7 Reasons You NEED Apple HomeKit! Sorry Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant

Here are 7 reasons you need to switch over to Apple HomeKit. I am sorry Alexa and Google, but there are things HomeKit can do that they Amazon and Google can't. Apples HomeKit has come a long way in the last year. The integration of shortcuts, apple secure video, thread, the U1 chip and more. Apples is bringing some good stuff.
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Chapters
0:00 Introduction
0:50 More affordable devices
1:26 #1 Ecosystem
2:00 #2 Apple Home App
3:00 What you need for HomeKit
3:15 #3 Secure Video
5:28 #4 Handoff Audio or Calls
6:15 #5 Native App Integration
7:53 #6 Shortcuts
9:57 #7 Apples U1 Chip and Thread
12:11 # Hoobs Hub
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#AppleHomeKit #HomeKit #Apple

[@CraigsTechTalk]

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[@BornAgainFarmGirl]

Did you say the Apple TV also works as a home kit hub Craig ? I’ve got two of those and I wouldn’t even need to buy a home pod .

[@sgodsellify]

11:42 When you mention Thread. Who do you think made Thread? Google was a founding member, and pushes Thread, and Thread is in all of Googles smart displays, and in their Nest products. Apple only joined up at the end of 2018. Also NFC tags work great on Android, and even other devices that are not from Apple. As far as Shortcuts are concerned, Apple had to make something to give its users, especially since SiriKit is terrible, and if you ask me Siri Shortcuts is a kludge, because SiriKit sucks so bad. You know Apples SiriKit sucks, when you have to code differently for an Apple Watch, vs iPhone, vs a Mac. That is why Apple came out with Siri Shortcuts, because SiriKit is horrendous to develop and code with.

[@sattam31]

Is hoobs homekit bridge good?

[@frankthecat]

I recently completed switching from Amazon Alexa devices throughout my house to all HomeKit. I appreciate Apple’s attention to my security and privacy.

[@skulling4893]

Not scripted at all

[@ivancalderon852]

You should ask Hong Kong residents about that security and privacy.

[@CristiOv]

🤡

[@Fr4nkSanchez]

what I like about homekit is that you dont need to worry if paying for a subscription, it is embedded to the apple ecosystem. With alexa you are going to multiple apps to integrate everything to alexa app that I personally never use. With home kit you have a fast and easy app without worrying about other stuffs that are not necessary

[@ashsworld4414]

Just got my first HomePod and I love HomeKit so much more than my setup with my echo.

[@joejoe6949]

In the long run the U1 chip is going to be the game changer.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

It really is. I don’t think people realize the potential. When people start to see it in action or will be a different game.

[@tylorgoodine2159]

@@CraigsTechTalk I watch your videos all the time! I want to install home bridge but I kind of need help it keeps going wrong!

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Hello Tyler, thank you very much. I have not installed home bridge yet myself. I would check out some of the more HomeKit focused channels that have been working exclusively with HomeKit and using HomeBridge. I just bought Hoobs and certain things are easy and others I have not got working.

[@tylorgoodine2159]

@@CraigsTechTalk thanks I will do that!

[@mohammedb4ig]

It’s so sad they didn’t include it with my X or XS. They should’ve introduced it earlier imo!

[@BigMu2003]

A year ago when I started my smart home journey I had planned to use HomeKit. I setup my hue hub and it absolutely refused to connect to HomeKit. So I setup Alexa and has control of my lights within 5 minutes. About two months later, after having bought some echos and ring cameras, I decided to try to add it again for fun and options. It connected with no problems. If it had just connected in the first couple of days I might have cared more about HomeKit. Now I try and buy products that work with all three when possible in case I switch someday.

[@uniqueflh2941]

Good stuff. I’m all-in with HomeKit for my Smart Home. Quite happy with my set-up.

[@WickedGamez]

First time viewer! Thanks for your review, I impulse bought a HomePod mini, and the 2021 Apple TV 4K lol.

[@salconw]

Great review. Thank you very much. The shortcuts scripting is really versatile, easy to see how much room there is for that to grow! I learnt a lot about the homekit ecosystem from your video. Thanks again for making it.

