Smart Home Insider

Andrew O’Hara and Dan Turk break down Apple’s newly confirmed smart home event on October 13, then dig into the bigger story: Apple’s long-awaited push into smart home hardware. They also cover Ring’s new smart lock and why it got overshadowed almost immediately by Apple’s announcements.In this episode, Andrew and Dan focus on what Apple’s smart home strategy might look like, including new HomePod mini, Apple TV 4K, and smart display rumors, plus a new wave of LG and Schneider Electric accessories built for Apple Home.Key topicsApple has confirmed a smart home focused event or hands-on experience in New York on October 13, with no livestream expectedThe rumored Apple lineup includes a new HomePod mini, Apple TV 4K, and a smart home displayDan and Andrew discuss why Apple choosing a smaller in-person experience feels more like a hobby than a major category launchRing introduced its first smart lock, featuring a kinetic emergency backup knob meant to address battery anxietyThe hosts question whether smart lock battery failure is a real user problem or more of a perceived fear for non-usersRing’s new lock surprisingly does not appear to include Matter support, despite Amazon’s public support for the standardApple’s smart home direction may emphasize reducing setup anxiety through a better commissioning experience, not just better devicesBloomberg and code references point to Apple working with LG and Schneider Electric on a new line of Apple Home accessoriesReported devices include a doorbell, deadbolt, thermostat, environmental sensor, indoor camera, outdoor camera, and floodlight cameraThe big Apple differentiator may be special NFC based setup and Home app commissioning that works better than standard Matter onboardingLG devices may remove Matter’s offline NFC proxy flow and replace it with an Apple Home specific setup pathThe hosts debate whether this strategy improves the smart home experience broadly or creates a premium tier only for Apple partnered hardwareSeveral of the new devices appear designed to support Thread, UWB, dual band Wi-Fi, and better cross device automationThe indoor camera may use a motorized pan or privacy mechanism, while the doorbell may include two cameras for better package visibilitySend me your smart home questions and recommendations with the hashtag #SmartHomeInsider. Tweet and follow your host at:@andrew_osu on Twitter@andrewohara941 on ThreadsEmail me hereSponsored 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 ChannelSubscribe to the Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.Links from the showRing Door LockPDFU LG Accessory VideosLG Apple ThermostatLG Apple Environmental SensorLG Apple Door LockThose interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: [email protected]

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 topicsIn 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:@andrew_osu on Twitter@andrewohara941 on ThreadsEmail me hereSponsored 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 ChannelSubscribe to the Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.Links from the showHomePod mini 2 colorsNew Apple TV 4K leaksSiri AI coming to HomePodEufy Edge 5.0 LineupGovee Outdoor Holiday Light ProjectorUltraloq Mission Bolt UWBUltaloq Latch 5 ProUltaloq Bolt ProThose interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: [email protected]

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 topicsDan 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:@andrew_osu on Twitter@andrewohara941 on ThreadsEmail me hereSponsored by:CleanMyMac: Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code SMARTHOME for 20% off at https://clnmy.com/SMARTHOMEFactor: 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 ChannelSubscribe to the Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.Links from the showApple iPhone 18 Event AnnouncedHomey Device Firmware UpdatesIFA 2026Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: [email protected]