Full Tour of My 2024 Apple Smart Home

[@alexispena2010]

I have a similar “Done Working” scene. Only difference with mine is that because I work in the basement I have it wait 30 seconds so I can grab my phone, etc. and get to the stairs before everything turns off. For your case, you may only need 10-15 seconds. It’s a nice way to be done but not get left in the dark. You can also have it do all the other stuff immediately then wait 10-15 sec to have your lights turn off last. Works great no matter the time of day.

[@beardfm]

Oh great idea! Going to delay mine for sure.

[@HughD]

Once again a nice job, Stephen. You do a great job organizing and presenting the topic and the information/links you provide in your comments are among the very best of the current smart home KZbinrs.

[@beardfm]

I appreciate that! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@eddieb4149]

Apologies if I missed it, but is there a link to your shortcut to start TV theater mode? I want to do something similar.

[@beardfm]

I explain it here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mn-ze4uepq5_p5Y&si=RH14F_RvhxHMIZnM

[@latoyahightower2691]

I love the amount of information you give! Thank you for the content you create…keep doing what your doing! 😊

[@beardfm]

Appreciate that! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@BryanEsler]

Love these types of videos because I'll always come out with at least one idea. The bathroom automation to turn off other lights is genius. No more leaving my shower light on!

[@beardfm]

Glad you found something new!

[@ryank9633]

How many and which aqara hubs do you have? I’m trying to improve and automate my home. I currently have Lutron Caseta switches throughout the entire house. My wifi 6e multi gig mesh system can cover roughly 6500sqft so I have solid connection everywhere. Been looking at aqara for the reliability and wondering the real world range of the hubs. Also, how do you extend the range? Do I just keep adding more hubs and devices connect to whichever has the best connection?

[@beardfm]

Sounds like a solid setup! I have the M2 hub and G2H camera which also acts as a hub, but the *just* announced the M3 hub at CES which has PoE, thread, and other great features. Would highly recommend waiting and getting that one.

[@monchichi4545]

So cool! I would really like to add more smart items to my home. Do you have a link for the little shelf for the HomePad mini?

[@beardfm]

Thanks! And these are the ones I use: amzn.to/41H2Iz7

[@kearfy]

Tip for the Elgato lights! If you run Homebridge somewhere there is a plugin for them. That way you can control the tint + intensity in the Apple Home app AND you don’t get the flashbang when you turn them on 😃

[@beardfm]

Homebridge is pretty great, but I find devices get a little buggy after long periods of time (like weeks of use). Has your experience been solid?

[@lsdave]

GREAT Video!. Only suggestion is to get screwless wall plates for your switches and dimmers, or at least align all screw heads so they are are vertical or horizontal.

[@beardfm]

Been meaning to for a while 😅

[@wackyp]

Cheapest switches to use are Kasa TP-Link since they don’t support HomeKit natively. Use them through HomeBridge and there is no difference at all in functionality. They work perfectly and have every option. You’d never know it wasn’t a native HomeKit device.

[@eddieb4149]

Does your front door have a smart lock? You mentioned some other smart locks when you're lamenting the U100, but then I don't think I saw any reference to any other smart locks in the vid.

[@wackyp]

If you ever rented your place out, how would you handle this? Would you invite the renter to join your home? What if they use android? Always been curious about this. I assume you’d also have to leave a device behind to be the hub.

[@niranjanpandit6497]

Hey Stephen love your videos and the way you present it in a calm manner. I thought I met Apple fanboys in my social circle but I can say that you have beaten them to it!

[@beardfm]

That means a lot, thank you for watching!

[@auditocanarsie7355]

I would love to see a video on Water Leak / Flood Detectors. Thanks for posting this.

[@beardfm]

For sure! Will good cover in the future

[@imgeffrey]

I'd love to know how you keep track of everything. Especially the automations.

[@beardfm]

That's the great part about automations, if they work well and are useful, you forget about them! I notice when they break or if I need to replace a device. But for device database, I use HomePass and highly recommend!

