Brian Tong joins HomeKit Insider to communicate smarthome, Apple Intelligence &amp, more

HomeKit Insider Podcast
Brian Tong, the host of the HomeKit Insider podcast, stops by to discuss the latest news, including Apple Intelligence and Logitech’s Walk-Back, as well as a new affordable Presence Sensor. Brian Tong has been a familiar face in the Apple world since he hosted The Apple Byte on CNET. He has recently secured several exclusives, including a ride through Apple Park with Greg Jozwiak. On this week’s HomeKit insider podcast, he joins to discuss the news of the past week, beginning with UAG’s release this past week of a new MagSafe compatible wireless charger that features a compact and accompanying travel bag. It can be used as a stand, Qi wireless charger, or Apple Watch charger. It’s nice that it has a carrying case for when you want to take it with you. We also like the fact that there are multiple world adapters available for the USB-C power plug. However, the Apple Watch puck for fast charging felt a bit loose. This is a good charging solution. Hanneke Faber stated in a recent article that she thought Logitech’s products for the smart home were “pretty well gone.” Now, the company says that its CEO’s comments are incorrect and that it remains committed to its products and that they are still available. We’re not confident in the future of this line. Meross released the new MS600 Presence Sensor for under $30. These sensors are more accurate when creating automations than motion sensors because they only trigger when a person is in the room, and not by any random movement. It uses PIR, light, and radar sensors to detect when someone is in the room. It is powered by USB-C. It is powered by Matter and does not require an Aqara hub. The Thor latch lock will be available with Thread support for Apple Home. It has a fingerprint reader and a keypad built in. This is for locking down areas in your home such as a bar, wine cellar or home office. It can power up to 4 AA batteries. UAG Travel Charger
Logitech’s statement on the smart home
Meross presence sensor
Thor Latch LockBrian tong on Twitter
Brian Tong on Youtube
Apple Blitz Podcast with Brian Tong
AppleInsider Podcast is a weekly podcast that keeps you up to date with all things Apple. Ask Siri to play the latest HomeKit Insider Episode by saying “Hey Siri” to your HomePod Mini. AppleInsider Podcast subscribers can enjoy ad-free content by subscribing to the podcast for $5 per month via Apple’s Podcasts App or Patreon, if they prefer another podcast player.