Smart Home Insider

Latest Episodes:

CSA's Nelson Henry Talks Aliro Launch: The Future of Digital Keys Mar 02, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of "Smart Home Insider," host Andrew is joined by guest Nelson Henry to dive into the latest developments in smart home technology. They discuss the transition from HomeKit Insider to Smart Home Insider, highlighting the new show logo by Basic Apple Guy. The conversation covers IKEA's push into smart home devices with Matter and Thread, the innovative smart nightlight by Third Reality, and the security concerns surrounding DJI's Romo vacuums. They also explore the new Aliro standard for digital keys, its implications for smart locks, and the potential for increased interoperability across devices and ecosystems. Tune in for insights on the future of smart home tech and how it impacts everyday life.

Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow your host at:

Sponsored by:

Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at: shopify.com/homekit
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HomeKit 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

HomeKit Insider's Next Chapter, Apple Experience, & More with Guest Brian Tong Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

Join us as we sit down with tech veteran Brian Tong to discuss the exciting rebrand of HomeKit Insider to Smart Home Insider, Apple's evolving smart home strategy, and the future of AI in consumer devices. Whether you're a smart home enthusiast, Apple aficionado, or industry watcher, this episode offers deep insights into what’s coming next.

Key Topics:

The story behind rebranding from HomeKit Insider to Smart Home Insider
Apple's strategic moves in the smart home space, including upcoming devices and sensors
The future of AI in consumer tech: Apple's developments, partnerships, and product ambitions
The state of CarPlay, Apple's automotive ambitions, and the evolving auto industry landscape
Privacy and security’s role in Apple's innovation and competitive advantage

Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow your host at:

Sponsored by:

Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at: shopify.com/homekit

HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel

Subscribe to the HomeKit 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

SwitchBot AI Hub, First Matter Gate Latch, & Invincible Wi-Fi Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of HomeKit Insider, Andrew O'Hara dives into the latest developments in smart home technology amidst a backdrop of frigid weather conditions. He shares personal experiences with smart home devices like Aqara doorbells and Rio Arc space heaters, highlighting their performance in extreme cold. Andrew also discusses the innovative Switchbot AI Hub, which offers local AI processing for video analysis and automation, enhancing privacy and functionality without cloud reliance. The episode covers the controversial Ring Super Bowl ad and its privacy implications, alongside a sponsorship segment on Incogni's privacy protection services. Andrew reviews new products like the Switchbot AI Hub and Eero Signal, and shares listener-submitted automation tips. The episode wraps up with a review of the SpotMinders tracking card, emphasizing its discreet design and functionality.

This summary captures the essence of the episode, focusing on the blend of personal anecdotes, product reviews, and privacy discussions that engage listeners interested in smart home advancements.

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Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow your host at:

Sponsored by:

Incogni: Take your personal data back with Incogni! Get 60% off an annual plan at https://incogni.com/homekit and use code HOMEKIT at checkout.
CleanMyMac: Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code HOMEKIT for 20% off at https://clnmy.com/HOMEKIT

HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel

Subscribe to the HomeKit 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

Smart Locks, Aliro, & Shared Family Living with Yale's Garrett Lovejoy Feb 09, 2026

Show notes

Join us in this episode as Garrett Lovejoy, SVP at Fortune Brands and General Manager of Connected Security, shares insights into the evolving landscape of smart locks, industry standards like Matter, Thread, and UWB, and the future of intelligent home automation. Discover what’s next for connected security, design trends, and how AI is democratizing automation creation.

In this episode:

The impact of CES 2026 on smart home industry innovations
How Matter, Thread, and UWB are transforming device connectivity
The role of AI in simplifying automation setup and personalization
Differences and future plans for Yale, August, and other brands in the market
Advances in retrofit solutions for smart blinds, shades, and other accessories
Challenges with multi-home device management in apartments and condos
Emerging smart lock technologies including UWB and Aliro
The User Experience evolution with automatic unlocking and tap-based access
The significance of design innovation and brand differentiation
Industry resilience and firmware update strategies for complex home systems

Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow your host at:

Sponsored by:

Gusto: Try Gusto today athttps://gusto.com/homekit, and get three months free when you run your first payroll.
Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at: shopify.com/homekit

HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel

Subscribe to the HomeKit 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

Integrating Apple Home & Siri Shortcuts with Guest Matthew Cassinelli Feb 02, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of HomeKit Insider, Andrew teams up with shortcut expert Matthew Cassinelli to delve into the world of smart home automation. They explore the evolution of shortcuts from Workflow to Apple Shortcuts, offering insights into personal and home automations within Apple HomeKit. Listeners will learn how to enhance their home setups with advanced logic, integrate APIs for custom solutions, and troubleshoot common issues. The episode also highlights future smart home interfaces, real-world automation examples, and the potential of AI in home automation. Perfect for tech enthusiasts eager to elevate their smart home experience.

Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow our hosts at:

Sponsored by:

Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at: shopify.com/homekit
Incogni: Take your personal data back with Incogni! Get 60% off an annual plan at https://incogni.com/homekit and use code HOMEKIT at checkout.

HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel

Subscribe to the HomeKit 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 Home Hub Swivel Base, Netamto Thermostat, & Sony Cedes the TV Space Jan 26, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of HomeKit Insider, Andrew O'Hara is joined by Eric from Modern Day Tech to discuss the latest in smart home technology. They explore the challenges of setting up smart home devices, the evolution of Eric's YouTube channel, and the future of smart home hubs, including Apple's potential new releases. The conversation also touches on the reliability of different smart home brands and the importance of local control in smart home systems.

Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow our hosts at:

Sponsored by:

Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at: shopify.com/homekit
Copilot Money: Limited-time: Get two months free when you sign up at copilot.money and use coupon code HOMEKIT! **(new users only, web only)
Notion Agent: Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at: https://notion.com/homekit

HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel

Subscribe to the HomeKit 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

Mega Review Episode: Aqara U400, IKEA Matter Lineup, & Govee Nugget Ice Maker Pro Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of HomeKit Insider, host Andrew O'Hara dives into the latest smart home innovations, including an in-depth review of the U400 Smart Lock, the Govee Nugget Ice Maker Pro, and IKEA's new Matter-over-Thread lineup. Andrew shares his personal experiences from CES, discusses the exciting new features of Apple's Creator Studio, and explores the potential of AI in smart home technology. Tune in for expert insights, product reviews, and a glimpse into the future of smart living. Don't miss out on the latest trends and tips for enhancing your home with cutting-edge technology!

Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow our hosts at:

Sponsored by:

Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at: shopify.com/homekit
CleanMyMac: Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code HOMEKIT for 20% off at clnmy.com/HOMEKIT
Gusto: Try Gusto today athttps://gusto.com/homekit, and get three months free when you run your first payroll.

HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel

Subscribe to the HomeKit 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

CES Mega Episode -- All the Best Matter & Apple Home Devices from CES 2026 Jan 12, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of HomeKit Insider, host Andrew O'Hara discusses the latest announcements from CES 2026, focusing on smart home technology and innovations. Key topics include Apple's upcoming mandatory home architecture upgrade, new members of the Connectivity Standards Alliance, and exciting product launches from brands like LifX, EVE, Aqara, IKEA, and Philips Hue. The episode highlights advancements in smart locks, thermostats, and home automation devices, emphasizing the integration of Matter and Apple Home compatibility across various products.

Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow our hosts at:

Sponsored by:

Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at: shopify.com/homekit
Copilot Money: Limited-time: Get 26% off your first year when you sign up at copilot.money and use coupon code HOMEKIT! **(new users only, web only)
Incogni: Take your personal data back with Incogni! Get 60% off an annual plan at https://incogni.com/homekit and use code HOMEKIT at checkout.

HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel

Subscribe to the HomeKit 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

Aliro Ready to Launch, Roomba Adds Matter, & CES 2026 Roundup PART 1! Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of HomeKit Insider, Andrew O'Hara gears up for CES 2026, sharing insights on the latest smart home innovations. He discusses the schedule and events leading up to CES, including media-only unveilings and third-party events. Andrew highlights exciting new products, such as Matter-enabled cameras, Roomba's Matter support, and innovative smart home devices from brands like Samsung, Govee, and Hisense. He also shares his personal experiences and preparations for the show.

Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow our hosts at:

Sponsored by:

Notion Agent: Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at: https://notion.com/homekit
Copilot Money: Limited-time: Get 26% off your first year when you sign up at copilot.money and use coupon code HOMEKIT! **(new users only, web only)

HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel

Subscribe to the HomeKit 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

The Best Smart Home Devices of 2025 & The Fall of Roomba Dec 29, 2025

Show notes

In this exciting episode, we dive into the most popular tech trends of the year, focusing on the rise of iRobot and the challenges faced by American companies in pursuing innovative strategies. We explore the booming robotic lawnmower category and highlight Aqara's impressive achievements with camera technology. Join us for a dynamic discussion filled with insights and forward-thinking perspectives.

Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow our hosts at:

Sponsored by:

Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at: shopify.com/homekit
Copilot Money: Limited-time: Get 26% off your first year when you sign up at copilot.money and use coupon code HOMEKIT! **(new users only, web only)

HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel

Subscribe to the HomeKit 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

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