[@rolandoespinoza5438]

What case do you have on your iPhone in this video? Love the informative details in this video 👍🏼

[@brentmcknight5344]

Really great video. I’m just getting involved in the smart home space. Trying to sift through the crap is a mammoth task. Great informative videos like this makes the task a lot more enjoyable. We’re an Apple family at home but I prefer Spotify over Apple Music. As some will know, this simple preference complicates the integration of music into the system.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Thank you very much Brent that’s very nice of you to say. I know it could be hard getting through to find the information you actually want to find on KZbin. I understand the music situation. Before Apple Music was available on the echoes it was frustrating that I had to use a different music service instead. they need to have more 3rd party music support.

[@HeyTechi]

Completely agree! Siri Shortcuts is a hugely underappreciated resource in the smart home world and Apple adopting Thread as standard in the HomePod Mini (and hopefully a refreshed HomePod and next-gen AppleTV) really sets HomeKit apart. Great video as always!

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Thank you very much. I appreciate you saying that. I think you’re right with a thread helps set them apart. I think it’ll be underappreciated until people start to see it in use.

[@jesselopez5951]

One thing Apple does very well is their Ecosystem. Once I purchased my first Apple TV and saw how my iPad and iPhone could communicate.. I was sold! That was the beginning of my HomeKit Experience. #ShareTheLove

[@robbieparr3753]

Great video content, Craig! Loved the heads up on the NFC tags with shortcuts. I checked your Amazon page but I didn’t see if you had a favorite NFC tag/sticker. Any pointers?

[@brentmcknight5344]

I’m using the Google assistant atm. But thinking about switching to Alexa. Using a single ‘wake’ word I think would be a simple quality of life improvement, plus the Zigbee integration would be a nice to have feature.

[@hvgades15]

Meross bulbs and light strips are pretty damn good. Great buy

[@Anilu777]

I just got two HomePod Minis and love my new automations! They start playing music when I arrive home and stop when I leave. I also have them set to turn on music when I wake up for work. Looking forward to doing more HomeKit stuff

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Very cool. Congratulations on the HomePod minis. That is great that you are putting them to work for you. I hope you enjoy your HomeKit journey. There is some great stuff. Thanks for sharing and watching.

[@alexbia5689]

Just got Philips lights in my bedroom and bathroom got ecobee thermostats both floors and front door smart lock all with home kit also got me 2 homepod minis in my night tables love telling siri to play rain or waves at night to sleep got to say its addictive wanna make the entire home smart lol 🤷‍♂️👌💡✨

[@tbc_2024]

This video is very helpful as is your Craig's tech link to your devices on Amazon! Thanks.

[@tammymoore2217]

So well presented!! Great job!

[@roystewart1727]

Very interesting I have never been an Apple fan but that goes back to the original cpu chip which was difficult to program at the chip level (we did have to do that in the beginning). Many of the homekit features should be everywhere, which would make things easier, I have built my system on alexa an hue basically but this gives me reason to do some research into this system for future expansions.

[@ktkyletaylor8212]

I started with Smart home anything and now striving for a full HomeKit Smart Home. Love the video! #SharetheLove

[@georgebrodie9795]

Hey Greg injoyed your video on the Apple home app but was wondering I heard this does support ring security but I don’t understand how you load this item on the app and also do you have to scan each item of the devices. Any help I would appreciate thanks

[@tbc_2024]

Great informative, educational review. Thanks

[@jesalmakwana9843]

Craig. I love ur vids. They are very helpful

[@penningtonsm]

Man I would really like to convert to HomeKit, but there are just too many devices I love that won’t work on home kit. Like Wyze products. Great video as usual though.

[@joncruz]

Then get homebreach that’s it

[@vincelombardi2669]

@@joncruz can you send me there website thanks

[@1971bdott]

That’s great stuff just got my second homepod

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Thank you. Very cool you picked up another HomePod. Watch out, they will be in every room soon. Can’t stop at 2. 😀👍

[@WTSPC]

Banging my head here - 2 iPhones 1 iPad and couple of Macs - yes I understand Homekit idea BUT I want to use some Ring products and on a budget for the rest. I haven't started yet just want to get over the first seemingly BIG hurdle!

