MagSafe wallet review, listener questions, & more on HomeKit Insider

By Andrew O'Hara

On the iPhone 13 launch week episode of a HomeKit Insider, your hosts talk about new software updates for HomePod, Find My capabilities in Apple's MagSafe wallet, and answer listener questions.

This past week Aqara announced availability of its HomeKit-enabled smart roller blind retrofit controller that allows users to control shades with a bead or chain from Apple's smart home platform.

We also talked about the first beta release of iOS 15.1 which has re-enabled lossless audio for HomePod and HomePod mini.

Apple's new MagSafe wallet arrived for us which now can work with Find My. When removed for more than a minute, it's last known location will be tagged in the Find My app.

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Listener questions

Several listeners wrote in this week with annecdotes and questions.

Angel asked if we think Apple has become stale in the smart home space with the likes of Google and Amazon producing tons of their own first-party hardware including routers, speakers, displays, and much more.

Ray wondered how he can force his smart home accessories to join the 2.4GHz network rather than his 5GHz network during setup.

Links from the show

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