Smart Home Insider

Latest Episodes:

Resideo & Honeywell Home Catch-Up with Scott Harkins, Plus New Smart Plugs & Thread Milestone Dec 22, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of HomeKit Insider, host Andrew welcomes Scott Harkins, SVP of Sales at Resideo, to discuss the latest in smart home technology. As they gear up for CES, they delve into the advancements of Honeywell Home's new smart thermostat and the growing adoption of Thread technology. Scott shares insights on Resideo's journey, the impact of Matter on smart home integration, and the future of connected home devices. Tune in for an engaging conversation on the evolution of smart home solutions and what lies ahead.

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

Sponsored by:

Function Health: Learn more and join using my link. Visit www.functionhealth.com/HOMEKIT or use code HOMEKIT25 for a $25 credit towards your membership.
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/HOMEKITINSIDER

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

August Co-Founder Jason Johnson Launches Doma Home For Future of Smart Homes Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of HomeKit Insider, host Andrew O'Hara is joined by Jason Johnson, co-founder of August Smart Lock, to discuss his new venture, DOMA Home. They explore the evolution of smart home technology, the challenges of access control, and the innovative solutions DOMA Home is bringing to the market. Tune in to hear about the latest updates in smart home devices, including Apple's iOS 26.2 release, and the exciting future of smart home integration with Matter and HomeKit.

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

Sponsored by:

Function Health: Learn more and join using my link. Visit www.functionhealth.com/HOMEKIT or use code HOMEKIT25 for a $25 credit towards your membership.
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

Aqara Launches Direct Siri Integration in S1 Plus, Chamberlain Locks Down, & SwitchBot Candle Warmer Review Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of HomeKit Insider, host Andrew O'Hara dives into the latest smart home innovations as we approach the holiday season. From Nuki's revamped pricing model for their smart locks to Honeywell's new premium thermostat, Andrew provides insightful reviews and personal takes on these products. He also explores the exciting developments from Acara and Chamberlain, and shares his thoughts on the Anker Prime Wireless Charger and SwitchBot Candle Warmer. Tune in for a comprehensive look at the evolving smart home landscape and discover how these products can enhance your home experience.

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

Sponsored by:

Function Health: Learn more and join using my link. Visit www.functionhealth.com/HOMEKIT or use code HOMEKIT25 for a $25 credit towards your membership.
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.
Notion Agent: Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at 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

Matter 1.5 Cameras, Apple Smart Display Thoughts, & Nomad Tracking Card Pro Review Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of HomeKit Insider, host Andrew O'Hara dives into the latest updates in the smart home world, focusing on the launch of Matter 1.5 and its implications for camera support. Andrew shares insights from manufacturers like Akara and Eve, discussing their plans for integrating Matter into their products. He also highlights the new UltiCam IQ V2 from Xthings, a promising addition to the smart home ecosystem. Additionally, Andrew explores the potential of Apple's upcoming smart home display and its integration with Apple intelligence. Tune in for a comprehensive look at the future of smart home technology and some personal anecdotes about navigating power outages with smart devices.

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
Surfshark: Go to https://surfshark.com/homekit or use code homekit at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!
Function Health: Learn more and join using my link. Visit www.functionhealth.com/HOMEKIT or use code HOMEKIT25 for a $25 credit towards your membership.

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

In Depth Talk with Philips Hue Founder & Head of Technology George Yianni Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of HomeKit Insider, host Andrew O'Hara welcomes George Yianni, the visionary founder and CTO of Signify, Philips Hue. Dive into the fascinating journey of Philips Hue, from its groundbreaking launch with Apple to its evolution into a leader in smart lighting. Discover the latest innovations, including the MotionAware technology and the new Hue Bridge Pro, and explore how Philips Hue continues to redefine the role of lighting in our homes. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a smart home aficionado, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Tune in to learn how Philips Hue is lighting the way to a smarter future.