[@ispectechular]

Hey buddy. I saw that you have a new ball python, which is awesome. They make fantastic pets. I have 3 snakes myself. I did notice that you are you using wood shaving, looks like it’s probably zoomed snake bedding, however, this is not good for ball pythons. Ball pythons need high humidity, and that doesn’t work well with that bedding. I would recommend something that holds humidity, such as eco earth or a similar product. That will help you maintain proper humidity for the snake. I hope this doesn’t come across as snobbish, just trying to help you and the snake out. If you need help, let me know. I have been keeping reptiles for about 12-13 years now.

[@beardfm]

Thanks for sharing! We’re totally new to this and the reptile store recommended “aspen,” which is what we put there. But will look into other options!

[@keagandevilliers2832]

where do you get the money for all this stuff???

[@polystyrene_gangster]

How does your family deal with all of this tech? Isn’t it too much to remember for them? Especially since you probably optimise and change a lot.

[@beardfm]

That’s why I favor smart switches over bulbs. Everyone can just use the switches like normal, and they learn some scenes and automations for their rooms and devices. Plus HomePod is good at controlling the specific room devices. I also put HomeKit buttons (which I didn’t show) by each kid’s bed for good morning / evening scenes specific for them.

[@polystyrene_gangster]

Smart switches were also the only way for my SO to accept smart lighting.@@beardfm

[@jameslee522]

add another access point further away. I found everything under my one of mine wouldnt connect as it seems it is spread out sideways and not downward.

[@JayMartinez]

Good lord this is great but how do you avoid or minimize the whole "no response" thing. Its a big reason why I migrated to Home Assistant. Im using unifi as well but constantly face this.Either way keep up the great work

[@beardfm]

Thanks! And I only have 1-2 devices that routinely go no response. Light switches were the most notorious to do it, that's why I've been slowly migrating everything to Lutron. Super solid: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3nJaGN8h9SEnrssi=ClAAjeBtoAh_OM8m

[@Ltnluv23]

Love the information, but I have two suggestions 1. Simplify: you have lots of different brand devices for buttons, switches, sensors etc. 2. Declutter my friend (coming from an interior designer).

[@beardfm]

Thanks! Everything was got cost-based initially. Slowly moving all switches to Lutron, plugs to Eve. And 2, I have 3 kids sooo

[@Ltnluv23]

@@beardfm I figured you’ve gotten most of the devices sent or purchased so I can see using them all for testing purposes and convenience. The OCD in me used to use WeMo devices like smart plugs, but always had issues. Once I discovered Meross and had no issues, I had to switch all of them over time. Also can you provide a link where you got the WiFi Porter? Was it Etsy?

[@crooxys]

Just FYI you can control the Aqara Pan and Tilt cameras using Scenes in the home app.

[@beardfm]

Yes! Set that up recently. Still wish Apple would add those controls natively.

[@jabed8436]

Most loved man by Apple

[@designschoolacademy]

Hello, Stephen. Have you done any 1:1 consulting? Will want to ask you a few questions. Thank you, Alvaro

[@szymonzielonka6756]

Hi Stephen, Great video. I have a Ubiquiti AP and Sonos Sub Gen 3. These two have some issues with working together. I had to connect the Sub with an Ethernet.

[@beardfm]

Thanks for confirming that. My Sub mini has issues at times too. One day will spend the money to run another Ethernet to the sub 😬

[@jbnelson]

You should edit that Action Button shortcut to check your location and if you’re away from home, it should only close the garage door and lock the doors for peace of mind!

[@beardfm]

Oh that’s a good idea 🤔

[@tumultuousgamer]

Woah! This is some super duper home kit setup with so many devices! 👍👍👌👌

[@beardfm]

Appreciate it!

[@danielkpictures]

with the closets that have the light turn on automatically due to the hue motion detector, is it the wifi light switches that allow these lights in the ceiling to turn on via that sensor? How do you make that work?

[@beardfm]

Yes, the lights are on smart switches, some Leviton, some Belkin, and the motion sensor triggers an automation in the home app to turn on that smart switch.

[@xMikeLynchx]

This issue with wireless subwoofers is interference from the giant magnets on the back of the sub. I have the same issue with the Klipsch wireless sub.

[@beardfm]

ah that's the first time I've heard that explanation and makes total sense. Doubly-wish I had ran ethernet cable now...

