The iPad just got the chip it needs to be a smart home controller — again
The iPad just got the chip it needs to be a smart home controller — again The Apple-designed N1 wireless networking chip brings Thread to the iPad Pro. | Image: Apple Apple’s new M5-powered iPad Pro is the first iPad to officially support the Thread smart home protocol. It comes with Apple’s new N1 wireless networking chip, which […]
Samsung SmartThings finally adds support for joining existing Thread networks
Samsung SmartThings finally adds support for joining existing Thread networks SmartThings Aeotec hubs can now join existing Thread networks. We’re one step closer to a smart home that can manage Thread border routers from different manufacturers. Samsung SmartThings now supports “two-way Thread network unification,” its fancy way of saying Thread credentials sharing. This means that […]
Philips Hue responds to cheaper competitors with major product overhaul
Philips Hue responds to cheaper competitors with major product overhaul All the new Hue Essentials line white and color ambiance LED bulbs cost $25 each, or as low as $15 each, if you buy a multipack. Philips Hue has announced the biggest revamp of its smart lighting line in years, introducing lower-cost lights, support for […]
Kwikset’s new locks point to a smarter, more open future for your front door
Kwikset's new locks point to a smarter, more open future for your front door Kwikset’s new locks point to a smarter, more open future for your front door Kwikset’s latest smart lock, the Halo Select Plus, features NFC-powered tap-to-unlock functionality, allowing you to use your phone as your key. Kwikset is doubling down on open […]
We could make Rosie the Robot, but should we?
We could make Rosie the Robot, but should we? Robots are coming, but are we ready for them? All the big consumer tech companies are working on robotic companions for our homes. There’s Amazon’s Astro, Samsung’s Ballie, LG’s AI Agent, and whatever it is that Apple is dreaming up in Cupertino. Clearly, home robotics is […]
Matter’s latest update doubles down on stability and pushes the platforms to play better together
Matter's latest update doubles down on stability and pushes the platforms to play better together Matter’s latest update doubles down on stability and pushes the platforms to play better together For Matter, this year was never going to be about flashy new features. Other than support for security cameras, which I hear should finally arrive […]
Amazon pulls the plug on Sengled’s Alexa skill after months of outages
Amazon pulls the plug on Sengled's Alexa skill after months of outages Amazon pulls the plug on Sengled’s Alexa skill after months of outages Amazon has killed the cloud-based skill that connects Sengled bulbs to Alexa. Some Sengled bulbs that use local protocols, like this Matter one, can still work with Echo devices. After repeatedly […]
I tested 30 smart locks, and these are the best
I tested 30 smart locks, and these are the best A smart lock is an easy solution to some common problems. Locked yourself out? Need to let a friend in to water the plants? Your latchkey kid lost their key? Hands are full, and it’s raining cats and dogs? A smart lock solves all of […]
Thread count: Ikea is stitching together a smarter home
Thread count: Ikea is stitching together a smarter home Ikea is powering up its Dirigera smart home hub, adding Matter controller functionality and activating its Thread radio to support its new line of smart home products. Ikea is relaunching its smart home line in a move that will make its low-cost products work with other […]
It could be 2026 before all your Thread border routers work together
It could be 2026 before all your Thread border routers work together There’s finally some good news for anyone battling multiple Thread networks while using Matter devices in their smart home — as long as you’re the patient type. According to Matter Alpha, the tvOS 26 beta announced at WWDC this week adds Thread 1.4 […]