HomeKit Insider

316
Technology #155

Learn about the latest HomeKit devices, news, reviews, and more on HomeKit Insider. Our hosts Andrew O'Hara and Stephen Robles discuss how-to's, automations, integrating Siri Shortcuts, and review their recent HomeKit projects.

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Recent Reviews
  • French Camp 49er
    Great Show
    One of the best HomeKit shows there is. Andrew is always great and keeps us up to date with everything that involves HomeKit and the smart home. Again great show.
  • Jwillimtb
    Great podcast for us HomeKit fans
    Great job Andrew. Keep up the great work. Would love to have more how to’s around scenes and Shortcuts creation for HomeKit automation as you expand the podcast. Thanks again for doing this!
  • ddausend
    Wes has to go!
    Apple Insider on X posted an article about their political views. They are trash. Won’t listen anymore.
  • the5thdiamond
    Getting kinda dry!
    I like how Andrew holds it down, but the show needs a steady co host. When Stephen Robles was on board it was really good. The show need that energy again.
  • jdenning
    This used to be a great podcast.
    This podcast used to be my favorite. I looked forward to it every week. But it has lost side of what it should be. It doesn’t know if it should be charger insider movie insider or what. I’m a little over 15 minutes into the current episode. And they haven’t talked about anything Apple home yet. I can’t believe there’s absolutely nothing to talk about in the Apple home world. Even if just more questions from people troubleshooting. Some thing!
  • JonahSachs
    Used to be better
    Great podcast, but has degraded in quality since Steven left. Episode length varies dramatically week to week, and you new know if it’s going to be a solo or group host episode. Also, Andrew NEEDS to upgrade his audio equipment. Mic quality is BAD.
  • CraigCode1010
    Disorganized and Poorly Researched
    Less news on the titular topic and more a meandering conversation on vaguely homekit related tech.
  • MN_Learner
    Was great ….
    I used to look forward to this show weekly. It almost seems like Andrew and Wes don’t like each other as it’s constant arguing and talking over each other. This week’s show spent 5+ mins arguing about Apple and Google Find My. It seems there is no script. I hope the chemistry gets better, but it’s almost painful to hear at this point. I hope you guys get back to basics!
  • Txag67687
    Needs a new cohost.
    I have been a long time listener and have always looked forward to new episodes. Sadly, I am no longer eager to listen since adding Wes as a cohost. His takes are always negative and seems to lack a basic understanding of home automation and related technologies. The chemistry between him and Andrew simply isn’t there.
  • Too, too much fun
    Everything Apple Home
    I’ve been listening for the past two years. Andrew does a great job of exploring all things Apple. I’ve learned so much about upcoming home products. I’ve made purchases based on items discussed on the show. Specifically, I’ve bought Eufy cameras and hub, Logitech doorbell, Lutron hub and switches, several HomePod mini’s and the Lisen, 3 in 1 magnetic wireless charging stand. I’m looking into a robovacum, air purifier, and anything else that is fun for home automation. This show is very informative if you are exploring setting up a smart home using the apple ecosystem. I look forward to hearing about new products, what works, and what doesn’t work. I love all the guest hosts, but I do miss Stephen. This is the show I listen to to start my week and the links in the show notes help me remember the products I want to research. Congrats on 200 episodes and I hope we get 200 more.
  • tj5763468532
    I’m done with this podcast
    It’s turning into what they wish apple should do, not what it can do. It’s now pointless to even listen to them. I’m no longer following. This has turned out pointless. Was good but no longer had anything helpful. Also because of this podcast I’ve cancelled my order on a DJI microphone. Can’t believe how bad the sound quality it has.
  • Some other Dad took "Dad"
    Andrew is great Wes brings the show down.
    Andrew go solo. Your so enthusiastic! Or Find another co-host please.
  • SDTravel
    *Was* a good podcast….
    For the first several years of the HKI podcast I would never miss an episode. Fantastic content and hosts. However, with the recent turnover in hosts, the content and discourse has gone down the tubes. Seems like many episodes are filled with non-Homekit fluff to pad the podcast time. This wastes everyone’s time. Short and to the point is better than an hour of rambling all over the Apple ecosystem. Audio quality is also poor with Wes coughing a lot this week. The Jan 29th episode was so bad I ditched it 30 minutes in..and not sure I’ll return without a serious turnaround in hosts and quality.
  • Ahoog69
    Audio Levels Too Low
    The information and banter are generally informative and entertaining, but the audio quality and—perhaps more importantly—the audio levels are far too low. Listen to the BBC or the Apple News Podcast for a gold standard comparison. The levels have got to come up!
