Insteon dies, Matter update, Playdate review on the HomeKit Insider podcast

AppleInsider

This week on HomeKit Insider, Aqara crowdfunds its new curtain driver, Insteon goes belly-up, and we answer more questions on Matter.

HomeKit Insider

Aqara's portfolio of HomeKit devices continues to grow with the launch of the company's new Kickstarter campaign. It is raising money to fund a HomeKit-compatible curtain driver that is capable of opening and closing your window drapes. Unlike Switchbot which has a similar device, this will support HomeKit natively.

This past week Insteon also ghosted its customers. It has been unresponsive to support requests, products have stopped working, and the CEO has scrubbed the company from his LinkedIn work history.

The bulk of our episode was spent digging into Matter and answering questions after we sat down with the CSA.

Links from the show

• Smarter Coffee Maker


• Mobee Magic Charger


• Aqara Launches Crowdfunding for Forthcoming Curtain Driver


• Smarthome firm and early HomeKit partner Insteon is dead, with no warning to customers


• Nomad Base One Max review: Magnetic chargers for your iPhone and Apple Watch


• 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad with MagSafe | Belkin


• Playdate review: Panic's first hardware product is adorable and fun

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docno42

Yikes.  Insteon never did make sense - zwave kit was cheaper and has a far wider variety of stuff.  Insteon reminded me of IBMs reaction to the clone market with the PS/2 and microchannel.  To their credit Insteon held out longer than the PS/2 or microchannel  

jimh2

docno42 said:

Yikes.  Insteon never did make sense - zwave kit was cheaper and has a far wider variety of stuff.  Insteon reminded me of IBMs reaction to the clone market with the PS/2 and microchannel.  To their credit Insteon held out longer than the PS/2 or microchannel  

I think Insteon predated Z-Wave. They were there as X-10 was running out of steam. 

docno42

jimh2 said:

docno42 said:

Yikes.  Insteon never did make sense - zwave kit was cheaper and has a far wider variety of stuff.  Insteon reminded me of IBMs reaction to the clone market with the PS/2 and microchannel.  To their credit Insteon held out longer than the PS/2 or microchannel  

I think Insteon predated Z-Wave. They were there as X-10 was running out of steam. 

After a quick look all I found was Insteon debuted in 2005 - I definitely had z-wave stuff before 2005.   Anyway it’s moot since they threw in the towel.