Aqara P2 Thread sensor & new home automation gear on the HomeKit Insider podcast

By Andrew O'Hara

In this news-filled episode of the HomeKit Insider podcast, your hosts highlight several new smart home products and discuss their new projects.

HomeKit Insider

Aqara's Thread lineup kicked off this past week with the launch of the P2 contact sensor. This new smart home sensor works with Matter-over-Thread to support multiple platforms and doesn't require an Aqara hub to use.

The previously-announced Aqara motion sensor with Thread is still on the way and is set to lanch by the end of the year. Aqara says it is working on its own Thread border router-enabled M3 hub, too.

Other, lesser-known companies had some product launches this week as well. Onvis came out with its new button control, QingPing launched a light sensor, and Tuo has a whole lineup of Matter gear.

Level Inc released two new colorways of its popular Home Key-enabled smart lock. It's now available in matte black, satin nickel, brass, and satin chrome.

After the news, your hosts broke down their ongoing personal projects. Stephen, after trying last week's recommendation to factory reset his Apple TV, managed to get tvOS 17 successfully installed. He gives a live demo of using FaceTime on his Apple TV during the episode.

Andrew shares how he installed a contact sensor out on his mailbox, getting smart notifications each time the mailbox is open and closed.

Links from the show

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