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Brands are announcing a huge array of products ready for market, including new Hue bulbs and Eve's new Thread-enabled light switch. We break it all down on the latest episode of the HomeKit Insider Podcast.

Hue had the most news this week with 15 announcements for its portfolio. For smart lights, the smart home company is offering new candelabra bulbs that can change white temperature, a gradient light strip for computer monitors, and new Guide Lights to create a striking statement lamp.

Signify also had new software changes such as the ability to sync with all music on Android devices via Samsung SmartThings, a security mode to mimic your presence, and the folding of the Hue Sync Box app into the primary Hue app.

Eve Systems had news as well. It updated its long-overdue light switch with support for Thread. The switch will also now work with three-way switch setups.

Unrelated to Eve's other news, the brand confirmed on Twitter that a new Flare light with Thread support was on its way. The brand promised it would bring the light to market by early 2023 at the latest.

Finally, Ikea announced a new Matter-compatible hub. It's set to launch this October, likely to coincide with the official release of Matter.

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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.

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.

I don't think AppleInsider should even bother talking about Matter. That's because as long as a consumer plans to stay within the Apple ecosystem, Matter-compatibility in devices doesn't matter. All that matters is HomeKit compatibility (and for cameras, HomeKit Secure Video compatibility.) Just make sure that you don't install the manufacturer's app, which could add extra features but could potentially compromise your data (especially for camera devices, although Matter doesn't support cameras yet, and won't support them for years.) One thing we can't predict is whether manufacturers will remove labels like "HomeKit compatible" and "Amazon compatible" and simply say "Supports Matter." The consumer might not be knowledgeable and confident enough to buy products without the name of their ecosystem on the box. My opinion is that they will continue to include ecosystem compatibility labels for years to come, until the majority of consumers are sufficiently educated that all they need to look for is "Supports Matter." I'm wondering at what point in the future companies like AppleInsider will stop saying "HomeKit compatible" and start saying "Matter compatible." Their readers are more educated than the average consumer, so they could stop talking about HomeKit-compatibility much sooner. In fact, they may soon have to rename their other podcast from "HomeKit Insider" to "Matter Insider." They probably should reserve the new name now.

Apple announced iCloud Shared Photo Library as part of iOS 16, but it appears that the feature won't arrive in the iOS 16 release on September 12.

An SEC filing from Globalstar reveals that Apple plans to use 85% of its current and future network capacity for its services to iPhone 14 consumers, and pay for future satellite upgrades.

Apple unveiled the second generation of the Apple Watch SE at Wednesday's "Far Out" event. Here's how it compares to its predecessor.

Apple reintroduced the Plus iPhone descriptor at its event on Wednesday with the introduction of the iPhone 14 Plus. Here's how it compares to the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

Apple has launched its iPhone 14 range, but on the surface it's a tough compare to the iPhone 13. Here's what's different and if it's good enough for an upgrade.

The Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra are the company's newest wearable accessories, and these are the features that might tempt new buyers or Apple Watch Series 7 owners.

MSI's Creator Z17 notebook is billed as a productivity workhorse with a sleek design. On paper, it's even capable of taking on Apple's creative powerhouse, the 16-inch MacBook Pro. Here's how they compare.

The iPad Pro and the MacBook Air are powerful and reasonably-priced ways to work. Here's what to consider when trying to choose one over the other.

Exclusive deals: save up to $200 on Apple's new MacBook Air, cheapest prices on record

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Apple delays iCloud Shared Photo Library for later iOS 16 release

Apple releases macOS Ventura developer beta 7

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Compared: New Apple Watch SE vs. Apple Watch SE 2020

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Apple announced iCloud Shared Photo Library as part of iOS 16, but it appears that the feature won't arrive in the iOS 16 release on September 12.

An SEC filing from Globalstar reveals that Apple plans to use 85% of its current and future network capacity for its services to iPhone 14 consumers, and pay for future satellite upgrades.

Apple unveiled the second generation of the Apple Watch SE at Wednesday's "Far Out" event. Here's how it compares to its predecessor.

Apple's "Far Out" event is on September 7. Beyond the new iPhone 14, here's what to expect from September's Apple event — and beyond.

Apple's iOS 16 will make the iPhone more customizable than ever. This is the ultimate guide on how to make the iPhone a more personal device.

The second-generation Razer Kishi is here for iPhone users with a new design, better buttons, and a companion app. How does it stack up to the Backbone One?

The Marshall Emberton II is a stylish speaker that builds on the positive reputation of its processor. While there are cheaper speakers out there,

Almost as important as the Apple Watch itself, is the band that you choose to express yourself. Here are our picks for bands and straps to pair with Apple's wearable device.

With the SwitchEasy four-in-one MagPower multi-charger, you can power up all your gear with a single device — including your Apple Watch with an Apple-certified puck.

The Benks Grand Pro Headphone Stand for AirPods Max is a welcome upgrade over the original. However, it introduces complexity where there was none before — while also ignoring an obvious problem.

Keep tabs on the air quality of your home — including potentially deadly radon levels — with the Airthings View Plus.

Apple didn't make a Magic Keyboard for iPad mini 6, and Lululook's Magnetic Keyboard perhaps acts as a testament to why.

As a recent addition to the Serena Shades by Lutron lineup, the new architectural honeycomb shades are an essential part of any HomeKit smart home.

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