Latest news with #AppleHome
USA Today
23-05-2025
- USA Today
These smart gadgets can enhance your at-home experience
These smart gadgets can enhance your at-home experience Show Caption Hide Caption How to clean your phone, laptop safely Get the dirty fingerprints, crumbs and more off of your tech with these simple cleaning tips. Nearly 65 years ago, the popular animated sitcom "The Jetsons" burst onto the airwaves, giving us a glimpse into the future of smart homes and other high-tech gadgets. With visions of things such as flying cars and fully automated homes, these futuristic concepts seemed far-fetched at the time. A quarter-century into the new millennium, some of the devices seen in the series have found their way into our reality. As flying cars make their way to market and Waymo self-driving cars currently transport people in select U.S. cities, it's clear technology is rapidly evolving before our eyes. We've entered an era of readily available products and appliances that make home life a breeze, and often with a simple verbal command or touch on your smartphone. According to Parks Associates, a longstanding market research brand, 45 percent of households in the United States with internet have at least one smart home product and 18 percent of households have six or more. If you've been considering adding a few smart gadgets to your home, here's a curated list of some of the market's best products. From high-tech thermostats and AI-enabled refrigerators to colorful LED lights that work at your voice's command, these gadgets will certainly make your home feel more futuristic: Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Voted one of the best options on the market by "PCMag" and "The New York Times," this plug has the ability to take your regular gadgets from basic to smart with little to no effort. Plus, it's compatible with major home hubs like Alexa, Google Home and Apple Home. Have you ever dreamed of being able to control the fan in your room while you're sleeping, without having to do so manually? With smart plugs such as this, you can not only put most of your gadgets on a timer, but you can operate them via your smartphone or by voice as well. $41.99 for a four-pack, Ring Battery Doorbell Cam Long gone are the days of having to get up every time your doorbell rings or missing a delivery when you're not home. With the introduction of doorbell cameras, such as Ring's, we've entered a new era of home security and monitoring. This brand is loved because you can not only see who's at the door from a compatible device, but you can reply or set auto replies, too. You can even pair it with the Ring-branded security system that offers 24/7 professional monitoring as an add-on, giving added peace of mind even while away on vacation. $59.99, Google Nest Learning Thermostat Now in its fourth generation, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat has been a go-to for homeowners since launching more than a decade ago. Controlled manually or via the Google Home app on your smartphone, the device picks up on your preferred temperature settings over time and automatically adjusts even when you aren't home. With the help of AI, the newest iteration of the Adaptive Eco feature is also able to determine the right settings for optimal energy saving, which often means lower energy bills for you as well. $239.99, ROKU Plus Series Smart TV Smart televisions have truly revolutionized the game. ROKU's Plus Series is not only equipped with a QLED screen and preloaded with popular streaming platforms, but the TV can be controlled by your voice using the accompanying remote. This means you can play your favorite show by simply speaking, or even find the remote if it gets lost. The Plus Series models are compatible with most major smart home hubs such as Alexa and Google Home and can be paired with other ROKU-branded products, too. Starting at $398 for a 55-inch model, Philips A19 LED Smart Color-Changing Light Bulb The Phillips A19 LED bulb is reasonably priced and has a range of colors perfect for any mood. The light can be controlled via voice through your smart home hub, or you can activate it through the WiZ app from your smartphone. $12.97 for a 60-watt bulb, LG 16H Prime Home Backup Battery Though not 'smart' in the sense of the other products mentioned, home backup batteries are among the things you didn't know you needed, until you actually do. Essentially a new-age generator, these high-powered energy sources provide the necessary output to keep your home running, especially in the event of a power outage. This particular model is touted as being designed with the average homeowner's needs in mind, meaning it's not overly complicated to use, has just the right amount of power for everyday needs like running an air conditioner while also being affordable in comparison to similar models on the market. $3,999,
