Smart thermostat maker ecobee is teasing its upcoming ecobee4, which is set to debut on May 3rd. The new model is rumored to include a built-in microphone and speaker with Amazon Alexa voice control built-in. ecobee4 will reportedly have a sleeker, yet familiar, design and the separate room sensors are said to be silver instead of white. The company also lowered the ecobee3 price ahead of next week’s announcement from US$249 to $199. That’s a pretty sweet deal for a full-features smart thermostat that’s also HomeKit compatible. If you want to follow along with ecobee’s announcements next Wednesday you’ll need to head over to the company’s Facebook page.
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Logitech POP Smart Button Gets HomeKit Support
Logitech’s POP Smart Button is getting HomeKit support, and its POP Smart Button Kit will be available in Apple’s retail stores. The button supports a wide range of devices, so you can use it to control non-HomeKit gear, too.
Kwikset Premis HomeKit-Compatible Smart Lock
Kwikset recently introduced Premis, the company’s first Apple HomeKit-compabitle touchscreen smart lock. John F. Braun received a demonstration of the new product from Marty Hoffmann, VP of Marketing, and here are the features he thinks you’ll like.
Apple and Worker Visas, HomeKit Falls Behind in the Smarthome Game - TMO Daily Observations 2017-01-31
Work Visas for the tech industry may be changing thanks to an executive order that’s said to be coming from the White House. Bryan Chaffin and John Martellaro join Jeff Gamet to look at the draft order and the impact it could have on Apple and other Silicon Valley companies. They also have some thoughts on the rapidly changing smart home market and Apple’s apparent lagging position.
Police Turn to Amazon Echo in Homicide Showing How Smarthome Devices Can Spy on Us
Police in Bentonville, Arkansas, obtained a search warrant for the audio captured by an Amazon Echo as part of a homicide investigation, raising concerns over just how much smarthome devices know about us. In the case of the Echo, Amazon says little is being recorded and stored, but that’s not much of a consolation for IoT device owners who’re worried their tech might be used against them by the government.
![Sylvania Announces Smartbulbs for Apple HomeKit, No Hub Required [Update]](https://www.macobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/sylvania-smart-multicolor-a19-wide.jpg)
Sylvania Announces Smartbulbs for Apple HomeKit, No Hub Required [Update]
Sylvania announced Tuesday it was launching an LED smartbulb in its LEDVANCE product line with support for Apple’s HomeKit (yay!). Better yet, the Smart Multicolor A19 doesn’t require a hub—just plug it in, find it with Apple’s Home app, and you’re good to go. Sylvania said the device will be sold through Amazon and ship in “early 2017.” This will be a great addition to the HomeKit ecosystem. To that end, I’ve been seeing more HomeKit stuff in my inbox during the last few weeks for CES 2017. It’s almost as if Apple’s smarthome platform is finally coming alive. Let’s hope, at any rate. I’ve left messages with Sylvania reps asking about pricing, which wasn’t announced. Sylvania also didn’t release images of the new bulb—the image below is of current products in the company’s smartbulb line. [Update: Sylvania’s PR folks got back to me—pricing is definitely unannounced. I also added a rendered image of the A19. We’ll be visiting with the company next week at CES. – Bryan]
Smarthome Automation for the Holidays - TMO Daily Observations 2016-12-08
The holidays are a great time for showing off your smarthome skills, so Kelly Guimont and Dave Hamilton join Jeff Gamet to share some tips. They talk about Siri, Amazon Echo, IFTTT, and more.
Logitech Pop Aims to Make Complex Smarthome Control Easy
Explaining the complexities and nuances of controlling your home’s smart lights, smart switches, and wireless music system can be a little frustrating for you and intimidating for your less tech-savvy friends and family. Logitech is hoping to take away that complexity with its new Pop programmable button. You set up a Pop to control connected devices such as Hue lights, WeMo and Lutron switches, Sonos music players, and more. It’s pretty versatile, too, so you can do things like set a single press to turn on the lights and close the blinds, or a double-press to dim the lights and get the tunes playing through your Sonos. You can pre-order a starter pack with two switches and network bridge for US$99.99, and it will ship in a few weeks.
iPhone 6, 6 Plus get Bluetooth 4.2, Boost Apple's Smarthome Plans
Apple updates iPhone 6s and 6 Plus with Bluetooth 4.2 Apple quietly updated the Bluetooth chips in last year's iPhone presumably when this year's iPhone 6s and 6s Plus shipped. The company didn't mention the change, although it does show up on Apple's iPhone family comparison Web page. Unlike Bluetooth 4.1, which was a firmware…
How to Decide Between a Smartswitch and a Timer for Your Smarthome
Lutron Caseta Wireless Dimmer Switch So where do I draw the line? How do I decide which switches will become 'the chosen ones'? The deciding factor for me came down to answering a simple question: how long will a light remain on? What does that mean? Well, for example, my hallway light is on probably…
How Smart is a Smarthome That Has to Phone Home?
We are currently experiencing an interruption in MyQ service. You may not be able to access MyQ via your mobile [device] or the website and may be receiving false notifications. Please rest assured; your doors and gates are not opening and all of your personal data is secure and uncompromised. These are false notifications. Our…
Apple Smart Glasses Still "At Least" Five Years Away
Apple evaluates smart glasses market with employee focus groups, but true AR glasses meeting company standards remain years away.
HomePods Crackling and Delaying? See Causes and Workaround
Many HomePod owners recently reported issues with crackling and sound delay. See why the issues happen and possible workarounds.
Even Apple Loyalists Prefer Amazon (and Google) Over HomePod
Apple’s HomePod struggles in smart home market, with loyal customers preferring Amazon and Google devices, CIRP data shows.
7/10 HomePod Owners Use Their Device Regularly
Study reveals high HomePod usage, emergency features valued in smart speakers. AI adoption varies by platform. Market seeks revival.
Apple Rumored to Be Developing iPad-Style Home Robot
Apple reportedly developing iPad-style home robot with robotic arm. Device could control smart home, video conference, and offer home security.
Apple’s Homepod To Get a Display and a Brand New homeOS
Apple rumored to release a HomePod with display! Breakdown of features, OS, and Apple’s smart home plans including homeOS.
Apple Announces HomePod mini in New "Midnight" Color
Apple today took wraps off its HomePod mini smart speaker in a new “midnight” color. It’s made with 100 percent recycled mesh, says Apple.
Apple HomePod Saves Family from Fire Started by Dog in Colorado Springs
A fire started by a dog at a family’s home in Colorado Springs was stopped thanks to the HomePod smart speakers from Apple.
An Apple Code Hints at Potential New Home Accessory
Apple code leak hints at new home accessory with possible A18 chip and tvOS variant. Potential launch alongside iPhone 16 in September.
iPhone X, Original HomePod, and AirPods Are Now Apple Vintage
Apple announced it’s placing the iconic iPhone X, first-generation HomePod, and first-generation AirPods into the vintage products bucket.
Apple Announces Hands-Free Unlocking for Homes, Remains Unusable for Now
Apple announces hands-free unlocking for iOS 18 smart locks, but new UWB hardware required. Expected by end of 2024.
How to Install HomePod 17.5 Software Update
Is it time to update your HomePod software? Here’s a full guide on how to install the latest HomePod software, 17.5.
Yet Another Leak Hints at HomePod with LCD Display
Rumors suggest Apple may revamp its HomePod with a touchscreen display, potentially enhancing its functionality as a smart home hub.