The smart home world turned up the heat this week! Apple’s eyeing energy, Google’s flexing Gemini, and multicast might just be the culprit that's causing you more harm than good. Let’s get into it.
Aqara Gets Into Smart Shades
Aqara’s track record with smart blinds has been minimal until now. Its new partnership with A-OK, a veteran in motorized shades, brings full Matter support and deep integration with major platforms. From pergolas to roller blinds, this lineup is built for real automation: adjusting with light, heat, or motion, and blending into your routines.
Google Home Just Got a Little Extra
Nest Cam popping up picture-in-picture on your TV, Gemini’s handling smart home chores like a pro, and much smoother automations. Read about Google's new soft-launched Home app features.
Apple Home Learns to Save Energy
Apple’s new EnergyKit framework quietly sets the stage for smarter energy use in the Home app. Developers can now tap into electricity data—like rates and clean energy forecasts—to help devices like EV chargers and thermostats shift usage to greener, cheaper times. While still limited, this could be Apple’s first real step toward turning Home into a full-fledged energy management system.
Multicast Might Be Wrecking Your Smart Home
Glitchy audio? Devices not syncing? Multicast could be the silent troublemaker. It’s essential for smart home communication - but easy to break. Check your router settings, enable IGMP Snooping, or use SSDP relays to fix the mess.
Apple TV and HomePod to Support Thread 1.4 This Fall
With tvOS 26, Apple TV and HomePod will join a single, unified Thread 1.4 network—reducing fragmentation and unlocking smarter automations like weather-based blinds and reactive lighting. The update also improves internet access and troubleshooting for Thread devices.
That’s a wrap 1Homies!
Catch you next round.🙌🏻