CES 2025 Smart Home Roundup with Special Guest Faith O'Hara
HomeKit Insider
Deep Dive
What changes are being made to the Apple Home badge certification process?
The Apple Home badge certification process is being streamlined. Now, after a product is certified with Matter, it can undergo an optional interoperability lab test. If it passes, the product can receive the Apple Home badge without needing a separate certification. This reduces costs and speeds up the process for manufacturers.
What are the key features of the Kwikset Halifax Lever LED?
The Kwikset Halifax Lever LED is an interior lever lock designed for bathrooms, offices, and bedrooms. It features a built-in LED light with a motion sensor that lights up as you approach and dims as you walk away. It also has a push-button lock, an emergency release, and an antimicrobial coating, making it suitable for toddler rooms.
What is unique about the Nuki Smart Lock Ultra?
The Nuki Smart Lock Ultra is a Matter-enabled retrofit lock that attaches to the interior of a deadbolt. It is sleek and modern, resembling something from a James Bond movie. It is expected to launch in the U.S. soon, following its release in Europe in November.
What are the standout features of the Govee floor lamp with Aurora projector?
The Govee floor lamp combines a normal downward-casting light with a colored light on top and an Aurora projector. It is Matter-enabled and offers a soothing, relaxing ambiance, making it ideal for winding down at night. The lamp also includes a built-in timer for convenience.
What is the HyperPack Go, and what makes it unique?
The HyperPack Go is a mobile tech backpack that includes a built-in tracker for Apple's Find My network. It is priced at $80 and features a hole for users to insert their own AirTag if they prefer. The backpack is designed to be simple, streamlined, and portable.
What distinguishes the Roborock Saros Z70 from other robotic vacuums?
The Roborock Saros Z70 features a robotic arm that can pick up objects like socks and carry them to a bin. It uses spinning mops, 22,000 pascals of suction, and a Starlight Next Generation navigation system. It is expected to launch in May or June and will support Matter.
What is the Ecovacs X8 Pro Omni, and what are its key features?
The Ecovacs X8 Pro Omni is a robotic vacuum with a self-cleaning mop system. It includes a roller mop that scrubs itself during use and a docking station with a detergent reservoir for automatic cleaning solution mixing. It is designed to reduce the need for manual intervention.
What is the UltraLoq UWB Smart Lock, and why is it significant?
The UltraLoq UWB Smart Lock is the first to support ultra-wideband (UWB) technology for auto-unlocking. It uses UWB to detect your phone within centimeters and unlocks automatically as you approach. While it works through the U-Tech app, Apple is expected to support UWB locks in the Home app in the future.
What are the key features of the Aqara Panel Hub S1+?
The Aqara Panel Hub S1+ is a smart home control panel that integrates with Matter devices. It features a customizable dashboard, allowing users to control lights, shades, cameras, and other smart home accessories. It also supports Aqara cameras for live viewing.
What is the TP-Link C840 Baby Monitor, and what makes it unique?
The TP-Link C840 Baby Monitor is a dual-camera system with a wide-angle lens for room coverage and a telephoto lens for close-up views of the baby. It includes intelligent processing that alerts parents if the baby's face is obstructed. It also supports Apple Home, making it compatible with the Home app.
- Smart lock and light automation improved convenience while one host was away.
- Fingerprint lock had inconsistent performance; Home Key offered a more reliable solution.
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