On this episode of the HomeKit Insider Podcast we talk about Apple’s continued use of hidden Thread radios, Apple TV’s new watch list feature, and more new smart home products launching.
Recently, Apple launched tvOS 18.1 which didn’t contain many user-facing feature. One seems to have flown under the radar though.
With this update, the TV app has a new separate watch list for movies and TV shows that you have not started. This differs from the Up Next queue that shows all content — stuff you’ve started watching and stuff you have not.
The goal is to help you keep track of new items so they don’t get lost in all the current shows you’re watching right now. When looking at a movie or TV show in the Apple TV app, you can add to the watch list with a click.
Apple is also launching several new Macs on November 8th and recent FCC filings reveal a hidden secret. Like many other Macs and iPads, Apple opted to include Thread radios but hasn’t acknowledged or commented on them.
In the news, TP-Link is gearing up to launch the Tapo H110 IR repeater with Matter. This allows you to control many IR devices natively in the Home app, via automations and scenes, and with Siri.
The new Rise Garden 3 has launched, with a newly refreshed design. It’s now all metal with a wooden cabinet at the bottom and allows you to grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers all year long.
LifX is releasing a new set of permanent outdoor lights. They work with Matter over Wi-Fi and are 50 feet in length with 30 lights but can be extended to 120 lights and 200 feet.
Finally, CozyHome has launched a new HomeKit-compatible smart air vent. It uses fans to pull air through a room’s air vent to improve circulation and can be controlled from the Home app.
We finish the episode answering a listener question who is looking for a robotic vacuum cleaner and has a list of specific requirements that they need.
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