Sensereo's Smoke Alarms Trigger Each Other over Thread, iOS 27.2 Is Out for Everyone
This week in smart home: interlinked smoke alarms with Matter over Thread, iOS 27.2 for everyone, a €24.90 presence sensor, Hue's AI automations, and a tip on HomePod updates
The Sensereo MS-1 Interlink is a Matter-over-Thread smoke alarm: when one detects smoke, other alarms in the same series sound too. iOS 27.2 is out for everyone, while Apple's event on Wednesday had nothing new for the home. Also this week: an affordable presence sensor from Sonoff, Hue's new AI automations, a video about the HomePod mini 2, and a tip on HomePod updates.
Sensereo's Smoke Alarms Trigger Each Other over Thread
The new Sensereo MS-1 Interlink is a Matter-over-Thread smoke alarm that links up with other alarms in the same series. When one detects smoke, they all sound, with no automation or internet connection needed. You add it to Apple Home with its Matter code. You don't need the manufacturer's app or a bridge, but you do need a Thread Border Router such as a HomePod mini.
The main battery lasts seven years, while the radio module runs on a replaceable CR123A battery. It costs €64.99 / around $73 on Amazon in Germany and €52.99 / around $59 in Sensereo's own shop.
iOS 27.2 Is Out for Everyone
Apple released iOS 27.2 to everyone on Monday, along with HomePod Software 27.2 and tvOS 27.2. That means the features we covered last week have now reached your devices: compatible smart locks wait until the door is closed before locking, and if the door stays open, the Home app reminds you. Older HomePods also get the HomePod mini 2's Sound Glow feature.
The bug that stopped automations converted into shortcuts from opening URLs also appears to be fixed. For the fix to take effect, your HomePods and Apple TVs need to be up to date as well as your iPhone. Our tip at the end shows how to update your HomePods.
Worth Watching: HomePod mini 2 Unboxed
Jon from Apple Home Authority unboxes the HomePod mini 2, sets it up in the Home app and shows Sound Glow in action.
In Brief
Sonoff Launches a €24.90 Matter Presence Sensor
The Sonoff SNWF-06P24 uses 24 GHz radar to detect whether someone is in the room, even if they're sitting still on the couch. It also measures light levels. It joins Apple Home via Matter over Wi-Fi without a hub and is powered over USB-C. You configure it through a web interface in your browser rather than through an app. It costs €24.90 / around $28 on Amazon in Germany.
Hue App Builds Automations from a Description
With version 6.4 of the Hue app, you describe an automation in your own words, and the AI sets up the triggers, conditions and actions. You'll need a Hue Bridge Pro. In Hueblog's first test, the AI was asked to turn on two lamps but switched on every light in the room. The automations stay in the Hue app and don't appear in Apple Home. If you'd like to do this with all your devices, Controller AI turns a description into scenes, automations, workflows and dashboards for Apple Home.
Apple's Event Brings Nothing New for the Home
As we expected last week, Apple mainly showed new Macs on Wednesday, including a touchscreen MacBook Pro. There were no new home devices. Earlier in the week, Apple launched a new iPad mini that supports Thread thanks to its N1 chip. Only a HomePod or Apple TV can act as a home hub, though. The iPad mini starts at $699 and goes on sale on November 6.
Tip of the Week: Update Your HomePod Software Manually
HomePods install updates automatically by default. If you'd like HomePod Software 27.2 right away, you can install it yourself: open the Home app, tap the More button (the three dots), then tap Home Settings. Under Software Update, you can start any available update with a single tap. A white spinning light appears on top of your HomePod while it updates.
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