SwitchBot Bot Rechargeable, Ember Artline, and Matter Roller Shutters

This week: SwitchBot refreshes its classic Bot with a built-in battery, Amazon takes aim at the Samsung Frame with the new Ember Artline, Siegenia and Rademacher launch Matter-over-Thread products for windows and roller shutters, and the video pick covers Aqara's Thermostat Hub W200. Plus: how Apple Home controls roller shutters automatically with sunrise and sunset.

SwitchBot Bot Rechargeable: Button Pusher with Battery and USB-C

SwitchBot has updated its classic button pusher. The Bot Rechargeable replaces the previous CR2 disposable batteries with a built-in 370 mAh lithium cell. It charges via USB-C and, according to SwitchBot, one charge lasts around six months with a single press per day. As before, the small pusher sticks onto the switch, with Matter connectivity running through the SwitchBot Hub. On a related note, the official SwitchBot app is back in the German App Store after a three-week absence.

Amazon Ember Artline: 4K QLED Art TV with Apple Home

Amazon is taking on Samsung in the art TV segment. The Ember Artline is a 4K QLED television with a matte display finish and a slim 1.5-inch bezel that shows artwork when the TV is off. It comes with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Wi-Fi 6, AirPlay 2, and Apple Home support. Amazon's Omnisense technology detects whether someone is in the room and manages the display accordingly. It launches on April 22 in the US and Canada, May 7 in the UK, and later in May in Germany.

Worth Watching: Aqara Thermostat Hub W200 Review

Shane Whatley took a closer look at the Aqara Thermostat Hub W200. In his video, he compares the device to his previous Ecobee and shows how Apple's Adaptive Temperature feature from iOS 16 holds up in daily use.

In Brief

Siegenia Smart Sensor: Matter over Thread Inside the Window Frame

German hardware manufacturer Siegenia is launching the Smart Sensor, a window and door contact that integrates directly into the frame. Connectivity runs over Matter over Thread, so no hub is required. The set is also suitable for retrofitting existing windows.

Rademacher Universal Gurtwickler smart: Retrofit Roller Shutters via Matter

Rademacher is releasing the first Matter-over-Thread belt winder, letting you upgrade manual roller shutters to electric operation. The winder supports both flush- and surface-mounted installation and works with 15 and 23 millimeter belts. No manufacturer hub is required; integration is directly with Apple Home.

Tip of the Week: Control Roller Shutters with Sunrise and Sunset

Apple Home ships with a matching automation for motorized roller shutters out of the box. The trigger can be set to sunrise or sunset, combined with an adjustable offset, for example 30 minutes before sunrise. If you also want to link conditions like presence, weekday, or room temperature, the Workflows in Controller for HomeKit get you there.