Smart Home Insider
Smart Home Insider

Smart Home Insider

AppleInsider

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Episodes

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Learn about the latest smart home news on Smart Home Insider! Host Andrew O'Hara discusses the weekly news, exclusive interviews, in-depth how-to's, smart home automations, integrating Siri Shortcuts, and reviews his recent smart home projects with an added focus on Apple Home & Matter.

Recent Episodes

Apple's New AI Home Strategy, Denon Home Siri Speakers, & Hands on with Sonos Play!
MAR 30, 2026
Apple's New AI Home Strategy, Denon Home Siri Speakers, & Hands on with Sonos Play!
Join Andrew and guest host Dan Turk as they break down the latest in Apple’s ecosystem, smart home innovations, and industry trends. From upcoming WWDC announcements to new hardware, this episode offers insights packed with excitement for Apple fans and smart home enthusiasts alike.Main Topics Covered:Apple's WWDC 2024 event expectations & rumored hardware updatesAdvancements in Matter support and smart home device integrationThe evolution of Siri as a more powerful, agentic AINew product reviews including Denon speakers and Sonos portableRecent updates on Apple TV, HomePod delays, and third-party integrationsKey Insights:Apple’s WWDC is scheduled for June 8-12, with potential announcements on smart home APIs, new iOS features, and hardware delaysThe upcoming updates aim to unify the smart home OS and enhance developer APIs for more seamless device integrationGurman reports that HomePod, Apple TV, and related hardware are delayed to sync with new AI-powered Siri featuresMatter support is expanding, with new certified outdoor cameras and broader ecosystem compatibility, including Samsung SmartThingsApple is adopting a more agnostic stance on LLMs, supporting various AI models beyond ChatGPT in the upcoming softwareExciting hardware: newer Denon speakers support spatial audio, AirPlay, and Apple Assistant; new Sonos portable has impressive size and sound qualityApple’s AI strategy is linked to broader privacy goals, maintaining a focus on local processing and secure integrationsThe potential for new sensors and AI-driven smart home automation is on the horizon, with Apple emphasizing privacy and contextual awarenessSend me your smart home questions and recommendations with the hashtag #SmartHomeInsider. Tweet and follow your host at:@andrew_osu on Twitter@andrewohara941 on ThreadsEmail me hereSponsored by:Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/homekitSmart Home Insider YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.Links from the showApple announces WWDC 2026Sonos Play speakerSony Bravia 2 ii Smart TVAmazon acquires Fauna RoboticsNuki Keypad 2 NFC with Home KeyDenon Home 200, 400, & 600 Smart Speakers with SiriSiri and AI abilities in iOS 27
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64 MIN
First Matter Camera, tvOS 26.4, & Pawport Smart Pet Door with CEO Martin Diamond
MAR 23, 2026
First Matter Camera, tvOS 26.4, & Pawport Smart Pet Door with CEO Martin Diamond
Join Andrew and Martin Diamond, CEO of PawPort, as they explore the latest in smart home technology, pet security innovations, and the future of integrated home devices. Discover how pet doors are evolving into secure, smart, and stylish fixtures within modern homes.In this episode:Apple’s recent software updates and new features for Apple TV, including discovery enhancements and interface improvements.The future of smart home hubs and the impact of executive changes at Apple’s smart home division.Detailed walkthrough of PawPort’s smart pet door, including security features, installation options, and upcoming integrations.Insights into the evolving smart pet tech landscape, including potential for full home ecosystem integration and Matter support.The trend toward built-in appliances and modular home automation, including custom installations and future home design trends.Challenges and opportunities with Matter, device interoperability, and cross-platform management in smart homes.Practical tips for pet owners using tech to enhance animal safety and convenience, including cat-proofing pet doors and automating routines.Send me your smart home questions and recommendations with the hashtag #SmartHomeInsider. Tweet and follow your host at:@andrew_osu on Twitter@andrewohara941 on ThreadsEmail me hereSponsored by:Gusto: Try Gusto today at https://gusto.com/homekit, and get three months free when you run your first payrollShopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/homekitSmart Home Insider YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.Links from the showApple's smart home lead departsWhat's new in tvO 26.4Pawport smart pet doorsAqara G400 doorbellAqara G350 camera
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63 MIN
Sonos Launches Play & Era 100 SL Smart Speakers with Guest Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
MAR 16, 2026
Sonos Launches Play & Era 100 SL Smart Speakers with Guest Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