[@eximiusrectus]

Thanks for jumping on with HomeKit! #ShareTheLove

[@KylersStudio]

Great video. Glad to see you on Homekit!

[@brandonalaraju9313]

Thank you for the video, great stuff

[@cartermw]

I’m new to your channel. I found this video solely because of “HomeKit”. I’m definitely going to learn from your past and future videos. Keep it up. #ShareTheLove

[@estherhughes1713]

Fantastic info craig….. from the uk 🇬🇧

[@Webgooner]

Brilliant overview !

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Thank you 🙏 that is very kind of you to say. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@BroManDudeGuyPhD]

Native iOS control IS very nice. I have homeassistant and setup every smart plug and LED strip I have (WLED too) in Homekit. Super accessible to wife who doesnt want to mess with multiple apps.

[@diegomendez5512]

Great video thanks a lot!!

[@Tailsnpaws]

Thanks Craig. Great video content. Accurate account of why we are switching over to Apple from Google. Number one reason is privacy, but a lot has to do with a better ecosystem as you described. Nice work!

[@sheldonangel4466]

Thank you for making this video and bringing more insight to HomeKit. Slowly switching from Alex to HomeKit

[@ShawnMenchaca]

You're downgrading

[@rogerboone7852]

Watched video, loved it. Switched to HK and won’t look back. just for those who might have a synology nas in their home - homebridge runs in there like a boss. i’ve got all my alexa compatible switches, nest, ring cameras, doorbell, rachio irrigation, and my door lock. all on my home screen with automation and routines setup.

[@Bigglare]

So you Swipe down to unlock and open the homekit panel? is that easier or different than tapping the Alexa app?

[@Visualization1]

Nice to know there are quite a few new HomeKit device announcements at CES last week.

[@_Lazare]

Hi Question for you , is it possible transfer hand off or any other means for a FaceTime video call or google duo or any video call over to a tv or monitor ? Having even more hands free and even voice activated

[@ahale1987]

Craig, Great video and HOOBS/Homebridge are great for "expanding" HomeKit (I've got my Roborock vacuum, Logitech Harmony Hub, and Ring Alarm in Homekit with HOOBS), but it's not universal. The claim that HOOBS/Homebridge allows you to use your non-HomeKit devices in HomeKit only applies if there is an available plugin and then it's how well the plugin works. For my Ring and Harmony kit, it was super simple. For the Roborock vacuum, the plugin is great, but HomeKit, even in 2021 (maybe WWDC will change this) doesn't support vacuums as a device type. With my HOOBS setup, my vacuum shows up as a fan and a presence sensor. I've seen other folks report other robot vacuums in HomeKit as a variety of on/off switches. It gets the job done, but it's certainly not plug n play. YMMV on which devices/plugins you use. I especially like your point about the U1 chip and how that could be a game changer. I'm disappointed that the U1 chip isn't in the new ATV4k.

[@paulmaine]

Brilliant video, well done, I use Apple TV for my hub, kinda wish I’d kept my homepods now 😬, I’ve just ordered some nfc stickers to play with, can’t wait for airtags 👍😁

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Paul, thank you very much. I appreciate you saying that. That is great that you have the Apple TV to use as the hub. You get to try out all the cool features and when your ready or when airtags come out, you buy a mini. Let us know what you think of the NFC stickers. They open up some cool stuff.

[@rodrigoruiz976]

Could you recommend a rotary smart dimmer for smart lights that work with HomeKit? And which wound you say is the best smart bulb? (I liked Nanoleaf’s, but their colors are way too dim)

[@roryhamilton9426]

Can you add different brands of camera, I’ve got arlo ultra and hub, but want some cheaper wireless cameras to add to my set up

[@tiffanyd.flowersfuturefocu369]

Does it have tasks reminders

[@SusanFilms]

Thanks for the great video. Incredibly helpful as always. I can’t seem to find the stickers that you have on your desk. I’d be ever so grateful if you could let me know where they are from. Keep up the great work! I am in the UK so I’m not able to import from the US. Products have to be available in the UK. Thank you so much!❤

[@markdcmountp]

Fantastic and informative video 👍🏼

[@BradleyVanTreese]

I love your content, C. Nice work!

