Smart Home Insider

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 topics
In 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 Threads
Email me here
Sponsored 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 Channel
Subscribe to the Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.
Links from the show
Apple iPhone 18 Event Announced
Homey Device Firmware Updates
IFA 2026
Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

Andrew O’Hara recaps a packed week of Apple launches, hands-on impressions with the new iPhone 18 Pro models and Apple Watch features, and the latest smart home news that actually matters for daily use. He also digs into new beta changes, battery tracking tools, smarter security features, and several interesting product updates from IKEA, Govee, and Aqara.
Send me your smart home questions and recommendations with the hashtag #SmartHomeInsider. Tweet and follow your host at:
@andrew_osu on Twitter
@andrewohara941 on Threads
Email me here
Sponsored by:
Copilot Money:  Limited-time: Get two months free when you sign up at copilot.money/smarthome and use coupon code SMARTHOME!
Hims: Visit https://hims.com/homeinsider to get a personalized plan that gets you!
Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/homekit!
Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.
Links from the show
HomeBatteries App
Aqara FP400
Ostation 2 Pro Battery Charger
Govee Wallwash Table Lamp
Govee Ball Lights
IKEA DUBBELKISEL Cabinet Light Driver
Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

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 topics
Dan 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 Threads
Email me here
Sponsored by:
CleanMyMac: Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code SMARTHOME for 20% off at https://clnmy.com/SMARTHOME
Factor: 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 Channel
Subscribe to the Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.
Links from the show
Apple iPhone 18 Event Announced
Homey Device Firmware Updates
IFA 2026
Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

Andrew kicks off with a fast-moving smart home news roundup, then sits down with Mehul, co-founder of Matic, to unpack how his team built a radically different robot vacuum. The conversation covers Apple event rumors, new smart home apps, Sonos hardware updates, and then goes deep on robot design, privacy, AI, and the tradeoffs behind Matic’s no-dock approach.
Key topics
Andrew previews the upcoming Apple event, including the iPhone 18 Pro, a possible foldable iPhone, new Apple Watches, AirPods, and the chance of new smart home hardware.
Mehul explains his background in computer vision, including early work at Like.com, Flutter, Google, and Nest security cameras.
The pair discuss why Matic was built around a taller, boxier form factor instead of the usual disc-shaped vacuum design.
Mehul argues that most robot vacuums are automation without intelligence, while Matic is designed to behave more like a human navigating a home.
The show highlights several new smart home apps and utilities, including Overflight, Wallflower 3, and Threadalytics.
Andrew and Mehul talk through Sonos’ new Beam Ultra and Ace Ultra headphones, plus the importance of app intents and assistant integration.
The conversation digs into Apple’s rumored smart home push, including a possible home security and monitoring service.
Mehul explains why Matic uses on-device vision processing, local privacy-first gesture detection, and cloud-based language parsing only for open-ended voice commands.
Andrew shares hands-on impressions of Matic’s live activities, room queue controls, vocal prompts, and kid-friendly design details.
The episode closes with pricing changes, a six-month return policy, and the broader tradeoff between simplicity, intelligence, and maintenance.
Send me your smart home questions and recommendations with the hashtag #SmartHomeInsider. Tweet and follow your host at:
@andrew_osu on Twitter
@andrewohara941 on Threads
Email me here
Sponsored 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 Channel
Subscribe to the Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.
Links from the show
IFA News Roundup
Order Matic & get a free year of bags
Overflight: Sky Radar App
Wallflower 3 App
Threadlytics App
Sonos Ace Ultra & Beam Ultra Announced
Homey Portal
Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

Leif Lindner, CEO of IFA Berlin, shares insights on the upcoming IFA show, the latest in smart home technology, robotics, and appliance innovation. Discover what to expect from this major event and the future trends shaping consumer electronics.
Key Topics
IFA Berlin's significance and scale
Latest smart home and appliance innovations
Emerging robotics and AI trends
Energy monitoring and sustainability in smart devices
Impact of AI on privacy and security
Future of household chores with robotics
Differences between IFA and CES
Upcoming product announcements and trends
Send me your smart home questions and recommendations with the hashtag #SmartHomeInsider. Tweet and follow your host at:
@andrew_osu on Twitter
@andrewohara941 on Threads
Email me here
Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.
Links from the show
Apple iPhone 18 Event Announced
Homey Device Firmware Updates
IFA 2026
Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com