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.
CleanMyMac: Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code HOMEKIT for 20% off at clnmy.com/HOMEKITINSIDER

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

Cameras Officially Come to Matter with 1.5 Release -- Guest Host Chris LaPre Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

In this special episode of HomeKit Insider, host Andrew is joined by Chris LaPré from the Connectivity Standard Alliance to discuss the highly anticipated Matter 1.5 update. The conversation delves into the new features and improvements, including support for cameras, closures, soil sensors, and advanced energy management. Chris shares insights into the challenges and opportunities of integrating these updates into existing ecosystems, highlighting the potential for enhanced interoperability and consumer experience.

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

Sponsored by:

Nuki: Grab your Nuki smart lock & Keypad 2 bundle on Amazon or from Nuki direct and save 15% using code NUKIAI15 until December 31!
Surfshark: Go to https://surfshark.com/homekit or use code homekit at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!

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

Matter 1.5 Release

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

Zigbee 4.0 & Suzi Sub-GHz Launch with Guest Genie Peshkova Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of HomeKit Insider, host Andrew O'Hara is joined by Genie Peshkova, the Zigbee Marketing Product Group Chair, to discuss the latest updates in smart home technology. They delve into the exciting announcements of Zigbee 4.0 and the new Suzy brand, exploring their implications for smart energy management and enhanced security. The conversation also covers the latest in sensor technology, including Akara's multi-presence sensor and SwitchBot's new offerings. Tune in for insights into the evolving landscape of smart home devices and what these advancements mean for the future.

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

Sponsored by:

Surfshark: Go to https://surfshark.com/homekit or use code homekit at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!
Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at: shopify.com/homekit
Function Health: Learn more and join using my link. The first 1,000 users get $100 credit. Visit www.functionhealth.com/HOMEKIT or 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

Ikea's New Lineup, Apple Updates, & Necessary Smart Home Maintenance Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of HomeKit Insider, host Andrew O'Hara dives into the latest updates in the smart home world, including Apple's tvOS 26.1 and 26.2 updates, IKEA's new lineup of smart home devices, and a review of the Synology DS723 Plus NAS. Andrew also shares personal experiences with various smart home gadgets and offers insights into maintaining a smart home.

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

Sponsored by:

Function Health: Learn more and join using my link. The first 1,000 users get $100 credit. Visit www.functionhealth.com/HOMEKIT or use code HOMEKIT at checkout
Notion Agent: Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at notion.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

Smart Candle Warmer, Samsung Smart Home Hub 2, & Aqara G100 Review! Nov 03, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of HomeKit Insider, hosts Andrew O'Hara and Wes Hilliard dive into the latest smart home innovations and challenges. They discuss the potential bankruptcy of iRobot, the introduction of DJI's new robotic vacuum, and the intriguing features of the Akara Cam G100. The conversation also touches on the importance of local control in smart home devices and the evolving landscape of Matter integration. Tune in for insights on the future of smart home technology and practical advice for navigating the ever-changing tech ecosystem.

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

Sponsored by:

Surfshark: Go to https://surfshark.com/homekit or use code homekit at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!
Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at: shopify.com/homekit
Function Health: Learn more and join using my link. The first 1,000 users get $100 credit. Visit www.functionhealth.com/HOMEKIT or 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

Cole Ashman from Pila Energy, Toilet Smart Camera, & Whisker Litter Robot 5! Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of HomeKit Insider, host Andrew welcomes Cole Ashman, founder and CEO of Pela, to discuss the future of smart home power integrations. They delve into the innovative solutions offered by Pela, including a plug-and-play battery system designed for every home and business. Cole shares insights from his experience at Tesla and Span, highlighting the importance of energy independence and the convergence of smart home technology with power management. Tune in to explore how these advancements are reshaping the way we think about home energy solutions.

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
Zapier: Get started for free by visiting zapier.com/homekit
Function Health: Learn more and join using my link. The first 1,000 users get $100 credit. Visit www.functionhealth.com/HOMEKIT or 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

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