  • pixellolis
    Dynamic Duos and Diverse Perspectives
    I consistently appreciate Wes's contributions to the show; his insights are well-received, and he brings a unique perspective. Andrew and Wes have been doing well as they navigate the beginning stages, and their dynamic throughout the dialogue is commendable. Overall, the show has consistently earned five stars from me. While there may be occasional moments of lesser impact, it remains a great podcast. Wes has also proven to be a valuable asset on the other Apple Insider show.
  • DieKast
    Fix the sound
    Andrew needs to invest in a microphone and fix the sound quality. I use to look forward to the show every week, but ever since Stephan left, it hasn’t been the same. Sounds like Andrew records this from a hands free device from a car. I will stick with it to see if it gets better, but it might be time to find a new show unfortunately
  • CLConst
    Excellent Information
    Thank you for helping me decide on which products fit into my home. I’ve been listening for several years and realized I had not reviewed your podcast. I appreciate the product reviews and your discussions of the pros and cons of the technologies (thread, Bluetooth, WiFi etc) is very helpful when looking at different products. Keep up the great work Charles from Texas
  • crpeck
    Totally enjoy this
    I listen to all your shows on my daily walk. Homekit Insider is the best, I am a Homekiteer! I’ve been doing Home Automation since the old X10 days, had a CP290 connected to my Black Apple II+ (fun fact, Bell & Howell made them for the Education market). My favorite boring automations are: -when the door/window sensor see’s the door close it tells the Encode Plus to lock the door -when one of the moisture sensors I’ve placed everywhere detects water it shuts off the water main, turns a light on red, and sends out a message. I’ve a button to push to reverse everything. Keep up the good work.
  • Andrew J M 13
    Amazing! Listen every night!
    We listen to the HomeKit insider or apple insider every night, so funny and entertaining.
  • washingtonpondfrog
    Informative, humorous
    Unlike some shows that are only analysis, this show is journalistic: the hosts are providing new info to the public in the form of reporting and product reviews. These gents have a great sense of humor, and the show is a pleasure to listen to.
  • Utah Down South
    Great show if you’re into HomeKit
    Been listing for several years. It’s an easy podcast to listen to each week. I would love to hear more about tips and tricks for setting up useful scenes and shortcuts. Keep it up guys!
  • Retired American
    Trusted source of information
    Home automation has not reached a level where everything “just works”. I have listened to this podcast for many years, and really trust Stephen and Andrew to point me in the right direction.
  • River4980
    Atrocious audio quality
    Host Andrew’s audio quality is terrible. Sounds like he’s using a walkie talkie. Dudes: audio quality matters!
  • zws397
    Love the show!
    Thank you so much for all the work to make HomeKit easy for the average person. Really enjoyable format, and lots of great information and reviews. I do have a scenario I need some help with. I have 2 dogs that we leave in their crates while we are at work. The room they stay in can sometimes vary wildly in temp from where the thermostat is on that floor. I want to find a good HomeKit thermometer so I can ensure they are not getting to hot in the summer. What would you suggest. There is usually a “front runner” everyone recommends online, but I can’t find that. I also would consider a HomeKit AC unit for that room to be able to not rely on the home AC for power savings. Thoughts? Thanks so much!
  • Young FI 2
    Kim Young
    Extremely informative podcast. Added several things weekly since our conversation last at the dealership Andrew O’Hara . Very addictive problem to have now that I can listen to all the new stuff/ technology you all talk about weekly!
  • turnepf
    All the HomeKit news that matters
    I’ve been listening for a while and find the show engaging. As a HomeKit fan, I want to hear the latest news with honest and insightful reviews, and this is the go-to show.
  • FM_M
    Lacks knowledge, depth
    HomeKit insider is good in that it’s there, and there aren’t many HomeKit podcasts at all - I wish there were more. I also wish these hosts were more knowledgeable about HomeKit and Apple’s tech. Stephen Robles seems to be cast as the good natured buffoon who chuckles and laughs about how he just doesn’t know a thing, handing it off to Andrew who appears to be cast as the expert. Unfortunately, Andrew seems to know just a little bit more about Apple tech than my mother did before she passed away in her 80s. He makes stuff up on the spot, and they both concur and agree that yep, yep that must be the answer! Even when they’re just plain wrong. Worst, the point of the podcast really seems to be for them to get free gear from manufacturers. Look, I get it, it’s part of the industry, but they are so boldfaced about it that it becomes sickening; it just seems to be a podcast there to support their greed, not to educate consumers about what’s happening in HomeKit, and telling us about new products. The fact that they get free stuff should be secondary and in service to the listeners, and it just doesn’t feel that way a lot of the time. Overall, it’s an embarrassment to an old and venerable name in the Apple news world, AppleInsider. You should really do better.
  • IDoubleZY
    Favorite Pod
    Very entertaining and hosts know the best products for Apple Home. Great job!
  • Wyz1981
    Great Insight
    Been listening for a long time. Always great information on updates and new products. Keep up the good work.