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
08-05-2025
- Business Standard
Soon, setting up Matter-certified smart home devices will become easier
The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) is rolling out an update to the Matter protocol that will make it easier to set up compatible smart home devices. As part of the new Matter 1.4.1 specification, users will get access to improved setup options, including a multi-device setup QR code, NFC-based setup, and a more seamless in-app onboarding process. What is new in Matter 1.4.1 Multi-device setup QR code: Users will be able to scan a single QR code to set up multiple devices at once. This is especially useful for products like smart light bulb packs, which previously required scanning and configuring each unit separately. Manufacturer support is required for this to work. NFC setup: The update enables NFC-based setup as a standard feature. While Apple devices already support NFC pairing, this move will bring the capability to a broader range of products from other manufacturers. Enhanced setup flow: Users will now be able to accept a manufacturer's terms and conditions directly within the setup app, rather than being redirected to a separate web browser. This simplifies and streamlines the overall onboarding process. What is Matter protocol Matter is an open-source, royalty-free connectivity standard that enables smart home devices from different manufacturers to work together reliably and securely. Designed to solve compatibility issues, Matter allows devices to communicate across ecosystems such as Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings What brands make Matter-certified devices The Matter standard is developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance, a group that includes major technology companies like Amazon, Apple, Google, Samsung, Huawei, and others. These companies have committed to supporting Matter, allowing consumers to choose from a wide range of compatible devices while sticking to the ecosystem of their choice. How to use Matter devices To use a Matter-certified device, you will need a Matter controller specific to your smart home platform. Examples include: You will also need the respective mobile app, which acts as the Matter commissioner, to pair and manage the device.
The Verge
07-05-2025
- The Verge
Matter's latest update brings tap-to-pair setup
Two new features coming to Matter are designed to make setting up smart gadgets easier. Multi-device QR codes and a tap-to-pair onboarding via NFC are new options for adding devices like smart lights, plugs, locks, and more to a Matter home network. The updates are part of the new 1.4.1 specification for Matter announced today by the Connectivity Standards Alliance, the organization that runs the smart home interoperability standard developed by Apple, Amazon, Google, Samsung, and others in the industry. With multi-device QR codes, a multi-pack of devices – such as four lightbulbs or a two-pack of plugs – can now use a single QR code. When that's scanned into a Matter-compatible app, such as Amazon Alexa or Apple Home, it will set up all four bulbs at once, rather than you having to go through the setup four times and scan each code individually, which is the current process. NFC onboarding brings the option to skip the QR code and just tap or bring your phone near to a device to pair it to a Matter platform. This should speed up the process as well as make it easier to set up devices that have codes in awkward spots, such as lightbulbs, which have to be powered on to be paired. Trying to scan a code on a bulb when it's already in the fixture can be tricky, not to mention painful to the eyes (speaking from experience). NFC set-up isn't new; Apple has offered it as a way of adding HomeKit accessories for a while, and smart lighting manufacturer Nanoleaf also has it as an option on its devices. But it's not widely used. Hopefully, the addition to the Matter spec will bring more adoption. A third update with 1.4.1 allows you to accept any terms and conditions a manufacturer requires directly from the smart home controller app you're using to set up the device — such as Google or Apple's Home app. Currently, if T&Cs are required, you'll be kicked into the manufacturer app. Called Enhanced Setup Flow, this appears to be designed to meet regulatory requirements such as Europe's GDPR, but it could be a step towards adding more manufacturer information in smart home controller apps, meaning less need to use third-party