[@heatherprauto]

Thanks for the great videos! Do you prefer the Aqara or Eve lightstrip? I want to use Philips hue gradient to go along with my other Hue bulbs but they are quite expensive, so considering the Aqara T1 lights and setting colors in HomeKit scenes to match the vibe of Philips Hue. Also, how long does it take to see the live video on your Eve flood security camera and Logitech Circleview doorbell? Mine can take up to 8 seconds to load (feels like a while when someone’s at the door) and my WiFi speed at the devices is about 5mbps + up and download. Thank you!

[@beardfm]

Thanks! I’d go with the Eve, the Aqara one requires a hub and is a little slower to respond through HomeKit. And your camera delay is similar to what I experience. The Eve outdoor and Logitech ones can take a while to load. My Tapo and Aqara cameras have been a little faster.

[@heatherprauto]

@@beardfm Awesome, thank you! And glad to hear that’s normal loading time for those cameras

[@loveorterstrom4125]

Hey! Love your channel and your videos are so good and helpful! 😃 At 10:48 minutes into the video, how did you do to have the apple watch face in a color on the clock numbers but all applications greyed out? I loved that look!!!

[@jaysinps]

Awesome video, what clips are you using on the back of your bed for the light strip?

[@beardfm]

Thanks! And these: amzn.to/3TWhEqK

[@jaysinps]

Awesome thanks!

[@jhardy0786]

I replaced every light switch in my house with Lutron caserta they were expensive so I did a room at a time and spread it out but they work flawlessly

[@beardfm]

They’re rock solid for sure

[@dlorbieski]

Thanks for sharing....hope you and your family have a safe and Merry Christmas

[@beardfm]

Thanks you too!

[@DGYtown]

Wow! Amazing set up and beautiful home. What state do you live in

[@beardfm]

Sunshine State! Thank you 🙏🏻

[@BreakTime10101]

@@beardfmhow do stand the humidity? Although I’m in the other sunshine state, but it’s a dry heat here. 😅

[@markdowner2435]

When you asked Siri to the start the pool Hose my HomePods played “Pool Hall Richard” by The Faces (great song!) 😂

[@beardfm]

😂 wow. Will mute myself saying hey siri from now on!

[@chiggedycheckyoself]

Thanks for the tour! But man, this looks so messy and like it's way more work than just living a normal life. Sure, you can automate certain things, but knowing Apple HomeKit and Alexa, this feels like you're troubleshooting errors more often than enjoying the automations... But again, the is pretty cool and thanks for the tour!

[@jschaeff7285]

Hello, wondering how reliable the Logitech doorbell is? I see so many bad reviews on it and the regular logi camera.

[@beardfm]

I’ve had mine for almost two years and it’s been solid. I have good wifi coverage with Ubiquiti which may have something to do with it

[@bionicbeal]

I knew I recognized the voice! :) Great vid - thanks!

[@eliguerron477]

hey quick question... have you had any issues with the 17.2 Update? my Hue Lights were no longer supported by HomeKit. So when you say hub needed (for the Phillips Hue lights) What do you mean?

[@beardfm]

Hey, mine have been good since the update. The Hue hub is required for HomeKit connectivity, this one: amzn.to/3vwFKOR

[@travlehman]

Very cool setup! I also love your exterior color of your house.

[@beardfm]

Appreciate that! (Green's my favorite color 😉 )

[@jakeperl5857]

Ok I'm not gonna lie I'm 2/3 of the way into this and exhausted already Lol...think I'll start small and see if I can find a smart toilet seat warmer that fires up 5 minutes before my alarm goes off in the morning or something...

[@beardfm]

Understandable! This video might help as I go into using things more in-depth, like motion sensors: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJuwiZ58ra55m5Ysi=FIkt3cZVaC6VcQgf

[@wackyp]

Do you have a suggestion for a HomeKit or HomeBridge compatible device that can be a trigger based on whether an AC device is drawing power?

[@beardfm]

Eve Energy is the way to go! You may need to create the automation in the eve app for the energy draw to be a trigger: amzn.to/3tUTHWG

[@jayyeo3270]

Hi! How did you control your ceiling fan on Homekit?

[@beardfm]

Lutron Ceiling Fan switch!

[@ToddPage1987]

Nice graphics identifying what it is and where it is - well done!