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Thank you very much 🙏. I am glad you enjoy the channel. Thank you for the support and watching.

[@curtispazarjr4985]

Great review!!!!!

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Appreciate all the support.

[@ShaneCreates]

🙌🏻 HomeKit! 😃 👏🏻 Great video Craig! Glad to hear you discussing the U1 chip and some of the future possibilities there. I think Apple is playing the long game when it comes to smart home and I’m excited to see where it goes.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Thank you very much Shane. I appreciate you checking out the video. I think when the U1 chip is unleashed, it will be a whole new game. I am excited to see where it is going too. It’s going to get fun. Thanks for the support Shane. Have a great weekend.

[@mohamedmatar5878]

you are a lifesaver, i am just wondering between echo & google, and forget i am using apple everywhere.

[@ravedog]

Also on HomeKit Secure Video... it’s limited to 5 cameras total for the recording part.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Thank you for mentioning this. I thought I said 5, but I talk so much I probably didn’t say it. Thanks for the clarification.

[@diegomendez5512]

If you have a house that needs more than 5 cameras it’s probably a mansion and in that case better invest in armed human guards 😂 😝

[@davetester100]

My favourite assistant for getting things done around the home is Jenkins my butler, who brings me afternoon tea as well as the occasional gin and tonic.

[@joyanneparadero3580]

do you need smart tv just to connect alexa? or even light bulbs please explain i wanna put in my mother in law so that easy for them to close even with out switch out

[@benle4]

Class video explaining the benefits. If anyone wants to know why run HomeKit over Google or Alexa I’ll be sure to send them to this video. 👌🏽

[@tomshyrus7965]

Just wondering how homekit accessories works and controlled from outside network. Understood that if we use third party apps to control devices from outside, it uses its own cloud server to send the command to network hub and hub will send the command to that device. But how it works in homekit? Is it using our icloud or is it using apple cloud for IoT or by any other means?

[@chrismoore6070]

I am currently in the process of changing to apple homekit i currently have a philips hue zigbee ip bridge and it currently supports zigbee

[@mhill2468]

Great video 👍 I really appreciate the honesty at the end letting us know the likes help the algorithm recommend it to more people. Rather than simply saying “give the video a thumbs up”

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Thank you very much. I am glad you enjoyed the video. That is very nice of you to say. I appreciate you sticking around long enough to hear me ask. Thank you for the nice comment and for watching.

[@theelaffingman8776]

I'm looking into adding to my homekit soon. The Apple ecosystem is really the way to go.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

I love the apple ecosystem. I also like with Apple is doing with HomeKit. I think it is going to really takeoff this year.

[@alexlilano1931]

I love the homekit and automation, but it needs more devices to work on it. I got my locks and lights done, but not my vacuum, garage opener, and curtain.

[@joncruz]

Just get homebreach for $99 and all will work with HK

[@kyawzhein27]

I like your studio setup. Where do you get those two desk lamps from?

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Thank you very much. The Lamps are these amzn.to/3SEoAIb. This is an affiliate link.

[@faengelm]

Thanks for creating this. Is there any native support for devices such as motion sensors, buttons, contact closures, light switches without adding a hub like HOOBS?

[@CraigsTechTalk]

I use Philip Hue motion sensors. They have buttons, but I have not used any contact sensors. I am switching and adding Lutron caseta switches for their reliability. Another device I like that I didn't in the beginning are the Flic buttons. They can trigger homekit scenes. I use them for my lights in my studio.

[@withoutawire224]

Really nice video Craig. I am a total apple fanboy, but as you know it is a bit limited in the market right now. I do however think that Alexa and Apple homepod with a homeassistant integration will give you the ultimate utopia of automations.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Thank you very much. You are right, it is bit limited. Having both Alexa and HomeKit is the best solution for me too. Using the HomeKit automations are nice. So far Hoobs has filled a couple of voids, but is missing a few things I have. I am excited to see what is coming. Thanks for watching.

