Smart Home Insider

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.

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In this episode, Andrew talks with Alan Coleman, CPO at Plume, about how the company is moving beyond Wi-Fi management to improve the overall connected-home experience. They cover smart home reliability, AI-powered troubleshooting, cybersecurity, and why open standards like Thread and Matter matter for the future of home networking.

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In this episode, Andrew dives into an exclusive hands-on review of the Channel Master Pro Floodlight, highlighting its innovative use of coaxial power and the unmatched reliability that makes it a favorite among pros. We’ll compare it with Govee's 3,000-lumen solution, exploring pros, cons, and which is best suited for your property—whether you’re looking for affordability, durability, or compatibility with Apple HomeKit. Plus, Andrew discusses other killer outdoor options, from affordable solar-powered models to professional-grade solutions, helping you choose the perfect floodlight for your needs. Plus, other news from the week and a bunch of listener questi...

Dive into this episode where we have a giveaway from Eve to celebrate the World Cup. We also explore the latest in smart home tech, including exciting product launches from Third Reality, Zemismart, Nanoleaf, and Switchbot. Find out how these innovations can enhance your living space and streamline your automation setup.

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Dive into this episode where we unpack recent developments on Thread features and partnerships, to industry shifts in pricing and product launches. Stay informed about what’s next in IoT and how it impacts your connected home setup. Joining this week is Ann Olivo, VP of marketing for the Thread Group.

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In this episode of Smart Home Insider, Andrew O'Hara covers the first public-facing Unify conference from the CSA, key updates around Matter 1.6, and several major smart home and consumer tech headlines. CSA's Jon Harros joins to talk Matter 1.6, security enhancements, and new device categories. Discover how industry leaders are shaping the future of IoT, smart homes, and interoperability.

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Discover the biggest announcements from WWDC 2026, including iOS 27 features, enhancements to Apple Home, Apple TV, and HomePod. This episode provides a comprehensive overview of new hardware and software updates, AI integrations, and home automation improvements that are shaping the future of smart living.

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Apple’s WWDC is just around the corner, and this year’s keynote promises groundbreaking AI-driven features that could redefine your smart home experience—if they deliver as hoped. But what exactly should we expect, and how will these new tools shape the future of seamless automation? Rich DeMuro, a seasoned tech journalist, joins us for an inside look at the upcoming announcements, teasing the potential of Apple’s AI breakthroughs to revolutionize how you control your home with voice and natural language.

In this episode, we explore the most exciting leaks and rumors from WWDC, focusing on how A...

Unlock the secrets to building a future-proof smart home with the most comprehensive breakdown of connectivity options ever! Whether you're a beginner or looking to upgrade, discover how Wi-Fi, Thread, Zigbee, Z-Wave, and proprietary protocols each play a unique role—and how they can all coexist seamlessly. This episode unveils why Thread is gaining rapid adoption, how Matter is revolutionizing device interoperability, and why Wi-Fi isn't the only game in town anymore.

Dive into this in-depth exploration as Jen Tuohy from The Verge and Andrew O'Hara decode complex connectivity standards into simple choices — perfect for homeowners, DIY enth...

In this episode, Andrew is joined by Jimmy Lin from ADT who shares the insider story behind ADT's new DIY-focused Blu system—an easy-to-install, smart security kit designed for the modern homeowner. We break down how ADT may leverage open standards like Matter and Z-Wave, aiming to unify the smart home ecosystem and finally bridge the gap between security and automation.

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Unlock the future of smart homes with insights from industry expert Daniel Moneta, as he shares the game-changing role of Matter, Samsung SmartThings, and the evolving smart device universe. This episode reveals how major players are shaping an interconnected, seamless smart home experience—without the proprietary silos that frustrate consumers.

Discover the behind-the-scenes strategies Samsung uses to rapidly support and integrate Matter and Thread into their ecosystem—highlighting how appliances like Samsung fridges and washers are transforming connectivity standards. Daniel breaks down how open standards like Matter are shifting from optional to essential, with real-world examples such as I...

Get the latest on smart home industry events, product updates, and new tech launches as Shane Whatley and Andrew discuss everything from the Connectivity Standards Alliance's upcoming public event, HomeBridge 2.0, to new Govee floor lamps and SwitchBot fans. Whether you're a casual enthusiast or a tinkering DIYer, this episode covers essential updates and practical insights to keep your smart home ahead.

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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.

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Explore the latest in smart kitchen technology, from Matter-enabled appliances to AI-powered ovens. Discover how voice-controlled ovens, energy-efficient dishwashers, and smart faucets can transform your cooking experience. Join us as we break down the top innovations and what they mean for your home. Perfect for tech enthusiasts and homeowners looking to upgrade their kitchen.

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Join Andrew on Smart Home Insider as he explores the innovative Acara P100 Multi Sensor. Discover how this versatile device can transform your home with smart automation, from pet care to security. Learn about its dual-protocol capabilities, creative use cases, and seamless integration with platforms like Apple HomeKit. Perfect for tech enthusiasts and DIY homeowners, this episode offers actionable insights to elevate your smart home experience.

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Discover the latest advancements in smart home technology, featuring insights into Matter support, room-specific heating solutions, and the future of connected devices — all with expert commentary from industry insiders. This week, Mary-Ann Rau joins, CEO of Merino Energy who has launched the very first heat pump to support Apple Home.

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In this episode of Smart Home Insider, host Andrew O'Hara covers recent updates in smart home technology, the latest in Matter firmware, innovative DIY hacks, and new product launches including IKEA’s Matter-enabled lighting and Scosche’s Find It Charge tracker. Despite solo hosting, Andrew keeps listeners informed with detailed insights into the evolving smart home landscape.

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Join Andrew and guest host Dan Turk as they break down the latest in Apple’s ecosystem, smart home innovations, and industry trends. From upcoming WWDC announcements to new hardware, this episode offers insights packed with excitement for Apple fans and smart home enthusiasts alike.

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Join Andrew and Martin Diamond, CEO of PawPort, as they explore the latest in smart home technology, pet security innovations, and the future of integrated home devices. Discover how pet doors are evolving into secure, smart, and stylish fixtures within modern homes.

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Discover the latest developments in smart home technology, from Matter-certified devices popping up in big box stores to the challenges and opportunities with AI assistants. Join guest Jennifer Pattison Tuohy from The Verge and your regular host Andrew O'Hara as they share insights into the industry’s future, recent product launches, and their personal experiences navigating smart home ecosystems.

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Explore the future of pet care with Jacob Zuppke, CEO of Whisker, as he talks about how smart pet products like the Litter-Robot 5 Pro are poised to integrate into our connected homes. Discover how these innovations transform routine tasks into intuitive experiences with advanced sensors and health-tracking features, offering life-changing insights for pet owners. Despite the potential, pet products remain isolated from mainstream smart home conversations. This episode delves into the challenges and opportunities of integrating smart feeders, water bowls, and more into a cohesive smart home ecosystem, providing actionable insights for tech-savvy pet owners eager to elevate their...

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...

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.

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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...

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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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...

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...

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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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