Limitations in HomeKit Secure Video plus Eve's macOS app on HomeKit Insider Podcast

AppleInsider

Testing the new Logitech Circle doorbell camera in the real world has turned up some interesting shortcomings in HomeKit Secure Video. Plus Eve's macOS app is out, while the iOS 14.4 beta brings U1 benefits to HomePod mini, all on the HomeKit Insider podcast.

HomeKit Insider: A new AppleInsider podcast

The primary topic for this podcast episode surrounds the recent release of the Logitech Circle View Wired Video Doorbell -- and what it tells us about HomeKit Secure Video.

Andrew details the many benefits of this new smart home accessory. That includes the basic specs, plus exactly how well the installation process goes, and just how the doorbell works in real life.

However, it's that testing which raises bigger issues over Apple's HomeKit Secure Video. While it is a great feature to have, it isn't ready for your front door. It falls short in a surprising number of ways, and we walk through all of them so you can make a more informed choice about whether to use it or not.

Of course, we round out the show with a sampling of user questions as well.

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Links from the show

• Testing the new HomePod mini music Handoff feature in iOS 14.4


• Eve brings its HomeKit app to the Mac in latest update


• Eve for HomeKit


• Logitech releases HomeKit Secure Video-enabled smart doorbell


• Eve Door and Window Sensor


• VOCOlinc Door Window Contact Sensor

Stay tuned for more!

Send your feedback to Stephen and Andrew via email or ask as us questions on Twitter @StephenRobles and @Andrew_OSU.

Please also leave a rating or review us on Apple Podcasts to help us improve the show as we move forward.

Those looking to sponsor the HomeKit Insider show can reach out to andrew@AppleInsider.com

flydog

Two requests:

Please make the full text of the podcasts available. Many of us don’t want or have time to sit through a 43 minute podcast. 

Stop using Google AMP. It’s both unnecessary to “accelerate” pages in exchange for our privacy. 

cg27

Agree with Flydog.  Would prefer at least a transcription summary of the Logitech Circle issues with SecureVideo.  

larryjw

flydog said:

Two requests:

Please make the full text of the podcasts available. Many of us don’t want or have time to sit through a 43 minute podcast. 

Stop using Google AMP. It’s both unnecessary to “accelerate” pages in exchange for our privacy. 

I haven't and won't watch this video. I would take the 20-30 seconds to read through a transcript, over 40 minutes to slog through a podcast.

j2fusion

Same here.  It’s much quicker to review a transcript than watch a video. Also, the imbedded links have better context.  

edited December 2020

wgkrueger

flydog said:

Two requests:

Please make the full text of the podcasts available. Many of us don’t want or have time to sit through a 43 minute podcast. 

Stop using Google AMP. It’s both unnecessary to “accelerate” pages in exchange for our privacy. 

I second the request to stop using AMP. 

sailorpaul

I agree on the transcript. If Apple Insider wants  me to watch a 40 minute video, my labor rate is $450 for that time.

Or, in a fit of pique, how about I order the Logitech Circle View Doorbell using a link from SOMEONE ELSE to check it out?

And that is especially ironic because I’ve been waiting for this information for a long time.

edited December 2020

netrox

I am with them - I want transcripts. I am deaf so podcasts won't work for me. There are quite several tools that automatically convert speech to text and you can fix any errors afterwards which is usually around 1% and then post the transcript. 

A list of software that you should look over - it's not just for the deaf/HOH but also  making your podcasts accessible with search engines efficiently. 

https://www.techradar.com/news/best-speech-to-text-app