Ultra headphones, plus the importance of app intents and assistant integration.
The conversation digs into Apple’s rumored smart home push, including a possible home security and monitoring service.
Mehul explains why Matic uses on-device vision processing, local privacy-first gesture detection, and cloud-based language parsing only for open-ended voice commands.
Andrew shares hands-on impressions of Matic’s live activities, room queue controls, vocal prompts, and kid-friendly design details.
The episode closes with pricing changes, a six-month return policy, and the broader tradeoff between simplicity, intelligence, and maintenance.

Send me your smart home questions and recommendations with the hashtag #SmartHomeInsider. Tweet and follow your host at:

Sponsored by:

Quo: Try QUO for free PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://quo.com/HOMEKIT!
Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/homekit!

Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel

Subscribe to the Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.

Links from the show

Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

Apple iPhone 18 Event Confirmed & IFA 2026 Preview with Leif Lindner Aug 31, 2026

Show notes

Leif Lindner, CEO of IFA Berlin, shares insights on the upcoming IFA show, the latest in smart home technology, robotics, and appliance innovation. Discover what to expect from this major event and the future trends shaping consumer electronics.

Key Topics

IFA Berlin's significance and scale
Latest smart home and appliance innovations
Emerging robotics and AI trends
Energy monitoring and sustainability in smart devices
Impact of AI on privacy and security
Future of household chores with robotics
Differences between IFA and CES
Upcoming product announcements and trends

Send me your smart home questions and recommendations with the hashtag #SmartHomeInsider. Tweet and follow your host at:

Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel

Subscribe to the Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.

Links from the show

Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

Apple Smart Home Hub Rumor Roundup: 7-Inch Display, Facial Recognition, & Widgets! Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

Andrew covers a fast-moving smart home news roundup before diving into the latest Apple smart home rumors, including signs of a new Smart Home Hub, a possible Home OS, and related accessories.

Key topics

Homey adds solar forecasting and export pricing
Comcast’s Wi-Fi Motion feature
Eufy’s new NVR security camera system
Shelly’s battery-powered flood sensor
TCL’s Matter-enabled smart lock
Malware found in cheap Android TV boxes
Sonos hardware leaks and Live Activities support
Apple’s rumored Smart Home Hub and Home OS
Possible pricing, sensors, and wall-mounted/tabletop versions

Highlights

Apple’s smart home roadmap is starting to look more real
Widgets and live activities may be central to the user experience
The episode also covers the smartest new devices and biggest risks in the broader smart home market

Send me your smart home questions and recommendations with the hashtag #SmartHomeInsider. Tweet and follow your host at:

Sponsored by:

Quo: Try QUO for free PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://quo.com/HOMEKIT!
Hims: Visit https://hims.com/homeinsider to get a personalized plan that gets you!

Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel

Subscribe to the Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.

Links from the show

Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

Natural Language Instructions for Matic Robot, Apple Intelligence Limits, & Mophie 4-in-1 Review Aug 17, 2026

Show notes

Andrew O'Hara flies solo this week and covers a packed smart home update with new Apple Home and iOS 27 details, notable product launches from Govee, Eufy, Abode, Sonos, Lutron, SwitchBot, PetLibro, Matic, Dashboard, and Mophie. The episode is especially useful if you care about how Apple Intelligence is being tied to iCloud tiers, or you want to see which new devices are actually doing something meaningfully different.

In this episode, Andrew breaks down the newest Apple Home camera summary limits, explains why Govee’s updated light strip matters for Matter users, and highlights Eufy’s standout solar-powered wall light camera. He also dives into a new AI assistant in SwitchBot, a troubling PetLibro server outage, and Matic’s unusually smart vacuum controls that let you point and say what to clean.

