Cync cabinet lights, Hue table lamp, & Matter remotes on the HomeKit Insider Podcast

By Andrew O'Hara

On this episode of the HomeKit Insider Podcast, we talk about new devices for the week, including the launch of the GE Cync under cabinet lights, a universal remote, and an IR repeater.

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After first being shown at CES 2024, GE Cync is launching its under cabinet lights. These new features are slim, Wi-Fi enabled, and support the full color spectrum.

The GE Sync also supports Matter, making it compatible with Apple Home. They come in 18-inch, 20-inch, and 24-inch sizes plus round pucks to fit a variety of cabinets.

Japanese-based Nature announced its new Lapis Remo IR blaster. It works with Matter and looks like a grey pebble on your shelf.

You can connect it to the Home app and use it to control any IR-based device like a ceiling fan, TV, and more.

Lastly, Switchbot revealed its new universal remote. It too works with Matter and can control almost anything in your entertainment system as well as run smart home commands.

Lastly in the news, Apple's new AirPlay for hotels continues its rollout with new Samsung TVs, though specific models and hotel chains were not mentioned.

We wrap the episode by going hands-on with three new products.

First, we look at the Pitaka Qi2 Car Charger Pro. Interestingly, it has three integrated NFC chips so that you can run various Shortcuts or smart home commands with a tap.

The Narwal Freo X Ultra is an updated smart home vacuum that does a great job at cleaning your home, including rotating to get up close to your walls and analyzing dirty water.

At the tail end is the Philips Hue table lamp. This small lamp can be carried around, supports all colors, and is water resistant to take outside.

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