[@beardfm]

Thanks! Tried some tracking titles 😉

[@DLITINTHEHOUSE]

I had a lot of Wemo light switches and outlets and they were inconsistent at best. I had solid internet and they would still have to be resynced up too often. Your Lutrons are solid though?

[@beardfm]

Lutrons are very reliable. They do require a hub, but that’s one of the reasons they’re so solid

[@Max86421]

Matter smart devices save Apple HomeKit 💯

[@BreakTime10101]

Love your videos. What WiFi system, garage door opener and water shut off valve are you using? Thanks

[@beardfm]

Thanks! I use the Unifi system, I show it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWPLaJmrbLCdqZIsi=KSXDnYwOF6Lz7mks And it’s a Genie motor, unsure of the model

[@davidangulomonroy949]

What's the best way to integrate high quality audio with homekit?

[@beardfm]

Sonos, basically. Or the Eve AirPlay receiver can connect any powered speaker

[@DesertSunsetsSunrises]

Love your videos. You are one of my favorite tech nerds I like to follow. I noticed on this video you didn’t have any devices on voice control. I have a recommendation for you. Research the Bond bridge for $99.00. It controls all of my ceiling fans using my voice. It will even let you control the speed and lights using just your voice. This goes through Alexa. You can also use the Bond with shades but we don’t own any of those. Keep up the good work. 😊

[@beardfm]

Appreciate that! And I control everything with Siri on HomePod, just didn't want to use it throughout the video as it would activate the Siri devices of people watching.

[@Ricon711]

Where did you order your blinds from? I like the ones you have.

[@beardfm]

The kitchen blinds are from SmartWings! www.smartwingshome.com/?ref=51

[@TheFluffyDuck]

I cant get two plugs from being offline 90% of the time. I think my router cant handle it.

[@firesafetylite]

these videos really helps me with my homekit as it gives me great ideas! Thanks! ❤

[@beardfm]

Glad they're helpful!

[@MrLindsaydr]

What happens when you accidentally activate the action button when away from home or even when at home and open the garage door without realising? Wont this leave you open for burglary?

[@beardfm]

I’d get a notification that it opened, but to be honest I don’t leave it set as my garage door opener permanently. Likely going to use a Shortcuts folder for the action button with this Shortcut included.

[@jjadragna]

Well I just imagine your wife and child hope your December 2024 video will be « my streamlined and minimalist connected home of 2025 » 😂

[@beardfm]

Haha they like most of it. Siri not getting requests right is probably the most frustrating

[@randydegner]

Could you provide tips/best practices on naming accessories and scenes?

[@beardfm]

Great question, I plan on doing a HomeKit 101 video and will include that as well!

[@GregMapes]

Thanks for sharing. Do you ever find yourself avoiding certain devices like smart plugs or bulbs that are WiFi to limit the number of WiFi devices? I have been trying to stick with things that use hubs (Hue, Lutron, Aqara) or thread devices. I have a lot of Eve smart plugs just because they are thread even though they are more expensive. Probably have 8 WiFi plugs collecting dust.

[@beardfm]

I’m being drawn to reliable devices, which increasingly means hub. Hue, Lutron, Aqara. And I look for Thread first when getting a new device, but I won’t shy away from Wi-Fi if I trust the brand.

[@tannermorris8956]

This was the same reply I was going to write. It seems as though the reason that some of your devices are unreliable is because of wifi interference and maybe a good amount of congestion in the network as well. Hubs can help with that for sure.

[@Ricky_Lee7]

very impressive set up . just hope your wifi never goes out

[@beardfm]

Going strong 18 months in! It’s also on APC Battery backup 😉

[@Ykodi01234]

Love your videos! Your'e explanations are so pleasent and interesting. Thank you

[@beardfm]

Thank you so much 🙏🏻 very kind

[@robd.955]

I am completely dizzy from all this automation. You must get all these as promo gifts, it's a small fortune between the Lutron dimmer, the Sonos and all the automation and cameras. Is any of this affordable for the normal consumer? I love tech, but this made my head spin. I think it's a lot of overkill, but for some it might just be fine. I still enjoyed the video and will continue to follow you, as I learn more about what I really do need going forward.