apps. We won't see security cameras, smart speakers, or any new major features come to Matter until late 2025 at the earliest The release of the Matter 1.4.1 spec and SDK means developers can now implement these features in their devices. However, it will still be a while before you see them on the gadgets you buy for your smart home, and it could be even longer before the smart home platform you use supports them. Anything that makes setting up a Matter device smoother is a welcome update. To date, the process has been very hit or miss for me, and I'm not alone. While things have definitely improved, easy setup is one of the core ideas behind the standard. It's been over two years since Matter launched, and I would have hoped this would be solved already. These updates are very minor for a new spec release, which is why it has the 1.4.1 designation — the first dot dot release for Matter. The CSA confirmed this is its official spring release, labeling it Matter's first 'minor release,' and saying that they are still on a bi-annual release cadence following the 1.4 update in November 2024. This means we won't see security cameras, smart speakers, or any other new device types or major features come to Matter until late 2025, at the earliest. While that's disappointing for those of us watching Matter closely, it does jive with the CSA's statement from earlier this year that 2025 is going to be a year of focusing on reliability and performance. What is Matter? Matter is a smart home interoperability standard designed to provide a common language for connected devices to communicate locally in your home without relying on a cloud connection. It is built to be secure and private, easy to set up, and widely compatible. Developed by Apple, Amazon, Google, and Samsung (and others), Matter is an open-sourced, IP-based connectivity software layer for smart home devices. It works over Wi-Fi, ethernet, and the low-power mesh networking protocol Thread. The standard currently supports most of the main device types in the home, including lighting, thermostats, locks, robot vacuums, refrigerators, dishwashers, dryers, ovens, smoke alarms, air quality monitors, EV chargers, and more. A smart home gadget with the Matter logo can be set up and used with any Matter-compatible ecosystem via a Matter controller and controlled by more than one system via a feature called multi-admin.
Associated Press
28-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Xthings Set to Expand Home Assistant Support for Smarter Home Automation
FREMONT, Calif., April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Xthings, a global leader in IoT innovation, today unveiled an expanded integration with Home Assistant, the world's leading open-source home automation platform, including its line of ULTRALOQ smart locks. This collaboration empowers DIY enthusiasts and smart home users with unmatched customization, privacy, and control. Xthings' commitment to open ecosystems ensures its products seamlessly connect with Home Assistant, Apple Home, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and Alexa. ULTRALOQ Z-Wave Locks: Unlocking Freedom and Flexibility ULTRALOQ 's U-Bolt Z-Wave series liberates users from proprietary ecosystems. Leveraging Z-Wave, these locks deliver ultra-low latency, robust privacy, and cloud-free integration with Home Assistant for a truly personalized experience. The first products included in this expanding partnership are: Key Features and Benefits 'We're thrilled to renew our partnership with Xthings and expand the certified 'Works with Home Assistant' ULTRALOQ products in the coming months,' said Miranda Bishop, Partnership Manager at The Open Home Foundation. 'Xthings' commitment to open protocols perfectly aligns with the mission of the Open Home Foundation to deliver privacy, choice, and sustainability in home automation.' What's Next: Next-Gen Locks and Developer Tools ULTRALOQ is set to launch its advanced U-Bolt Z-Wave and Latch Series, designed for deeper Home Assistant compatibility. The Z-Wave 2.0 upgrade offers 40% faster response times and extended range for larger homes. An open-source SDK will allow developers to create tailored firmware for specialized use cases, such as Airbnb hosting workflows. About ULTRALOQ ULTRALOQ, a best-selling smart lock brand under Xthings, is dedicated to developing innovative and secure smart access solutions. With a focus on blending cutting-edge technology with convenience, ULTRALOQ's products are designed to provide a secure and keyless entry experience for both homes and businesses, making smart security more accessible than ever. More information at ULTRALOQ. View original content: SOURCE Xthings Inc.
