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Category: Home Automation

Julio Ojeda-Zapata 7 comments

Using Smart Speakers While Temporarily Blind

How smart are smart speakers, really? Julio Ojeda-Zapata put this to the test when temporarily sightless due to a medical condition.Leaning on his Amazon, Apple, and Google speakers more than usual proved an often-frustrating exercise because Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant are still pretty dumb.

Adam Engst 58 comments

Apple Releases iOS 16.4, iPadOS 16.4, macOS 13.3 Ventura, watchOS 9.4, tvOS 16.4, and HomePod Software 16.4

It’s update day at Apple again, with updates to all the company’s operating systems. A few changes may be particularly welcome, including Voice Isolation for cellular calls, duplicate handling in an iCloud Shared Photo Library, and Web app notifications.

Adam Engst 20 comments

iOS 16.3.1, iPadOS 16.3.1, macOS 13.2.1 Ventura, watchOS 9.3.1, tvOS 16.3.2, and HomePod Software 16.3.2 Fix Bugs and Security Vulnerabilities

Responding to a nasty WebKit vulnerability that is being actively exploited in the wild, Apple has released updates to all its current operating systems. We recommend updating soon.

Adam Engst 37 comments

Second-Generation HomePod Supports Spatial Audio, Temperature/Humidity Monitoring, and Sound Recognition

Apple has unexpectedly revived the full-size HomePod, releasing a second-generation model that supports spatial audio, includes a temperature/humidity sensor for home automations, and promises a Sound Recognition feature to detect alarms.

Adam Engst 43 comments

Apple Releases iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, macOS 13.1 Ventura, watchOS 9.2, and tvOS 16.2

Apple has updated all of its operating systems, adding the Freeform digital whiteboard app, support for Advanced Data Protection for iCloud, Apple Music Sing, Stage Manager on external displays, and various smaller improvements. A fix for a serious security vulnerability encourages updating soon.

Josh Centers 9 comments

Matter Is Here, but Does It Matter Right Now?

Matter may be the biggest thing to happen to the world of home automation, but does it actually make a difference at the moment?

Josh Centers 1 comment

Apple Opens Public Betas for macOS 13 Ventura, iOS 16, iPadOS 16, watchOS 9, tvOS 16, and HomePod Software 16

Apple has opened public betas of its next-generation operating systems, but remember that these aren’t for everyday use. Only install on devices that you can dedicate to testing!

Josh Centers 1 comment

Apple Enhances HomeKit with Sensor-Based Automations and Timed Turn Offs

Over the years, Apple has quietly enhanced Home automations to take advantage of more sensors and let you automatically turn off automations. “Take Control of Apple Home Automation” author Josh Centers examines the new features.

Josh Centers 18 comments

Apple Releases iOS 15.5, iPadOS 15.5, macOS 12.4, watchOS 8.6, tvOS 15.5, and HomePod Software 15.5

In what may be the final release of the iOS 15/macOS 12 cycle to include more than bug fixes and security updates, Apple has updated all its operating systems with some improvements to Podcasts and Wallet, plus bug fixes and security updates.

Josh Centers 15 comments

Apple Releases iOS 15.3, iPadOS 15.3, macOS Monterey 12.2, watchOS 8.4, tvOS 15.3, and HomePod Software Version 15.3

Apple has updated all of its operating systems with bug fixes and security updates but no new features apart from Siri on the HomePod learning to recognize two new languages.

Adam Engst 29 comments

Reflections on a Year with HomeKit

Adam Engst shares how he has significantly added to his HomeKit-based home automation system over the past year and muses about the true benefits of home automation. Hint: it’s not about making things physically easier.

Adam Engst 3 comments

HomePod Software 15.1.1 Prevents Podcasts Problems

Getting an error when you try to play podcasts on your HomePod running HomePod Software 15.1? It’s not you, it’s a bug, and Apple has just released HomePod Software 15.1.1 to resolve it.

Josh Centers 38 comments

Apple Releases macOS 12 Monterey with iOS 15.1, iPadOS 15.1, watchOS 8.1, tvOS 15.1, and HomePod Software 15.1

Apple has officially launched macOS 12 Monterey, along with updates for iOS 15, iPadOS 15, watchOS 8, and tvOS 15 that add various and sundry new features.

Josh Centers 3 comments

Home Automation Standard Gets an Official Name

The home automation partnership featuring Amazon, Apple, Google, and others is taking off, with an official name for its standard, an enormous list of partners, and a release timeframe.

Josh Centers 1 comment

HomePod mini Features Undocumented Temperature and Humidity Sensor

Mark Gurman of Bloomberg reveals that the HomePod mini contains an undocumented—and unused—chip that can sense temperature and humidity. “Take Control of Apple Home Automation” author Josh Centers offers a couple of possible explanations.