[@kennekam]

Have you been able to integrate a Eufy doorbell to Homekit?. I want it to pop up on my device and allow me to see and speak to the person when the bell is pressed.

[@funkProduction]

Thanks Craig! All the best and stay safe #ShareTheLove

[@eyes2videos]

Thy! Very informative :)

[@jamesklark6562]

Ok, this isn't really related but I don't really know where else to ask. I'm in the market for a Smart Watch, but I'm not sure if I should go with a Samsung one given I already have Samsung Health stuff set up on my Galaxy, or if I should go with a FItbit that includes Alexa to work with my home's current ecosystem. Otherwise is there any way to make multiple assistants work with one-another so I don't really have to worry about my choice?

[@josephvolpe688]

How do I switch from a echo house to home kit if some of my devices lights switches aren’t home kit compatible

[@vortox7292]

Does somebody know, when the Logitech Doorbell will come out for Germany?

[@johnmatarazzo1]

#ShareTheLove Thanks for sharing all your smart home wisdom here. I've caught a few of your Amazon live video streams and I greatly appreciate your reviews and honest opinions!

[@handy7390]

I had my Samsung v3 hub go south. I looked around and decided on the Hubitat. I have had it for just 4 days and I am not a real fan on the interface and the clunkiness of the need to find code to make certain things work. Coming from the Samsung (2-3 years worth) and using Google Voice and Alexa, can the way I have been using my devices work with Apple? Meaning, can I use "Hey Google" and still turn on my TV (using Harmony Remote Hub) or use any of my Z-Wave devices using "Hey Google" or Apple? Basically, can I install HomeKit and pick up where I left off or do I need to relearn using Hey Siri only? I use wifi and Z-Way devices.

[@lahmyaj]

Great video. Subscribed 👍🏻

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Thank you very much Ashley. I’m glad you enjoyed the video. I appreciate you subscribing and sticking around to see more. Have a great day.

[@zandercerlong7238]

WAIT PLEASE HELP. How do you have so many accessories to control VIA APPLE TV? I have dozens of accessories on my HomeKit but when i go to that menu on my Apple TV it only shows my camera and one scene and not all of my other accessories PLEASE HELP

[@onewiththestud]

I am hoping to get a HomePod mini soon for my room (I only have a smart light in my house so far)

[@CraigsTechTalk]

That is great. I hope you are able to get one and like it.

[@brucedelacruz9973]

Love HomeKit. Great video! #ShareTheLove

[@danielalaniz2395]

I have a Vivio Tv brand new but I can’t get the home setup when I try the code. Anyone have any tips to resolve?

[@Bigglare]

You don't need Homekit to have a centralized third party app and interface. You can also use the Alexa or Google Assistant apps to control and access your devices without the need to use their manufacturers apps.

[@legenddairy8346]

Even an amateur hacker can hack your home with other platforms. Apple home isn't bullet proof, but the communication is end to end encrypted. But ofc apple isn't the only way. Just go through your smart devices and make sure everything is safe.

[@imbonnie]

Rachio 3 smart sprinkler controller works with homekit.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

I will have to check it out. Thank you for the suggestion.

[@tonyk8163]

Got 5 HomePods gonna get one more this setup gonna be legendary

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Very cool Tony. I have 3 myself. I hope you enjoy your legendary setup. Thanks for watching.

[@ronm6585]

Thank you.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Thank you Ron. I appreciate you checking it out. Have a great day.

[@Khriswithak]

Thank you for this. Very informative. It'll definitely help me figure out which smart home ecosystem I want to go with. Still leaning towards making the switch to Homekit. #sharethelove​

[@chriscooper1686]

Great video.. and I love homekit. I have so much automated, that I actually dread to move.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Thank you very much. It is such a pain to move things over. But it could be worth it. I like having the option to use both echoes and HomePods. But that’s not for everyone.

[@chriscooper1686]

@@CraigsTechTalk Do I need to research Echos? Is there something substantial that I would gain?

