HomeKit in iOS 15 and iPadOS 15, Tedee smart lock & more on HomeKit Insider

On the latest episode of HomeKit Insider, we revisit Apple's HomeKit features arriving in iOS 15 and tvOS 15, break down the new Sonos Beam, and answer some fan-submitted questions.

This past week, the Tedee smart lock gained support for Apple HomeKit. This lock, currently not available in the U.S., was updated via firmware to support HomeKit and won't require any new hardware.

Sonos also introed a new version of its popular Beam soundbar. The Beam Gen. 2 includes support for Dolby Atmos, AirPlay 2, and NFC for quick setup among other new features and improved audio.

On Monday, Apple is also set to release iOS 15, tvOS 15, and a new update for HomePod which carry new features for HomeKit users. On the show, we talk through what features can expect once the updates go live.

Finally, before getting to listener questions, Andrew reviews the ReST smart mattress that can automatically adjust itself throughout the night based on your movements.

Listener questions

Several listeners wrote in this week with annecdotes and questions.

Tyler Waltz wrote in to let us know of a great example, using HomeBridge, to make decorations or light fixutres work with HomeKit. He uses the Sonoff Wi-Fi switch to control things such as his stove light that previously would not work with HomeKit.

Derek Means wants to know why the Home app doesn't show more detailed accessory information that is available through third-party HomeKit apps such as camera orientation.

Ian recommended to use cat6e cables when wiring a home, providing good future-proofing without beind prohibitively expensive.

David wants to know of any Thread-enabled HomeKit buttons that he could use to control his smart home.

Links from the show

• Tedee smart lock gains HomeKit support
• Beam: The Small But Smart TV Soundbar | Sonos
• Ikea and Sonos' second-generation Symfonisk lamp leaks with swappable lampshades
• ReST Smart Bed review: An app-connected mattress for a good night's rest
• ReST Smart Bed
• Toothbrush Firmware Update - Tweet
• Mythbuster - Lightwave
• Sonoff Basic R2 Smart Switch
• Wemo Smart Home Stage Scene Controller
• Notion Smart Home Database!

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