[@beardfm]

Thanks for watching! Most of what you say I bought personally over the last 5-7 years. Starting out, I recommend people try a smart plug, maybe a smart switch, and go from there! Sometimes a smart garage door opener ads enough convenience to start someone down the smart home path!

[@kyrbies]

Pretty cool video, even if the smart home seems pretty “thrown together”. But that's probably the problem in general when a system like this grows over time.

[@beardfm]

Yeah, and new devices are coming out all the time that upgrade parts of the system, others age out, etc.

[@BobTheBaldie]

Amazing setup 👍🏻 Bet your house is fun when you have an internet or power outage 🤣

[@beardfm]

Power outage you wouldn't use the lights anyway, but even if the internet goes out, everything still works on the local wifi network!

[@michaelwerbick]

So I would change the pantry from a motion to a contact. that way when you open the door, the lights light and close the door they shut off. No motion needed. I use that for my laundry room. Also use a Aqara humidity sensor in the bath so when the humidity is high the fan turns on and runs for 30 min. When the sensor reads, if the humidity is still high, it will run again.... and again if needed. I also have it set that if someone uses the bathroom and leaves the light on for more that 4 minutes, when they shut the light off, the fan will auto run for 10 minutes.... you know, just in case it needs venting 🤣. I run a vibration sensor on the dryer to know when it stops. Just fun stuff.

[@beardfm]

What's the vibration sensor you use, and is it HomeKit or through Homebridge?? And I do motion rather than contact sensors on the pantry, closet because my kids have a habit of not closing the doors all the way 😅 so contact automations wouldn't fire.

[@Matschbacke25]

Amazing setup.

[@beardfm]

Appreciate it!

[@anilkumar1971]

Very cool man!! Awesome setup..

[@beardfm]

appreciate it!

[@jkfcb1]

Wow, gives me a lot of things to think about!

[@beardfm]

Let me know if you have questions!

[@ddvantandar-kw7kl]

Great Video

[@beardfm]

Thanks!

[@franciscodelfino7766]

Hey, have I a question, if other person of your family wanna turn on a light, should they use your phone to do it?

[@franciscodelfino7766]

I mean, “tourn on a light” or change light colors, open or close something

[@beardfm]

I invite my family members to the home with either admin or resident access so they can control from their devices too!

[@franciscodelfino7766]

@@beardfm cool, you have all controlled in one app, very cool

[@BrandonDoyleMN]

Love the tour, adding it to the smart home tour playlist!

[@beardfm]

Appreciate it!

[@donpowers6033]

Really enjoyed this video! Curious why you chose to use a motion sensor in the pantry to control the lights? I just put a contact sensor on the door that turns the lights on when the pantry door is open and then turns them off when the door is closed.

[@beardfm]

Thanks! I've thought about that, but the issue is kids don't always close the door. So there would be many times the door is slightly open, you walk in, and the automation won't run. Motion sensor will work whether the door is open slightly or closed!

[@donpowers6033]

Yep! That is the beauty of having grown kids who no longer live at home!@@beardfm

[@dMboyd82]

Thanks for the video. How were you able to get your Ecobee to act as a chime? I have both the Logitech doorbell and 2 Ecobees. However, I do not have the option on my iPhone to use it as a chime as you did (15:33).

[@beardfm]

Do you know which model you have? The feature started with the ecobee with voice control model and includes: Smart Thermostat Premium, SmartThermostat with voice control support.ecobee.com/s/articles/Setting-up-and-using-Siri-and-AirPlay-on-your-SmartThermostat-with-voice-control

[@dMboyd82]

@@beardfm I have the Ecobee Premium but I don’t have that option to assign chimes at the bottom like you had.

[@lensherm]

Instead the myriad of buttons, on my desk, I use the Elgato Stream Deck to control the smart home. I see you have one with some unused buttons on yours.

[@beardfm]

I like that idea, only thing is I use companion to make it an ATEM controller and that takes over the whole device

[@lensherm]

@@beardfmI guess you'll just have to get more Stream Decks :-)

[@MKizzle2906]

Can I have the homepod mini wall mount info ?

[@beardfm]

This one? amzn.to/4baqNCk

[@MKizzle2906]

@@beardfm thanks

[@hjparma]

What are the metal clamps that fit the Lightstrip?

[@beardfm]

These! amzn.to/3RvFtmJ

[@chiefspecialk]

Maybe next time when editing, you silence the "hey siri / siri" when you are demonstrating things. Somehow your pool hose trigger my whole house to turn on.

[@beardfm]

Sheesh, sorry about that! Will do

[@Balthazor1000]

Great video, great information, thanks!

[@beardfm]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Balthazor1000]

Definitely, just a question, is possible to use SoundLink® Bluetooth® Mobile speaker II with the home app??

[@MrNick7242]

Where can I find that wi-fi porter?

[@beardfm]

Right here! tenonedesign.com/hospitality.php

[@DavisOmoghan]

MTV Cribs 😎🤣

[@beardfm]

Let’s do it

[@TerraMagnus]

It’s almost painful to see how much extra work your home automations require since they are based out of Apple Home. So much of this can work so much better in Home Assistant. Like if I want movie lighting all I have to do is start watching a movie. And if I pause the movie for a bio break, the lights fade up a little brighter until the movie is playing again. Those Elgato lights can be exposed to Apple Home as light entities so you can set scenes rather than just make them dumb lights with a smart switch. Your home is being held back by your main hub!

[@beardfm]

I've been seeing more and more about Home Assistant...may have to try it.

[@TerraMagnus]

@@beardfm and it doesn’t mean giving up apple home. In fact, Home Assistant vastly extends the Apple Home ecosystem by offering access to devices that would otherwise not be supported. They complement one another nicely. There’s tons of content to explore on that angle alone.

[@REMS_JAC]

What’s home assistant. Do you mean Google?

[@TerraMagnus]

@@REMS_JAC no, I mean Home Assistant. Google it.

[@sheldondmanson]

@@REMS_JAC google is free just search for "what is home assistant"

[@WarrenPleass]

Too messy for me.

[@Liam-gc1fm]

Hate to break it to you, but you said "Hey Siri" on accident 13:50

[@beardfm]

Gah! Trying not to in videos

[@HookEmNBookEm]

Brother what job do you have that enabled you to afford all this lol

[@beardfm]

Much of it was acquired over time, little by little

[@didipkerabat]

Maybe the house could be tidy up a tad bit for the next video?

[@mortondity]

Hey! Consider who your audience is and please don't say "Hey Siri" multiple times. It kicked me out of the video. Thanks.

[@beardfm]

Ah shoot, missed that. Sorry!

[@mortondity]

@@beardfm no worries! Easy mistake! My wife asked me why all the lights turned on lol 😆

[@Daddydollars]

God what a snowflake

[@SolarizeYourLife]

And not one device added using your Mac... because you literally can't...

[@gtrogue]

😠- Every electrician in the world being triggered by those crooked switch plate screws.

[@beardfm]

haha I'm gonna get those screwless plates...someday

[@gtrogue]

@@beardfm I have the Lutron Claro switch plate covers on all my switches. They look nice, but they aren't as large as most regular switch plate covers, so you find out real quick how bad the drywallers were when they cut the openings. There are some companies that make bigger ones but I've found they still aren't as large as the jumbo standard plates that most people have in their houses.

[@MrFinejewels]

That must have cost at least $100 dollars to install all of that...........😆

[@beardfm]

It’s been amassed over time 😅

[@dagr7424]

No offence, but your house looks like a nightmare. More power to you, but…. not for me.

[@beardfm]

Thanks for watching!

[@KJSvitko]

New homes need to adjust to the times. Home solar energy and battery storage are now more common. Electric vehicles are becoming more popular every year. Every garage should include a 220 volt outlet and electric vehicle charger. Every new home and business should install a rain water collection and storage system along with solar panels. Even in areas where rain is infrequent it is crazy to waste the little rain that does fall and waste it. We need to stop planting green lawns and switch to local native plantings around homes. It is crazy to plant lawns and build golf courses in dry desert areas. We waste too much water and electricity. the future is electric. Wind and solar energy along with electric vehicles are the future. Stop using fossil fuels. There is a climate crisis.

[@Mattstone1992]

Great content, but please clean up your house. How can you live with this much stuff in your house ???

[@beardfm]

Three kids!

[@goldmirado3]

This guy lives in a microwave

[@craigkeibler2824]

first