Every Sunday we take a look back at the past seven days and review the news in the Matter and HomeKit world.
First images of Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 8K surfaced
If you’re thinking about getting a Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box to add Ambilight to your TV, it might be worth waiting a little longer.
In fact, the first images of a new 8K model surfaced on Amazon this week. More exciting than the higher resolution might be the HDMI 2.1 standard for most, which allows 120 frames per second at a resolution of 4K.
The only one of its kind: Lightguide Ellipse from Philips Hue
The Lightguide range from Philips Hue seems to have a bit of a bug in it. And there is no longer any talk of an “assortment” in the meantime, as we were able to report to you recently. For now, only the Ellipse is available. However, we have now taken a close look at this one for you.
As is well known, there is no accounting for taste. We find the special design of the Ellipse, with the eye-catching LED bulb very successful. The only noticeable thing for us was that it took us a very long time to find a sensible and, to our taste, appealing presentation of the lamp. You can find all the details about the new Philips Hue Lightguide Ellipse in our review.
IKEA presents new air quality monitor
IKEA officially launched its new VINDSTYRKA air quality monitor this week. We had already reported that the device is to come.
In the press release, however, the furniture giant only notes the connection to the IKEA Home smart app. Other smarthome platforms, including Apple HomeKit, are not mentioned. This coincides with the first user report that the device can connect to the IKEA DIRIGERA Hub, but the values are not displayed in Apple Home.
Does Homebridge still play a role at all?
Apple users with a DIY mentality have been relying on the Homebridge project for many years to connect otherwise unsupported devices to the Home app and Siri. Our community forum, with its large number of users, also offers support.
The Matter standard could make the system obsolete, as Matter devices will be compatible with smart-home ecosystems from Amazon, Google and Apple. This begs the question: Will Matter make Homebridge obsolete? Warning spoiler: “We find, no!”. Our thoughts on the coexistence of Homebridge and Matter, in our latest post. What do you think?
Eve MotionBlinds for retrofitting available now
On Thursday, Eve Systems released the Eve MotionBlinds Upgrade Kit, first accidentally early and later officially.
So if you already have blinds in use and want to integrate them into HomeKit afterwards, you can now purchase the upgrade kit for €199.95 on Amazon.
Apple releases new software versions
On Monday, Apple released both iOS 16.3.1 and software version 16.3.2 for the HomePod (mini) and Apple TV. 16.3.2 fixes errors in smart home queries via Siri.
In addition, Apple has released the first beta of iOS 16.4, which brings back the HomeKit architecture upgrade. Furthermore, updates for Matter accessories can be installed both manually and automatically.
Rithum Smart Switch supports tado°
If you are looking for a wall switch with display, the Rithium Smart Switch might be interesting. The device does not support HomeKit, but it can control Sonos, Philips Hue and recently also the devices from tado°.
Some plugins are available for free, others must first be activated via a one-time purchase. Thus, the tado° plugin costs another 25€ in addition to the switch’s proud purchase price of 299€.
Matter Hub from SwitchBot to launch in March
We have already reported that SwitchBot is planning to release a new Matter Hub. This also finally allows SwitchBot products to be integrated into HomeKit.
The SwitchBot Hub 2 is scheduled to hit the (virtual) shelves in March.
Current HomeKit offers
We regularly update our overview of HomeKit offers. If you want to browse a bit or are looking for a specific device, it is worth taking a look at our overview. Our app also provides you with a search feature and numerous filters.
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