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On the latest HomeKit Insider Podcast episode, we get into the new Aqara doorbell, break down Ikea’s master Matter and Thread plan, talk about the Kef XIO soundbar, and more!
This past week, Samsung updated its mobile app for iPhone and Apple Watch. The newly available build finally adds dark mode, an AI scene building assistant, and new controls for Apple Watch.
British audio maker Kef also released its first soundbar. The Kef XIO soundbar is heavily on the premium end of the market and it includes support for wireless audio via Apple AirPlay.
Ikea is rebooting its smart home portfolio with big changes coming in 2026. It is set to release more than 20 new items January including lights, switches, and remotes that all directly support Matter over Thread, without needing a hub.
It will be sunsetting its Zigbee products, though they will still be supported on the Dirigera hub. The hub also got an update, in beta, to turn it into a Matter controller and act as a Thread border router.
After ending its partnership with Sonos, Ikea also plans new audio devices as well. It is starting with a pair of Bluetooth speakers, which sound less ambitious than their previous Wi-Fi and fully AirPlay-supporting speakers.
Finally in the news, Aqara is launching its G410 smart video doorbell. It was first shown off at CES in January 2025 and includes a wider field of view, a new mmWave motion sensor, and the ability to act as a Matter hub.
After the news, your hosts start to talk about Andrew’s high-tech enabled chicken coop. The coop, despite the tech surveillance, is having a predator problem and they walk through possible solutions.
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