  • GreekPitaDre
    The #1 HomeKit podcast in my honest opinion
    Thank you Stephen and Andrew for the many tips, tricks, and product reviews. Another shoutout to (TheBeardedTeacher) on insta for all the tips given!
  • rrisueno
    Absolutely A Great Show
    What A Great Show!!!! Having to switch Home Automation systems, the Hosts do a great job explaining everything. I love the reviews of new items. Thanks for keeping us up to date with HomeKit, Apple, and ALL the accessories we need to buy. Keep up the GREAT show.
  • james10
    Great Show, but … ….
    Really like the content and hosts, but Andrew’s audio quality is bad. I can easily tell that Stephen is using a high-quality microphone cause it sounds very professional (of course aided by his deep, rich baritone voice). Come on Andrew, invest in a better mic, please.
  • dfeivelson
    Mastodon
    Show me on the doll where Elon hurt you. Libtard sheep soyboy needs to leave politics out of it and stick to your job (which I thought was discussing HomeKit). For the record, Twitter is better now than it ever was. How anyone could be against free speech in America and for government collusion and censorship with big tech is beyond me. Generation full of brainwashed imbeciles.
  • Chris.54
    2023 new home
    I’m a tech person as we all are here, my mother is not. She bought a home and I want to smart it out with the basics cameras and light switches and things. Sadly I will be avoiding HomeKit things just are not great and I’m an Alexa person. Minus that maybe you can do like a where to start in 2023 with a smart home! My biggest question is really bulbs vs lights and witches and fans like what part do I make smart?
  • htgcxf
    Amazing!!!
    Look forward to mondays just to listen!!
  • SmartDog Doug
    A must listen!
    HomeKit insider is a must listen every week. Keeps me up to date on what’s new and happening in the HomeKit world. Their opinions and insight have been invaluable to me as we recently built a new house and are currently installing and adding HomeKit devices throughout.
  • cedartree84
    Enjoyable and informative
    I look forward to this podcast each week. I learn about all kinds of things I can buy to make my home smarter and smarter and what’s greater than that?
  • SCMooreNC
    Informative
    Great podcast for Apple enthusiasts
  • Kaiser Rubbershmietz
    The new co-host is a breath of fresh air!
    Don't get me wrong, Steven is a great co-host. However the new gentleman (can't recall his name at the moment) brings a new level of youthful exuberance, energy, and insight to the pod. But for reals, HKi is an approachable and entertaining discussion on all things homekit and the smart home landscape as a whole. It's my favorite tech podcast, and if you know of a better one, well, I'll Believe it When I See It™️
  • P0dc45tL15t3n3r
    Great show
    Have you tried the apple Podcasts app for Apple TV? I’m on the latest beta and trying to rewind or fast forward with the physical remote is an absolute nightmare.
  • Defenistrator19
    Best HomeKit Podcast
    Been a HomeKit enthusiast for the last 2 years. This podcast gives the best breakdown of everything going on with HomeKit. Stephen and Andrew play off each other well as co-hosts. Stephen’s also a good sport on twitter, in spite of his candy corn take.
  • Robertisurface
    Great HomeKit Information!
    I’m Robert from North Carolina and I’ve been listening to your show since the beginning. The show has been so helpful in getting my house fully automated with HomeKit accessories. Thank you!
  • Ironman456012
    Favorite podcast
    Love the podcast keep up the good work
  • munkman02
    Best For All Things HomeKit
    I love listening to the show weekly. I have 100 devices on my home and I always learn about what’s new and works well in the ecosystem.
  • 715143316681541890
    You won’t regret listening
    I can’t express enough how much I learn and catch up on every time I listen. Been wanting Matter as much as the next listener and also agree “I’ll believe it when I see it!” Don’t know if this is how I ask questions but can you talk through the AppleTV and HomePod mini connectivity issues that seem to be plaguing me and others. Tried all online help, troubleshooting, and the support app just recommends bringing them in to a store. Thoughts? Thanks and you’ve got another dedicated fan as always.
  • haroldjohn
    My Monday morning listen
    Best Apple Home podcast hands down. Andrew and Stephen (or Stephen and Andrew - no favoritism here) are both knowledgeable and goofy, making for a great podcast. Keep up the good work, guys.
  • tbobpage
    For all things HomeKit, this is the podcast you’re looking for
    I’m leaving a 5 star review today for one reason, though: because Stephen literally said “Bigsfeet” was the plural for Bigfoot. A verifiable laugh out loud moment.
  • GuapoCMSV
    Favorite Tech Podcast!
    It’s a fantastic podcast to listen to, and I often find myself buying the products they discuss.
  • MTeague92
    Best Apple related podcast
    These guys are great and keep me up to date on all the great HomeKit products, especially for my new house!
  • Surenslogin
    The best!!
    Used similar HomeKit products as Steven
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