More HomeKit products mean a more integrated home, with products that aren’t competing against each other.
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Samsung and Apple Announced AirPlay Support and new iTunes App for Smart TVs
Samsung Smart TVs will support AirPlay 2, and be the first devices with a new iTunes Movies and TV Shows app, from this spring.
2-in-1 Smart Plug with Alexa, Google, and IFTTT Support: $19.99
We have a deal on a 2-in-1 Smart Plug with Alexa, Google, and IFTTT support. Firstly, it has two outlets, but plugs into just one. Secondly, those outlets are smart outlets that can be controlled via Alexa, Google Home, or IFTTT, and are controllable from the SmartLife app, too. Our deal is for one of these devices for $19.99. But the deal listing also has a 2-pack for $37.99.
Is Augmented Reality the Future of HomePod?
A HomePod patent uncovered over the weekend shows an AR headset as a controller.
HomePod OS 12 Released with Speaker Phone, Siri Shortcuts, More
Apple rolled out HomePod OS 12 on Monday for the HomePod smart speaker with iPhone speaker phone support, Siri Shortcuts support, and more.
Photo Claims to Show New iPad Pro Smart Connector Position
A third-party case that’s supposedly for the rumored iPad Pro refresh shows what looks to be dual Smart Connector ports—or at least a repositioned Smart Connector.
Security Flaws Found in Millions of Smartphones, Including iPhone
Researchers funded by the Department of Homeland Security recently found security flaws in millions of smartphones, including iPhones.
Mayfield Robotics Cancels Kuri Home Robot
Mayfield Robotics shut down production of its Kuri robot and is refunding pre-order deposits.
HomePod OS 12 to Support iPhone Voice Calls, Multiple Timers
A HomePod OS 12 private beta reportedly has the ability to handle phone calls when linked to your iPhone, can invoke Find My iPhone with a Siri voice command, and also includes multiple timer support.
This Dodecahedron Bluetooth Remote Controls All HomeKit Devices
It’s a dodecahedron—and yes, D&D FTW!—that is a Bluetooth remote designed specifically for HomeKit devices and scenes.
How We Aren't Using Smart Speakers, John's Hopes for New Macs - TMO Daily Observations 2018-06-19
Andrew Orr and John Martellaro join Jeff Gamet to discuss a report that says almost no one with a smart speaker uses it to control smart home devices, plus John explains why he thinks Apple is ready to release new Mac models.
Ring Alarm Home Security System Available for Pre-order
The Ring Alarm DIY home security system is available for pre-order now and ships at the beginning of July.
iOS 12 Siri Will Get Smarter Thanks to Shortcuts
Apple’s acquisition of Workflow last year now makes sense, because the Workflow app is now called Shortcuts.
Apple Releases HomePod 11.4 with AirPlay 2 Support
Along with iOS 11.4, Apple released HomePod 11.4 on Tuesday. The update adds AirPlay 2 support, finally bringing multi-room support and stereo speaker pairing to Apple’s smart speaker.
Elgato Releases HomeKit Summer Products With Eve Aqua, Eve Flare
The first, called Eve Aqua, is a smart water controller. The second, called Eve Flare, is a portable LED lamp.
![Apple’s Siri Says She’s Getting ‘Smarter’ at WWDC [Update]](https://www.macobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/siri-tease-la-la-la-wwdc-2018.jpg)
Apple's Siri Says She's Getting 'Smarter' at WWDC [Update]
So far, Siri has revealed she will be getting a new voice, and she hinted at what may be a new HomePod. Perhaps most importantly, on one test, she told me she was getting smarter. [Updated with additional info.]
Report Says Apple Sold 600,000 HomePods in Q1 2018
Apple owns 6% of the global smart speaker market, according to Strategy Analytics. The research firm says Apple sold about 600,000 HomePods during the first quarter of 2018. Of course, that’s only an estimate because Apple doesn’t share sales HomePod figures. Considering Amazon holds 43.6% of the smart speaker market, and Google has 26.5% with far more than a single quarter’s sales, it’ll be interesting to see how many people say this proves HomePod is a failure. It’s possible HomePod is a flop, or it’ll own the market. Either way, a single quarter’s sales isn’t enough to make a definitive conclusion.
Apple HomePod Update Article Appears, but No Update Yet Available
The notes included in the article, however, list only current features with no other mention of an actual update, and a check in the Home app shows no update available, either.
Canary Home Camera Gets New Away Alert Controls
The Canary home monitoring camera app for the iPhone just got more useful because it adds the ability to limit motion recording and alerts to just people.
Here’s How I Finally Accepted HomeKit is a Raging S*#t Storm
HomeKit has some great features, but some of its problems are big enough to push me back to Amazon’s Alexa for my smart home control.
Philips Hue Outdoor Smart Lights Coming in July
Philips is taking its Hue smart lights outside with its new HomeKit compatible luminary, spot, and pillar post products.
A Cross Platform HomePod Could Be Apple’s Next iPod
Apple is making a mistake by not making HomePod cross platform—if it did, the HomePod could become Apple’s next iPod.
Apple's HomePod Video Ad is in a Creative Rut
Apple’s HomePod video ad focuses on the old, tried and true. Takes few risks and is predictable. What happened?
Study Shows Consumers don't Use Smart Speaker Voice Control for Much
Loup Ventures just released a survey on smart speaker owners and it has two interesting points: HomePod is already gaining marketshare, and people don’t use their smart speakers for very smart stuff.