Key topics

Andrew is flying solo this week after traveling, and he sets up a news-heavy episode focused on smart home updates and reviews.
iOS 27 Developer Beta 5 adds a new Apple Home camera summary explainer in Home settings, showing that Apple Intelligence features are being tied to iCloud plan tiers.
Apple Home now appears to limit summarized video cameras based on the iCloud tier, separate from HomeKit Secure Video camera limits.
Govee’s new Strip Light 2 moves from Bluetooth to Wi-Fi and adds Matter over Wi-Fi, making it much more relevant for Apple Home users.
The strip also gets updated LumiBlend tech, improved white light reproduction, cut-to-length support, protective coating, and multiple sizes from about 10 feet to 65.6 feet.
Eufy’s Solar Wall Light Cam S4 is the standout product of the week for Andrew, combining a 4K camera, wall sconce lighting, solar charging, a 10,000 mAh battery, and millimeter-wave motion sensing.
Andrew emphasizes why Eufy’s radar-based motion detection is a big upgrade over basic PIR or pixel-difference motion sensing.
Abode adds two outdoor-friendly sensors: an outdoor contact sensor with weather resistance and a garage tilt sensor for doors, sheds, and hatches.
Sonos and Lutron expand their integration so Sonos voice control can operate Lutron Caseta lights, shades, and plugs, while a Pico remote can control Sonos playback.
SwitchBot’s beta AI assistant, KATA, can control devices across rooms, check battery status, guide setup, and even create automations through natural language.
PetLibro had server issues that disrupted some pet feeders, fountains, and litter boxes, raising Andrew’s recurring concern about cloud dependence in smart home gear.
Matic unveils Matic Cues, a major AI-driven update for its vacuum that lets users speak naturally, point to messes, and command the robot to clean specific spots.
Andrew also reviews a new Dashboard app for Apple Home and RTSP cameras that focuses on a clean dashboard-first experience.
The episode closes with the Mophie 4-in-1 charging stand, which adds a hidden retractable USB-C cable and manages to stay compact without active cooling.

Send me your smart home questions and recommendations with the hashtag #SmartHomeInsider. Tweet and follow your host at:

Sponsored by:

Hims: Visit https://hims.com/homeinsider to get a personalized plan that gets you!
Copilot Money: Limited-time: Get two months free when you sign up at copilot.money/smarthome and use coupon code SMARTHOME!

Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel

Subscribe to the Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.

Links from the show

Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

Flight Tracking Poster, Schlage Sense Pro Review, & Listener Questions with Dan Wroclawski from Consumer Reports Aug 10, 2026

Show notes

This week's guest host is Daniel Wroclawski, Senior Home & Appliances Writer at Consumer Reports. Andrew and Dan cover the latest smart home news, from Apple Home dashboard apps and new Matter gear to premium locks, Matter dehumidifiers, smart shades, and mesh router recommendations. They also answer listener questions and share practical advice on the best products for real-world homes.

Highlights

Home Deck app for Apple TV and iPad
Leviton’s new Matter-over-Wi-Fi Decora switch and dimmer
Ubiquiti SuperLink and Thread hardware
Flight Portrait, the e-ink flight tracker
Schlage Sense Pro vs. Aqara U400
12 South’s updated 25W valet charger
HiSense Matter dehumidifier
Smart shade retrofit recommendations
Mesh router picks for smart homes

Send me your smart home questions and recommendations with the hashtag #SmartHomeInsider. Tweet and follow your host at:

Sponsored by:

CleanMyMac: Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code SMARTHOME for 20% off at https://clnmy.com/SMARTHOME
Factor: Head to factormeals.com/hki50off and use code hki50off to get 50 percent off and 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year, while supplies last until 10/31/2026!

Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel

Subscribe to the Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.

Links from the show

Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

U.S. Bans Foreign Robovacs & How Z-Wave is Staying Relevant in 2026 with Guest Avi Rosenthal Aug 03, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Andrew sits down with Avi Rosenthal, chair of the Z-Wave Alliance, to explore the future of smart home technology, the role of open standards, and why Z-Wave still matters in a world of Matter, Thread, and Wi‑Fi. They also dig into recent government restrictions on smart devices, the rise of Z-Wave Long Range, and what true interoperability looks like in the connected home.

Topics covered:

The new ban on foreign robotics to the U.S.
New rumors on Apple's smart home timeline
A new circulator fan from SwitchBot
Homey's new Matter 1.5 certification
Why Z-Wave is still worth considering in new and existing smart homes

Send me your smart home questions and recommendations with the hashtag #SmartHomeInsider. Tweet and follow your host at:

Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel

Subscribe to the Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.

Links from the show

Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

Matter-Enabled Monitor Stand, Big Sonos App Update, & A New Studio! Jul 27, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Andrew explores the latest smart home upgrades, from energy-monitoring smart plugs and Nanoleaf’s modular desk stand to the growing Matter-powered camera ecosystem. He shares practical insights on reliability, privacy, and compatibility to help you build a smarter home that actually works.

Send me your smart home questions and recommendations with the hashtag #SmartHomeInsider. Tweet and follow your host at:

Sponsored by:

Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/homekit!
Quo: Try QUO for free PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://quo.com/HOMEKIT!

Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel

Subscribe to the Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.

Links from the show

Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected