Linksys Velop HomeKit Router firmware update is coming, but not imminent [u]

Posted:
in iPhone edited February 2020
Linksys appeared at first glance to be the first vendor to make available a HomeKit router, with the inadvertent release of information surrounding a firmware update enabling the functionality leaking out.

Linksys MX10 Velop AX mesh router
Linksys MX10 Velop AX mesh router


After several false starts, firmware updates for routers to make them HomeKit Routers upgrades will start arriving soon. Text was erroneously posted by Belkin suggesting that one for Linksys Velop line was coming soon.

"We're rolling out a firmware update to your Velop system in the next several days. Once your system updates, the next time you open the Linksys app, it will invite you to link with Apple Home," Linksys says in an update note. "All of your Velop nodes must be tri-band for this integration to work."

"When your Velop system is linked with the Apple Home app, it can monitor HomeKit accessories and prevent them from communicating in ways that might be harmful in the event an external threat from the internet gets through," Linksys added. "This can stop viruses and malware from spreading, or your data from being sent to the wrong places."

The entire Velop line with not get the update. The update is limited to the following models.
  • A03
  • WHW0301 & WHW0301B
  • WHW0302 & WHW0302B
  • WHW0303 & WHW0303B
The update notification was first spotted by HomeKit News on Thursday evening.






AppleInsider reviewed the Velop router in December. At the time, we found that it delivered significant real-world speed on our iPhone 11 Pro Max because of Wi-Fi 6. Other devices show minor speed improvements as well because of the power of the router itself -- but with the price still so high for Wi-Fi 6, it was hard to justify for the vast majority of people. HomeKit Router certification and compatibility may change that, however.

Update February 14, 2020 12:32 P.M. Eastern time Belkin has responded to the reports of the firmware, and denied the release was imminent.

"Inaccurate verbiage on timing and availability of Linksys HomeKit-enabled routers was shared on our website [on Thursday]," Belkin told AppleInsider "We are excited to bring these features to market soon, and will reach out when we're ready to announce availability."

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 10
    Can anyone confirm that the MX10 Wi-Fi 6 model is receiving this HomeKit update?  I believe that only the older Wi-Fi 5 tri-band models have been confirmed to receive the HomeKit update.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 2 of 10
    Belkin: Just kidding... neverrrrrrrminddd.
    right_said_fredwatto_cobra
  • Reply 3 of 10
    MplsPMplsP Posts: 4,038member
    What is a 'HomeKit router?' Does that mean the Linksys wifi router can serve as a HomeKit hub?
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 4 of 10
    Mike WuertheleMike Wuerthele Posts: 6,928administrator
    MplsP said:
    What is a 'HomeKit router?' Does that mean the Linksys wifi router can serve as a HomeKit hub?
    No. You still need an iPad, Apple TV, or HomePod to do that. This is for things like HomeKit Secure Video and guaranteed compatibility with HomeKit.

    Related: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210544
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 5 of 10
    ...am I wrong to miss copper wire, analogue connectivity and of course the airport ecosystem, assuming it might be have been upgraded to WF6...?
    I recently got sucked into a 'smart' tv and have had innumerable hassles, privacy concerns, proprietary product incompatibilities and now regrets... 
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 6 of 10
    Stay away from this turd. I bought the highly rated tri-band Velop mesh router based on the rave reviews and the hype, to cover a relatively large house and yard. It's been nothing but pain, with random node drops, random crashes, and the final straw recently was complete unrecoverable failure. Even when it worked, coverage left a lot to be desired. I replaced it with a Netgear Nighthawk RAX120 which has no trouble covering the 3400sqft house and half acre lot, from a meter monitor in the front of the house to a Rachio irrigation system attached to the fence at the end of the backyard -- and video cameras on the sides. Also, no problems streaming 4K to three TVs throughout the house.
    GG1fastasleep
  • Reply 7 of 10
    ...am I wrong to miss copper wire, analogue connectivity and of course the airport ecosystem, assuming it might be have been upgraded to WF6...?
    I recently got sucked into a 'smart' tv and have had innumerable hassles, privacy concerns, proprietary product incompatibilities and now regrets... 
    You’re quite the technophobe to be hanging around a tech forum as much as you do. Nobody is forcing you to use the “smart” features on your TV or even connect it to the internet. Copper wire? I’ll keep my gig fiber, thanks. 
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 8 of 10
    MplsPMplsP Posts: 4,038member
    ...am I wrong to miss copper wire, analogue connectivity and of course the airport ecosystem, assuming it might be have been upgraded to WF6...?
    I recently got sucked into a 'smart' tv and have had innumerable hassles, privacy concerns, proprietary product incompatibilities and now regrets... 
    There is definitely a benefit to a tried and true hardwired ethernet connection, more consistent connections and speeds. 

    I'm like you - if I don't need the wireless functionality I'd rather have a wire. No batteries to charge or wear out, no connection issues to troubleshoot. Wireless has benefits, but it has drawbacks, too.

    As for your TV, just disconnect it from the wifi. We're getting a new refrigerator that is wifi-enabled and I have no plans to connect it. I have no use for a refrigerator on my wifi network.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 9 of 10
    ...am I wrong to miss copper wire, analogue connectivity and of course the airport ecosystem, assuming it might be have been upgraded to WF6...?
    I recently got sucked into a 'smart' tv and have had innumerable hassles, privacy concerns, proprietary product incompatibilities and now regrets... 

    "Privacy concerns."

    I don't see the issue here; it's merely a TV. What sort of personal information do you fear would be leaked by a TV? Honestly. You're plugged directly to the Internet right now, so your Smart TV should be the least of your worries.
  • Reply 10 of 10
    jdgazjdgaz Posts: 407member
    It is now the end of June and I think this update is still coming. 
Sign In or Register to comment.