[@FGOMGFares1056]

Great video can you make another video like this ?

[@Gk2003m]

My smart home evolved from a smart lock. It has become a place of complex automations. I don’t know much about HomeKit. Does it have a programmable rules-based automation engine?

[@CraigsTechTalk]

That is very cool. Glad to hear it had grown into some bigger for you. Apple shortcuts is a rule based automation, that can control apps on, your phone, your smart home and so much more. The Home+ app lets you write conditional automations in shortcut. I was watching some videos from @TheBradLloyd kzbin.info He gets into some cool conditional stuff.

[@DennisWarner]

I’ve always wanted more from HomeKit and we now have a lot more. Everything in my home is Alexa and HomeKit compatible except for the Alexa smart oven. I plan to replace my Alexa devices with HomePods (I’ll keep an echo in the kitchen for the oven)

[@othercharr]

With 8 Alexa type devices in my house I have to be more selective as to how I replace. But replace is what I'm doing. Got my first HomePod Mini this past weekend.

[@DennisWarner]

@@othercharr I have 2 HomePod minis and 3alexa devices. My wife still calls on the Echos to do things and I’m transitioning to “Hey Siri”. Siri seems to be more responsive but no follow up really stinks.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Very cool Dennis that you are making the switch. You just need to keep wanna go around like you’re saying for that oven. I know for me I will be a multi assist in household. But everything I buy now I buy for home care. Thank you for watching. Both you and Jeffrey, I hope have a good switch over to HomeKit.

[@DennisWarner]

@@CraigsTechTalk thanks. No issues yet. You do great work Craig!! We should be thanking you.

[@cdrron]

Hey Craig, Hubitat connected to HOOBS is the way to go. It's not real easy to set up, but once done, it is easy to use and connects my entire house to HomeKit.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Very cool. That’s good to know. With what little knowledge I have, I can picture what you are saying and can also picture it being tricky. Thanks for sharing and watching.

[@Bigglare]

Isn't Thread in google hubs and Amazon Eero?

[@derekzitnick3336]

I have HomeKit for my smart home and I have been watching your videos and now I have like everything smart all because I have seen your videos. #sharethelove

[@opiatesmile]

I was looking into a homebridge as I have a bunch of cameras already setup that aren't compatible with homekit. Are there any security or privacy concerns with homebridge?

[@CraigsTechTalk]

I’m sorry, I do not know enough about homebridge to be able to say. I have not heard any issues. But I also have not looked into it. The fact I finally bought a Hoobs hub was as far as I have gone. Wish I could give you a better answer. Thanks for watching.

[@nikolaypetkov4510]

I’m apple user,but using google home only for the assistant features. Siri needs some improvement.

[@adobephile]

As a happy Apple custoner, I've been aware of Homekit for years now, but never realized until recently that I'd actually like to use it. My wife has some mobility challenges, and it takes her a while to get to the door when someone rings the doorbell. Though our Ring video doorbell helped her in knowing who was at the door, it still took her a good while to get to the door to unlock it. So, we recently purchased the Encode electronic deadbolt lock from Schlage, our favorite lockset brand. The first one we bought didn't support Homekit, so I returned it to Home Depot to get the Encode Plus, which DOES support Homekit. Then I learned that I could make a HomeKit hub on my Apple TV. So I paired my lock to HomeKit, and she can now can lock and unlock the deadbolt from her computer. And I can do the same from my Apple Watch. With the watch, I can unlock the door simply by holding it against the lock's numberpad. Sweet! We also replaced our Nest thermostat (we hate Google!) a couple years ago with an Ecobee3 Lite, which I discovered has supported Homekit all along. I added it to Homekit by simply holding my iPhone near the thermostat, which lit up a QR code on the thermostat's displaya, which my phone read and paired it automatically with Homekit. And the Homekit app on my watch lets me now control the thermostat with it. Next step for us is to get an HK-compatible video doorbell to replace the Ring (Amazon-eeeuww!) one-probably Logitech or Belkin! I'm 73, and I've been around computers and made my living with them for over 50 years. Apple made me a zealot of the Apple brand, and now they can pry my Apple stuff out of my cold dead hands, eternal gratitude to Steve Jobs and Tim Cook and company.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Daniel, thank you very much for sharing this. I am glad that it has helped your wife out. That is great that the HomeKit journey has been so good for you. It is awesome how it all works across all your devices. I am with you, you have to pry this stuff from my hands. The encode plus is such a great lock. Glad to hear you are enjoying it. I did the video on the Aqara G4 doorbell. I love the Aqara lineup. I am hoping we see some new Matter doorbells this year. It might be something to wait on. If Amazon is playing nicely, they should release a Matter Ring doorbell that Apple users could use. That is if they play nicely. Thanks for watching and for your comment. Good luck with HomeKit.