Discover the latest developments in smart home technology, from Matter-certified devices popping up in big box stores to the challenges and opportunities with AI assistants. Join guest Jennifer Pattison Tuohy from The Verge and your regular host Andrew O'Hara as they share insights into the industry’s future, recent product launches, and their personal experiences navigating smart home ecosystems.Key topics:The evolution and significance of Matter-certified smart home products seen at Lowe's and CESHow Apple’s transition away from the HomeKit branding impacts smart home standards and consumer perceptionPerformance and limitations of Amazon Alexa+ and Google Assistant, and their comparison to SiriThe decline of new ecosystems and the long game of device adoption, especially for cameras and sensorsChallenges with smart thermostats in seasonal climate swings and how to manage off-season devicesSonos's new portable speakers, including the Play and Aero 100 SL, and their potential use casesThe impact of delayed Apple smart home devices like the next-gen HomePod and Apple TVHow natural language control and profiles could streamline smart home automation and troubleshootingPersonal stories: managing offline devices, system reinitialization, and unresponsive smart itemsInsights into marketing strategies for Matter products and how branding affects consumer choicesThe evolution of AI assistants and their place within smart homes—limitations, potential, and future improvementsSend me your smart home questions and recommendations with the hashtag #SmartHomeInsider. Tweet and follow your host at:@andrew_osu on Twitter@andrewohara941 on ThreadsEmail me hereSponsored by:CleanMyMac: Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code SMARTHOME for 20% off at https://clnmy.com/SMARTHOME.Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/homekitSmart Home Insider YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.Links from the showWired: Alexa+ is StrugglingHomePod & Apple TV delayedMore Apple Home Hub rumorsSonos launches Era 100 SL & PlayJen Tuohy on The VergeThose interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: [email protected]
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71 MIN
Whisker CEO Jacob Zuppke: Integrating Pet Products into the Smart Home
MAR 9, 2026
Whisker CEO Jacob Zuppke: Integrating Pet Products into the Smart Home
Explore the future of pet care with Jacob Zuppke, CEO of Whisker, as he talks about how smart pet products like the Litter-Robot 5 Pro are poised to integrate into our connected homes. Discover how these innovations transform routine tasks into intuitive experiences with advanced sensors and health-tracking features, offering life-changing insights for pet owners. Despite the potential, pet products remain isolated from mainstream smart home conversations. This episode delves into the challenges and opportunities of integrating smart feeders, water bowls, and more into a cohesive smart home ecosystem, providing actionable insights for tech-savvy pet owners eager to elevate their connected living experience.Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow your host at:@andrew_osu on Twitter@andrewohara941 on ThreadsEmail me hereSponsored by:Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at: shopify.com/homekitSmart Home Insider YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.Links from the showWhisker's websiteApple smart display delayed (again)Two new Sonos speakers leakAirSnitch vulnerability IKEA E26 Color 1100 lumensIKEA E26 White Spectrum 1600 lumensIKEA E26 White Spectrum 450 lumensIKEA E12 ColorIKEA E12 White SpectrumE12 Filament CandelabraE26 Filament GlobeThose interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: [email protected]
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60 MIN
CSA's Nelson Henry Talks Aliro Launch: The Future of Digital Keys
MAR 2, 2026
CSA's Nelson Henry Talks Aliro Launch: The Future of Digital Keys
In this episode of "Smart Home Insider," host Andrew is joined by guest Nelson Henry to dive into the latest developments in smart home technology. They discuss the transition from HomeKit Insider to Smart Home Insider, highlighting the new show logo by Basic Apple Guy. The conversation covers IKEA's push into smart home devices with Matter and Thread, the innovative smart nightlight by Third Reality, and the security concerns surrounding DJI's Romo vacuums. They also explore the new Aliro standard for digital keys, its implications for smart locks, and the potential for increased interoperability across devices and ecosystems. Tune in for insights on the future of smart home tech and how it impacts everyday life.Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow your host at:@andrew_osu on Twitter@andrewohara941 on ThreadsEmail me hereSponsored by:Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at: shopify.com/homekitGusto: Try Gusto today at https://gusto.com/homekit, and get three months free when you run your first payroll.HomeKit Insider YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.Links from the showBasic Apple GuyIKEA Matter-over-Thread video reviewThird Reality Smart Night Light-TDJI Robot Vacuum Security ExploitNew Sonos App UpdateSonos CEO Reddit InterviewZemismart Presence SensorAliro Finally LaunchesThose interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: [email protected]
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57 MIN