Smart Home Insider

Discover the latest innovations and insights from the Dreame Next event in San Francisco, where new smart home products, robotic ideas, and industry trends took center stage. Join us as we explore groundbreaking updates, the presence of AI, and what’s coming next for smart home automation. Featuring an exclusive interview with Shu Yang, GM of Dreame North America.In this episode:Andrew’s experience at Dreame Next and key highlights of the eventDetailed review of the new Philips Hue Bridge Pro Spatial Aware featureOverview of Sonoff's NS Panel Pro Gen 2 and its smart home potentialDeep dive into Dreamy's ambitious, futuristic product lineup including refrigerators and robotic vacuumsAnalysis of Dreame's robot arms, AI integration, and upcoming smart home gadgetsInsights into new trends like dual-zone air conditioners and activity-specific appliancesReal talk about product viability, vaporware, and what might actually hit the marketThe importance of innovation combined with realistic expectations in smart home techSend 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:Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/homekit!NordStellar: Get an exclusive offer: Unlock your 10% discount on NordStellar with the coupon code: SMARTHOMEINSIDER10 - Just mention it to NordStellar!One Skin: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code HOMEKIT at https://www.oneskin.co/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 showPhilips Hue Bridge ProSonoff NSPanel Pro Gen 2Dreame TechThose interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

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 innovationsHow Matter, Thread, and UWB are transforming device connectivityThe role of AI in simplifying automation setup and personalizationDifferences and future plans for Yale, August, and other brands in the marketAdvances in retrofit solutions for smart blinds, shades, and other accessoriesChallenges with multi-home device management in apartments and condosEmerging smart lock technologies including UWB and AliroThe User Experience evolution with automatic unlocking and tap-based accessThe significance of design innovation and brand differentiationIndustry resilience and firmware update strategies for complex home systemsSend us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow your host at:@andrew_osu on Twitter@andrewohara941 on ThreadsEmail me hereSponsored by:Gusto: Try Gusto today at https://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/homekitHomeKit Insider YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.Links from the showMultiple Apple Home garage doors in CarPlayGreat projector automation from Aqara forumSwitchBot Wooden Air PurifierYale Assure 2 Lock with MatterYale Home WebsiteThose interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

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:@andrew_osu on Twitter@andrewohara941 on ThreadsEmail me hereSponsored by:Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at: shopify.com/homekitCopilot 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/homekitHomeKit Insider YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.Links from the showModern Day TechSony leaves the TV spaceApple Home Hub to swivelSmartSetup Mortise LockGoogle Home outageNetatmo Thermo lineThose interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

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:@andrew_osu on Twitter@andrewohara941 on ThreadsEmail me hereSponsored by:Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at: shopify.com/homekitCopilot 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 ChannelSubscribe to the HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.Links from the showApple Home Architecture UpgradeDJI Joins CSALifX Matter MirrorEve ThermostatAqara CES 2026Hunter FansGE ShadesGE New Shades on AmazonTCL LocksPhilips Hue Spatial LightingSensereo Airo KickstarterThose interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

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:@andrew_osu on Twitter@andrewohara941 on ThreadsEmail me hereSponsored by:Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at: shopify.com/homekitCopilot 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 ChannelSubscribe to the HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.Links from the showMy favorite smart home devices of 2025 (video)Dolby Flex Connect system from LGSamsung SmartThings announces Matter 1.5 supportThose interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

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:@andrew_osu on Twitter@andrewohara941 on ThreadsEmail me hereSponsored 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/homekitHomeKit Insider YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.Links from the showApple releases 26.2 updateApple Home Hub details leakDoma HomeShelly Matter plugEve Thermo 5th-GenPlume joins CSASmart home studyHomey Pro (2026)PawportThose interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

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:@andrew_osu on Twitter@andrewohara941 on ThreadsEmail me hereSponsored by:Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/homekitSurfshark: 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 ChannelSubscribe to the HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.Links from the showSonoff Mini Duo 2-GangApple smart display editorialEve Thermo 4 on CSA websiteNomad Tracking Card ProXthings Matter CameraThose interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

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:@andrew_osu on Twitter@andrewohara941 on ThreadsEmail me hereSponsored 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 ChannelSubscribe to the HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.Links from the showMatter 1.5 ReleaseThose interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com