[@brianeccleston1775]

hi Graig I am looking to buy some e14 smart bulbs that work with home pod mini and advice? you videos rock BTW :)

[@BDX55]

LIFX or Hive are the only E14 bulbs that are Homekit compatible that I could find. Hive needs a hub whereas LIFX doesn’t.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Thank you very much Brian, you are too kind. Thank you B D for the help. I saw the same lights as you. But also i was seeing Phillips Hue and Yeelight. Haven’t used any of the e14 but I use hue and LIFX. Hue has been solid and quick with its hub. LIFX has not hub and using WiFi. They can lag at times compared to the Hue.

[@lancercncs1822]

Nice video! There are certainly nice things about Homekit (ie. privacy) and the Apple ecosystem. However, Home Assistant is the most powerful smart home automation system there is. And everything in this video (e.g. nfc tags, automations that are person-specific..etc) and so much more can be done in Home Assistant.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Thanks for watching the video and sharing your thoughts. I agree with you completely. I don’t believe, this is generously, that more than 25% of people would use home assistant. I would leans towards 10% of users. I want to speak to the other 75-90% of people and bring them easily into this world. Thanks again for watching.

[@lancercncs1822]

@@CraigsTechTalk Fair enough. Homekit is still easier to use (I own it too) but Home Assistant has made it an aim the past couple of years to enhance its acessibility for the "normal Joe/Jane".. and it is MUCH more user-friendly now than it was just a year or two ago. We are not quite they yet, but ALMOST.. Give it another year or two...

[@roberto.gallegos]

What if you have possible hubs in all rooms? Do I set them all as hubs?

[@CraigsTechTalk]

No you do not. Only one becomes the active hub and do not get to pick which one. Somehow HomeKit picks one and will switch to another if needed.

[@CtPirate]

Hey Craig, I'm just getting ready to change over from 5 years of Smarthings to Home kit. Have you done or doing a video on Hoobs?? Love the channel I'm new to it.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Hey CT congratulations on making the switch. I think you will be happy you did. Welcome to the channel and thanks for watching. I am still learning about Hoobs and have not make a video on it. I would say to Go check out Shane Whatley below or my buddy Eric at ModernDayTech. Both are HomeKit focused and have made videos on Hoobs. I do like how it has brought my Nest thermostat, Ring and SimpliSafe Alarm into HomeKit Shane - kzbin.info ModernDayTech - kzbin.info

[@CtPirate]

@@CraigsTechTalk Awesome Thanks Very Much, Keep up the great videos! Very impressive

[@CraigsTechTalk]

🙏

[@Cali_90s]

The nfc tags are seriously next level man.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Yes they are. Thank you for watching.

[@sattam31]

Is hoobs homekit bridge good?

[@ArrukShallam]

Better go for Homebridge - Hoobs is just a UI which should make Homebridge more accessible, but in my opinion it´s just making Homebridge more complicated. You save neither time nor it´s easier.

[@BruceBurke]

I’m all in on HomeKit #ShareTheLove

[@mhodges3219]

What is the name of the camera you use here? Thanks

[@CraigsTechTalk]

I am using a Sony A6400. My gear is in the description of my videos, towards the bottom. Same Sony and mic for 2 plus years.

[@97carlangas]

All You Need Is Love, Love Love Is All You Need! 🎶 #ShareTheLove