Apple’s new HomeKit architecture returns in iOS 16.4

Apple is re-releasing its new HomeKit architecture in iOS 16.4 after it was pulled in an earlier version.

The architecture initially debuted in iOS 16.2 but users quickly ran into problems with devices getting stuck “updating” or becoming entirely unresponsive.

Apple decided to pull the update while it investigated the issues. iOS 16.3 and iOS 16.3.1 arrived without any sign of the new HomeKit’s return.

Anyone eager to get started with the new HomeKit...

17 February 2023 | IoT

Apple finally activates HomePod Mini’s climate sensor

Apple has finally activated the humidity and temperature sensor in the HomePod Mini.

Earlier this month, Apple announced the second generation of its full-size HomePod. One of the new features was a sensor for detecting a room’s current temperature and humidity.

Back in 2021, the teardown specialists at iFixit disassembled the HomePod Mini. iFixit discovered a Texas Instruments HDC2010 humidity and temperature sensor that Apple failed to mention.

“The...

25 January 2023 | Applications

SwitchBot jumps on the Matter train with Hub 2

SwitchBot has added support for the Matter smart home standard with its new Hub 2.

Announced at this year’s CES, the Hub 2 is a WiFi-based bridge that enables SwitchBot’s popular Bluetooth devices to work with other ecosystems.

The new hub now features a simple display that shows information such as temperature and humidity in the air. However, those features are secondary to its main function.

With the Hub 2, users of SwitchBot’s devices can use the...

4 January 2023 | Applications

Arlo criticised for new end-of-life policy

Netgear spinoff Arlo has been criticised for pulling support for several of its connected security cameras over a relatively short period.

In a new EOL policy, Arlo announced that it may end support for any camera that hasn’t been manufactured for four years old.

Arlo manufactures popular security cameras. Purchasers typically buy a security camera, set it up, and forget about it until it breaks. Every tech product reaches end-of-life (EOL) eventually but you expect...

3 January 2023 | Applications

Z-Wave Source Code project is ‘complete’

The Z-Wave Alliance has announced that its Source Code project is “complete” and now available to members.

By opening development, the alliance says it will enable members to contribute code that will shape the future of the IoT protocol.

Smart home standard Matter has stolen the spotlight over the past year due to its backing from major ecosystem players, including Apple, Google, Samsung, IKEA, Signify, and more. The standard has boosted hopes that the smart...

15 December 2022 | Connectivity

Smart home IoT standard Matter officially launches

Matter has officially launched with the arrival of the 1.0 release of the smart home IoT standard.

The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) is responsible for creating, evolving, and managing the Matter standard. Today, the CSA and its members released the Matter 1.0 standard and certification program.

“What started as a mission to unravel the complexities of connectivity has resulted in Matter, a single, global IP-based protocol that will fundamentally change the...

5 October 2022 | Connectivity

Feit Electric swoops in to save LIFX

Feit Electric has swooped in to quite literally keep the lights on at LIFX.

Buddy Technologies, the parent company of smart lighting firm LIFX, went into administration earlier this year.

Good samaritans quickly got to work writing guides for LIFX customers on how to locally control their lights if the firm’s servers are switched off. Fortunately, it doesn’t look like they’ll be needed.

Global lighting firm Feit Electric has acquired the LIFX brand and...

9 August 2022 | Consumer IoT & Wearables

IKEA announces Matter-ready smart home hub

IKEA is ramping up its smart home ambitions with the launch of a Matter-ready hub.

Many IoT standards have come and gone over the years. Most of these standards have promised interoperability to break down barriers but consumers have still ended up being left with numerous hubs to support their various products.

Matter promises to change that. The royalty-free standard was launched and introduced by Amazon, Apple, Google, Comcast, and the Zigbee Alliance. With that kind...

25 May 2022 | Connectivity

IDC predicts a return to chip supply normality by mid-2022

A research note from IDC suggests the ongoing chip shortage will normalise by the middle of next year.

Semiconductors are in short supply primarily due to pandemic-related supply chain issues, trade sanctions, and strong demand.

IoT devices continue to proliferate rapidly, connected vehicles are increasingly desirable, 5G-capable smartphones are in-demand, and stock of those newfangled games consoles are flying out before they even reach shelves. Combined with the global...

20 September 2021 | Consumer IoT & Wearables

Kaspersky: Attacks on IoT devices double in a year

Research from the cybersecurity gurus at Kaspersky has found that attacks targeting IoT devices have doubled over the past year.

The rapid proliferation of IoT devices, combined with often poor security, makes them an increasingly attractive target for hackers. Analysts at McKinsey estimate that 127 new devices are connected every second.

Dan Demeter, Security Expert at Kaspersky, said:

“Since IoT devices, from smartwatches to smart home accessories, have...

7 September 2021 | IoT