Sonos updates, smart lock launch, Sonagi outdoor smart TV review on HomeKit Insider
On the latest HomeKit Insider Podcast episode, your host talks about more updates on Sonos, smart locks, and reviews an outdoor smart TV.
HomeKit Insider Podcast
Sonos made headlines twice this past week -- and neither time was great for consumers. Both stories were broken by Bloomberg's Chris Welch.
First, Sonos has experienced very isolated instances of first-generation Roam speakers catching on fire. Sonos has responded saying there is no recall, there were very few issues, and environmental factors seemed to come into play.
On top of that, Sonos has made both hardware and software changes to address the issue while they closely monitor it. It's encouraging to hear that the second-generation devices don't experience the same problem, but if you have an original model, we'd recommend not charging it while in intense sunlight to be on the safe side.
Then, Sonos announced new price hikes set to be implemented on unspecified products sometime in 2025. With new tariffs applied to Malaysia and Vietnam -- 19% and 20% respectively -- the audio maker will need to bump up prices.
The old 10% tariffs cost Sonos $2.1 million during Q3 of 2025 and could be as high as $10 million in Q4. While there was no specific date or product line mentioned, it may prove beneficial to make any big Sonos purchases sooner rather than later.
In other news, the Ultraloq Bolt with Home Key has been released after being shown off at CES 2025. We also got a tip from listener Alex that the Raegle smart locks were being sunsetted.
We finish the episode by reviewing the Sonagi outdoor TV. This smart TV is based on an LG panel and LG's webOS 22 which gives it support for Apple Home and AirPlay.
It has a special anti-glare finish with an impressive 1000 nits of brightness. Since it is intended for outdoor use, it has wide ranging operating temperatures from 32 degrees Fahrenheit to 104 degrees -- though it can withstand further extremes when not in use.
There are two remotes included in the box -- a weatherproof one and a motion-tracking version. With Apple Home, you can turn the TV on and off, switch inputs, include it in scenes, and open the on-screen settings.
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