Smart Home Insider

Join Andrew and Martin Diamond, CEO of PawPort, as they explore the latest in smart home technology, pet security innovations, and the future of integrated home devices. Discover how pet doors are evolving into secure, smart, and stylish fixtures within modern homes.
In this episode:
Apple’s recent software updates and new features for Apple TV, including discovery enhancements and interface improvements.
The future of smart home hubs and the impact of executive changes at Apple’s smart home division.
Detailed walkthrough of PawPort’s smart pet door, including security features, installation options, and upcoming integrations.
Insights into the evolving smart pet tech landscape, including potential for full home ecosystem integration and Matter support.
The trend toward built-in appliances and modular home automation, including custom installations and future home design trends.
Challenges and opportunities with Matter, device interoperability, and cross-platform management in smart homes.
Practical tips for pet owners using tech to enhance animal safety and convenience, including cat-proofing pet doors and automating routines.
Send me your smart home questions and recommendations with the hashtag #SmartHomeInsider. Tweet and follow your host at:
@andrew_osu on Twitter
@andrewohara941 on Threads
Email me here
Sponsored by:
Gusto: Try Gusto today at https://gusto.com/homekit, and get three months free when you run your first payroll
Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/homekit
Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.
Links from the show
Apple's smart home lead departs
What's new in tvO 26.4
Pawport smart pet doors
Aqara G400 doorbell
Aqara G350 camera

Discover the latest developments in smart home technology, from Matter-certified devices popping up in big box stores to the challenges and opportunities with AI assistants. Join guest Jennifer Pattison Tuohy from The Verge and your regular host Andrew O'Hara as they share insights into the industry’s future, recent product launches, and their personal experiences navigating smart home ecosystems.
Key topics:
The evolution and significance of Matter-certified smart home products seen at Lowe's and CES
How Apple’s transition away from the HomeKit branding impacts smart home standards and consumer perception
Performance and limitations of Amazon Alexa+ and Google Assistant, and their comparison to Siri
The decline of new ecosystems and the long game of device adoption, especially for cameras and sensors
Challenges with smart thermostats in seasonal climate swings and how to manage off-season devices
Sonos's new portable speakers, including the Play and Aero 100 SL, and their potential use cases
The impact of delayed Apple smart home devices like the next-gen HomePod and Apple TV
How natural language control and profiles could streamline smart home automation and troubleshooting
Personal stories: managing offline devices, system reinitialization, and unresponsive smart items
Insights into marketing strategies for Matter products and how branding affects consumer choices
The evolution of AI assistants and their place within smart homes—limitations, potential, and future improvements
Send me your smart home questions and recommendations with the hashtag #SmartHomeInsider. Tweet and follow your host at:
@andrew_osu on Twitter
@andrewohara941 on Threads
Email me here
Sponsored by:
CleanMyMac: Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code SMARTHOME for 20% off at https://clnmy.com/SMARTHOME.
Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/homekit
Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.
Links from the show
Wired: Alexa+ is Struggling
HomePod & Apple TV delayed
More Apple Home Hub rumors
Sonos launches Era 100 SL & Play
Jen Tuohy on The Verge
Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: [email protected]

Explore the future of pet care with Jacob Zuppke, CEO of Whisker, as he talks about how smart pet products like the Litter-Robot 5 Pro are poised to integrate into our connected homes. Discover how these innovations transform routine tasks into intuitive experiences with advanced sensors and health-tracking features, offering life-changing insights for pet owners. Despite the potential, pet products remain isolated from mainstream smart home conversations. This episode delves into the challenges and opportunities of integrating smart feeders, water bowls, and more into a cohesive smart home ecosystem, providing actionable insights for tech-savvy pet owners eager to elevate their connected living experience.

Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow your host at:
@andrew_osu on Twitter
@andrewohara941 on Threads
Email me here
Sponsored by:
Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at: shopify.com/homekit
Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.
Links from the show
Whisker's website
Apple smart display delayed (again)
Two new Sonos speakers leak
AirSnitch vulnerability 
IKEA E26 Color 1100 lumens
IKEA E26 White Spectrum 1600 lumens
IKEA E26 White Spectrum 450 lumens
IKEA E12 Color
IKEA E12 White Spectrum
E12 Filament Candelabra
E26 Filament Globe
Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: [email protected]

In this episode of "Smart Home Insider," host Andrew is joined by guest Nelson Henry to dive into the latest developments in smart home technology. They discuss the transition from HomeKit Insider to Smart Home Insider, highlighting the new show logo by Basic Apple Guy. The conversation covers IKEA's push into smart home devices with Matter and Thread, the innovative smart nightlight by Third Reality, and the security concerns surrounding DJI's Romo vacuums. They also explore the new Aliro standard for digital keys, its implications for smart locks, and the potential for increased interoperability across devices and ecosystems. Tune in for insights on the future of smart home tech and how it impacts everyday life.

Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow your host at:
@andrew_osu on Twitter
@andrewohara941 on Threads
Email me here
Sponsored by:
Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at: shopify.com/homekit
Gusto: Try Gusto today at https://gusto.com/homekit, and get three months free when you run your first payroll.
HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.
Links from the show
Basic Apple Guy
IKEA Matter-over-Thread video review
Third Reality Smart Night Light-T
DJI Robot Vacuum Security Exploit
New Sonos App Update
Sonos CEO Reddit Interview
Zemismart Presence Sensor
Aliro Finally Launches
Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: [email protected]

Join us as we sit down with tech veteran Brian Tong to discuss the exciting rebrand of HomeKit Insider to Smart Home Insider, Apple's evolving smart home strategy, and the future of AI in consumer devices. Whether you're a smart home enthusiast, Apple aficionado, or industry watcher, this episode offers deep insights into what’s coming next.
Key Topics:
The story behind rebranding from HomeKit Insider to Smart Home Insider
Apple's strategic moves in the smart home space, including upcoming devices and sensors
The future of AI in consumer tech: Apple's developments, partnerships, and product ambitions
The state of CarPlay, Apple's automotive ambitions, and the evolving auto industry landscape
Privacy and security’s role in Apple's innovation and competitive advantage
Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow your host at:
@andrew_osu on Twitter
@andrewohara941 on Threads
Email me here
Sponsored by:
Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at: shopify.com/homekit
HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.
Links from the show
Apple Experience on March 4
26.4 Beta features
Apple TV coming to CarPlay
Podcast video support
Brian's video on Apple AI wearables
Brian Tong YouTube channel
Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: [email protected]