HomeKit Insider

Join us in this episode as Garrett Lovejoy, SVP at Fortune Brands and General Manager of Connected Security, shares insights into the evolving landscape of smart locks, industry standards like Matter, Thread, and UWB, and the future of intelligent home automation. Discover what’s next for connected security, design trends, and how AI is democratizing automation creation.
In this episode:
The impact of CES 2026 on smart home industry innovations
How Matter, Thread, and UWB are transforming device connectivity
The role of AI in simplifying automation setup and personalization
Differences and future plans for Yale, August, and other brands in the market
Advances in retrofit solutions for smart blinds, shades, and other accessories
Challenges with multi-home device management in apartments and condos
Emerging smart lock technologies including UWB and Aliro
The User Experience evolution with automatic unlocking and tap-based access
The significance of design innovation and brand differentiation
Industry resilience and firmware update strategies for complex home systems

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:
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
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
Multiple Apple Home garage doors in CarPlay
Great projector automation from Aqara forum
SwitchBot Wooden Air Purifier
Yale Assure 2 Lock with Matter
Yale Home Website
Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: [email protected]

In this episode of HomeKit Insider, Andrew teams up with shortcut expert Matthew Cassinelli to delve into the world of smart home automation. They explore the evolution of shortcuts from Workflow to Apple Shortcuts, offering insights into personal and home automations within Apple HomeKit. Listeners will learn how to enhance their home setups with advanced logic, integrate APIs for custom solutions, and troubleshoot common issues. The episode also highlights future smart home interfaces, real-world automation examples, and the potential of AI in home automation. Perfect for tech enthusiasts eager to elevate their smart home experience.
Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow our hosts 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
Incogni: Take your personal data back with Incogni! Get 60% off an annual plan at https://incogni.com/homekit and use code HOMEKIT at checkout.
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
Matthew Cassinelli on Twitter
Matthew Cassinelli consulting
Sonos Amp Multi
AirTag 2 details
Aqara U400 Deluxe Kit at Apple
Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: [email protected]

In this episode of HomeKit Insider, Andrew O'Hara is joined by Eric from Modern Day Tech to discuss the latest in smart home technology. They explore the challenges of setting up smart home devices, the evolution of Eric's YouTube channel, and the future of smart home hubs, including Apple's potential new releases. The conversation also touches on the reliability of different smart home brands and the importance of local control in smart home systems.
Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow our hosts 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
Copilot Money:  Limited-time: Get two months free when you sign up at copilot.money and use coupon code HOMEKIT! **(new users only, web only)
Notion Agent: Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at: https://notion.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
Modern Day Tech
Sony leaves the TV space
Apple Home Hub to swivel
SmartSetup Mortise Lock
Google Home outage
Netatmo Thermo line
Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: [email protected]

In this episode of HomeKit Insider, host Andrew O'Hara dives into the latest smart home innovations, including an in-depth review of the U400 Smart Lock, the Govee Nugget Ice Maker Pro, and IKEA's new Matter-over-Thread lineup. Andrew shares his personal experiences from CES, discusses the exciting new features of Apple's Creator Studio, and explores the potential of AI in smart home technology. Tune in for expert insights, product reviews, and a glimpse into the future of smart living. Don't miss out on the latest trends and tips for enhancing your home with cutting-edge technology!
Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow our hosts 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
CleanMyMac:  Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code HOMEKIT for 20% off at clnmy.com/HOMEKITINSIDER
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 HomeKit Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.
Links from the show
Apple Home community on digg
Dewenils Single Outlet Outdoor Smart Plug
Dewenils Double Outlet Outdoor Smart Plug
Aqara U400 UWB Smart Lock
Govee Nugget Ice Maker Pro
Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: [email protected]

In this episode of HomeKit Insider, host Andrew O'Hara discusses the latest announcements from CES 2026, focusing on smart home technology and innovations. Key topics include Apple's upcoming mandatory home architecture upgrade, new members of the Connectivity Standards Alliance, and exciting product launches from brands like LifX, EVE, Aqara, IKEA, and Philips Hue. The episode highlights advancements in smart locks, thermostats, and home automation devices, emphasizing the integration of Matter and Apple Home compatibility across various products.
Send us your HomeKit questions and recommendations with the hashtag homekitinsider. Tweet and follow our hosts 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
Copilot Money:  Limited-time: Get 26% off your first year when you sign up at copilot.money and use coupon code HOMEKIT! **(new users only, web only)
Incogni: Take your personal data back with Incogni! Get 60% off an annual plan at https://incogni.com/homekit and use code HOMEKIT at checkout.
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 Home Architecture Upgrade
DJI Joins CSA
LifX Matter Mirror
Eve Thermostat
Aqara CES 2026
Hunter Fans
GE Shades
GE New Shades on Amazon
TCL Locks
Philips Hue Spatial Lighting
Sensereo Airo Kickstarter
Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: [email protected]