Early CES releases, new version of Thread, & listener questions on HomeKit Insider

Affiliate Disclosure If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Read our ethics policy . Early CES releases, new version of Thread, & listener questions on HomeKit Insider Andrew O'Hara | Jan 08, 2024 HomeKit Insider 0 Facebook x.com Reddit At CES 2024, the Thread Group announced its next generation of its wireless mesh protocol that will make it easier to developer, troubleshoot, and use.

There is now a standardized way for mesh networks to share credentials, allowing different border routers from different ecosystems connect and create one large mesh network over your whole home. It has also added new developer tools, easy onboarding for large groups of devices, Thread packets over PoE, and direct internet access for accessories.

That allows them to access info like weather, sports scores stock prices, or whatever the manufacturer desires. We also saw our first few CES devices announced. CES doesn't start til later this week but prior to the release of this episode we saw Belkin's new Qi2 devices announced and a new MagSafe stand using Apple DockKit that will lock onto your face and track you in the camera.

Samsung also showed off its new robotic vacuum. The new Jet Bot Combo is able to steam clean your floor as well as use AI to determine when additional cleaning is needed and will send out the robot again for tough messes. UltraLoq had a new lock too for the show, supporting Apple Home and Home Key all with Wi Fi connectivity.

After the news, we answered a few listener questions we got since the last episode. Rodney wrote in to follow up on last week's episode. He said he uses a SwitchBot outdoor temperature and humidity sensor with his fridge and has had no issues with connectivity in the fridge and it shows historical data in the accompanying app.

Ben wanted to know if we had any suggestions for in cabinet lighting. There are lots of options here and we break them based on how much work they entail and the price. Julian has requested any Apple Home options or even any smart lock options that would be compatible with wooden gates. Of course it will depend on the type of latch, but we go through the options.

Finally, someone wrote in to ask what is the deal with Apple Home smoke detectors. We go through our favorite options and some other options that aren't reliant on swapping out your devices. Links from the show The Thread Group update Samsung Jet Bot Combo UltraLoq Home Key lock Belkin CES news Owl Home smoke detector and multi sensor SwitchBot Outdoor Temperature & Humidity Sensor Subscribe and listen to our AppleInsider Daily podcast for the latest Apple news Monday through Friday.

You can find it on Apple Podcasts , Overcast , or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: [email protected] Keep up with everything Apple in the weekly AppleInsider Podcast — and get a fast news update from AppleInsider Daily. Just say, "Hey, Siri," to your HomePod mini and ask for these podcasts, and our latest HomeKit Insider episode too.

If you want an ad free main AppleInsider Podcast experience, you can support the AppleInsider podcast by subscribing for $5 per month through Apple's Podcasts app , or via Patreon if you prefer any other podcast player..