We're back with fresh smart home news, covering everything from Apple's latest moves in the smart home space to new Matter-enabled devices and innovations from Eve, Ikea, and more!
Amazon’s Alexa Gets AI Upgrade and Subscription Plan
Amazon has finally launched Alexa+, a smarter AI assistant that can book services and handle tasks. It’s free for Prime members or $19.99/month for others. This move aims to make Alexa more useful and profitable - do you think Amazon made the right move?
Apple Patent Points to Pro Smart Home Setup
A new Apple patent suggests the company is streamlining smart home installations for pros, making setup easier and more secure. Is this a key step in Apple’s big smart-home push for 2025? We'll let you be the judge of that.
Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro: Outdoor Security with Smart Features
Aqara's Camera Hub G5 Pro brings Matter and Zigbee connectivity to outdoor spaces, acting as both a security camera and a hub to extend smart home networks. With 4MP resolution, color night vision, AI detection, and much more, this weatherized cam enhances security while boosting connectivity.
Ikea Registers First Thread Device: The Timmerflotte Sensor
Ikea has registered its first Thread-based device, the Timmerflotte temperature and humidity sensor, with the FCC. Powered by two AAA batteries, it supports Matter but lacks native integration with Ikea's Dirigera hub. This may signal upcoming Thread and Matter support for the Dirigera hub. What do you think?
Eve Launches Smart Dimmer Switch with HomeKit & Matter
Eve's new dimmer switch works with HomeKit, Google Assistant, Alexa, and SmartThings. It lets you control lighting brightness via Siri, the app, or automation. The switch requires a neutral wire and works with dimmable bulbs.
That's all for today.
Thanks for reading, see you in a bit!