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Yahoo
5 Ways the Smart Home Standard Matter Needs to Change in 2025
The "Matter" standard arrived with a splash several years ago, full of promises to unite the smart home world and fix all (okay, not quite all) our problems. The protocol was formed from a consortium of hundreds of brands, notably top smart home companies like Google, Amazon and Apple. They wanted a communication standard -- plus a new, safe connection protocol, called Thread -- that would reinvent the smart home and usher in universal compatibility. Matter and Thread tried, but the odds against the new standards have been steep. Far more complex than a standard like Bluetooth, Matter is much like a vast treaty slowly built up between warring manufacturers, with loads of fine print and more than a few knots still left. That means progress has been slow, as have the results you can actually see. So, where are we in 2025? Matter is still flailing in many areas, and it's time for a much-needed shot of adrenaline. Fortunately, its creators appear to know that. But there's a lot of work to do. Here are key areas Matter needs to evolve, ASAP, if it wants to impress smart device users. Read more: One Tiny iPhone Feature Shows Apple's Big Plans for Your Smart Home Matter promises broad compatibility, which means you could pick up a Matter device and choose whether you want to control it with Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa or a similar tool. That's great news, but the details often disappoint. Today, you could pick up a Matter-enabled device and find it works with Google and Amazon, but not Apple -- or vice-versa. You'll have to read the details to know what to expect. Or you may find the some features work with Google Home/Assistant, but aren't available on Apple Home/Siri. Or that the device's own app enables settings or features that you can't find on any of the "universal" apps. That sizable mess has already eroded a lot of trust in Matter for users. In 2025, Matter and its adopters need to work much harder at making features truly universal across apps. Matter's continuing updates (plus the changes we're discussing below) are helping, but individual manufacturers need to stop waffling and put in the work. Thread is an excellent networking protocol, like a more advanced version of ZigBee that improves security and even saves on energy use. But again, adoption has been slow and companies have relied on a variety of workarounds in the Matter "Fabric," a.k.a. a messy continuum where all Matter devices in a home exist. One of the most popular options is a Thread Border Router, usually built into a compatible hub like an Amazon Echo device, Eero device, HomePod, Nest Hub and so on. But not everyone has these devices in their homes, and not all manufacturers want to support them for Thread connections. What we need are Thread connections that don't rely on Thread Border Routers in a handful of hubs. Fortunately, we're starting to see answers appear, like Apple's and Google's adoption of Thread radio frequency support in phones, so they can connect to Thread devices directly without needing a hub. Another promising option is the full embrace of Thread by Wi-Fi routers. While not everyone has or wants a separate hub, everyone has a Wi-Fi router, effectively securing Thread connections for the whole house without jumping through hoops. A few routers have built-in Thread support, like the Eero Pro 6E and Nest Wifi Pro, but it's time for that support to spread. Compatibility with Matter and Thread can be tedious and expensive for manufacturers. And if they want to release a new version of their apps, they usually have to go through the certification process again -- or at least, they did. At the beginning of 2025, the CSA, or Connectivity Standards Alliance, the group in charge of Matter), announced that it would be making testing, approval and certification processes both easier and cheaper, while cutting down on how often certification would have to be redone. It's frustrating that these key changes took so long, but they're here -- and now manufacturers have the opportunity to more confidently embrace Matter investment. The Big Three are, of course, Google, Amazon and Apple, which spearhead the push for Matter. But they can struggle too, and one notable issue is trying to use devices in a multi-admin setup. In other words, switching between apps like Alexa and Apple Home or the device's own brand app on the fly, using whatever method you want. Usually, this brings operations to a screeching halt as devices require all-new authentication steps when trying to jump platforms. Matter 1.4 addressed this with enhanced multi-admin features, including the ability to seamlessly hop to the platform of your choice and have all devices get automatic approval. It's a neat trick and important to for Matter's continued success, but adoption has been slow, especially for the Big Three. 2025 is the time to change that. Matter still hasn't arrived for some smart home devices at all, notably security cameras, video doorbells and any other video capabilities devices may have. The standard has been promising camera support for some time, but home cam technology is complex and fickle from one brand to another. Attempts to add camera support remain ongoing, but I'd sure like to see it sometime this year. Best Home Security Systems for Renters in 2025 See at Cnet As we look for Matter to prove itself this year, you should look at the top home security systems that work with what you have, how to cut down on annoying smart alerts and the worst spots you should never put a security camera.
