Andrew O'Hara covers a big week in smart home news. We've updates from Apple, a whole lineup of new smart home devices from Amazon, and we review the new HomePod mini 2.
Apple news
- tvOS 27.2 lets you pair the new Siri Remote with older Apple TVs, back to the Apple TV HD. The remote now shows up in Find My. Screensavers auto-rotate, and profiles get new characters and a kid's profile option on iPhone and iPad. There are also new ASL and BSL audio options.
- HomePods get Sound Glow, which tints the top of the speaker to match the album art you're playing.
- Code found in the HomeView 27.2 software points to possible AI agent support, such as Claude and ChatGPT. It also hints at a security camera mode with a chime, a green light and alerts when settings change. Shipping dates are starting to slip.
Amazon's smart home event
- The new Echo Dot, Echo Studio with a built-in camera, Echo Time and Echo Show 16 are covered, along with the "A-word" photo frame. The Echo Show 16 adds a home map that scans your rooms with an iPhone.
More news
- Matic launches the quieter Serene model and an upgrade program for existing robots. It also adds a "say cheese" photo feature.
- SwitchBot's AI ArtFrame 2 comes with 500 built-in artworks and more storage.
- Philips Hue adds AI-built automations.
- Ecobee launches a free Home Summary.
- Rise expands into professional installation.
Review: HomePod Mini 2
- Andrew finds it noticeably faster, with a new chip, five colors, and extra pairing options for Apple TV 4K and Mac. The audio is essentially unchanged, and Apple's new assistant isn't available at launch.
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