Less news on the titular topic and more a meandering conversation on vaguely homekit related tech.

Apple Insider and HomeKit Insider used to be my two favorite podcasts. Ever since Stephen Robles left, it has gone down hill. Andrew is the only bright spot still. Wes is a huge bully and has no clue what he is talking about. He constantly interrupts Andrew and the old guy on the other pod cast, and his points are most of the time wrong. In today’s episode, Andrew was making a point and Wes continued to interrupt and not make sense. It’s time to think about replacing Wes.

I used to look forward to this show weekly. It almost seems like Andrew and Wes don’t like each other as it’s constant arguing and talking over each other. This week’s show spent 5+ mins arguing about Apple and Google Find My. It seems there is no script. I hope the chemistry gets better, but it’s almost painful to hear at this point. I hope you guys get back to basics!

I have been a long time listener and have always looked forward to new episodes. Sadly, I am no longer eager to listen since adding Wes as a cohost. His takes are always negative and seems to lack a basic understanding of home automation and related technologies. The chemistry between him and Andrew simply isn’t there.

I’ve been listening for the past two years. Andrew does a great job of exploring all things Apple. I’ve learned so much about upcoming home products. I’ve made purchases based on items discussed on the show. Specifically, I’ve bought Eufy cameras and hub, Logitech doorbell, Lutron hub and switches, several HomePod mini’s and the Lisen, 3 in 1 magnetic wireless charging stand. I’m looking into a robovacum, air purifier, and anything else that is fun for home automation. This show is very informative if you are exploring setting up a smart home using the apple ecosystem. I look forward to hearing about new products, what works, and what doesn’t work. I love all the guest hosts, but I do miss Stephen. This is the show I listen to to start my week and the links in the show notes help me remember the products I want to research. Congrats on 200 episodes and I hope we get 200 more.

It’s turning into what they wish apple should do, not what it can do. It’s now pointless to even listen to them. I’m no longer following. This has turned out pointless. Was good but no longer had anything helpful. Also because of this podcast I’ve cancelled my order on a DJI microphone. Can’t believe how bad the sound quality it has.

Andrew go solo. Your so enthusiastic! Or Find another co-host please.

For the first several years of the HKI podcast I would never miss an episode. Fantastic content and hosts. However, with the recent turnover in hosts, the content and discourse has gone down the tubes. Seems like many episodes are filled with non-Homekit fluff to pad the podcast time. This wastes everyone’s time. Short and to the point is better than an hour of rambling all over the Apple ecosystem. Audio quality is also poor with Wes coughing a lot this week. The Jan 29th episode was so bad I ditched it 30 minutes in..and not sure I’ll return without a serious turnaround in hosts and quality.

The information and banter are generally informative and entertaining, but the audio quality and—perhaps more importantly—the audio levels are far too low. Listen to the BBC or the Apple News Podcast for a gold standard comparison. The levels have got to come up!

I consistently appreciate Wes's contributions to the show; his insights are well-received, and he brings a unique perspective. Andrew and Wes have been doing well as they navigate the beginning stages, and their dynamic throughout the dialogue is commendable. Overall, the show has consistently earned five stars from me. While there may be occasional moments of lesser impact, it remains a great podcast. Wes has also proven to be a valuable asset on the other Apple Insider show.

Andrew needs to invest in a microphone and fix the sound quality. I use to look forward to the show every week, but ever since Stephan left, it hasn’t been the same. Sounds like Andrew records this from a hands free device from a car. I will stick with it to see if it gets better, but it might be time to find a new show unfortunately

Thank you for helping me decide on which products fit into my home. I’ve been listening for several years and realized I had not reviewed your podcast. I appreciate the product reviews and your discussions of the pros and cons of the technologies (thread, Bluetooth, WiFi etc) is very helpful when looking at different products. Keep up the great work Charles from Texas

I listen to all your shows on my daily walk. Homekit Insider is the best, I am a Homekiteer! I’ve been doing Home Automation since the old X10 days, had a CP290 connected to my Black Apple II+ (fun fact, Bell & Howell made them for the Education market). My favorite boring automations are: -when the door/window sensor see’s the door close it tells the Encode Plus to lock the door -when one of the moisture sensors I’ve placed everywhere detects water it shuts off the water main, turns a light on red, and sends out a message. I’ve a button to push to reverse everything. Keep up the good work.

We listen to the HomeKit insider or apple insider every night, so funny and entertaining.

Unlike some shows that are only analysis, this show is journalistic: the hosts are providing new info to the public in the form of reporting and product reviews. These gents have a great sense of humor, and the show is a pleasure to listen to.

Been listing for several years. It’s an easy podcast to listen to each week. I would love to hear more about tips and tricks for setting up useful scenes and shortcuts. Keep it up guys!

Home automation has not reached a level where everything “just works”. I have listened to this podcast for many years, and really trust Stephen and Andrew to point me in the right direction.

Host Andrew’s audio quality is terrible. Sounds like he’s using a walkie talkie. Dudes: audio quality matters!

Thank you so much for all the work to make HomeKit easy for the average person. Really enjoyable format, and lots of great information and reviews. I do have a scenario I need some help with. I have 2 dogs that we leave in their crates while we are at work. The room they stay in can sometimes vary wildly in temp from where the thermostat is on that floor. I want to find a good HomeKit thermometer so I can ensure they are not getting to hot in the summer. What would you suggest. There is usually a “front runner” everyone recommends online, but I can’t find that. I also would consider a HomeKit AC unit for that room to be able to not rely on the home AC for power savings. Thoughts? Thanks so much!

Extremely informative podcast. Added several things weekly since our conversation last at the dealership Andrew O’Hara . Very addictive problem to have now that I can listen to all the new stuff/ technology you all talk about weekly!

I’ve been listening for a while and find the show engaging. As a HomeKit fan, I want to hear the latest news with honest and insightful reviews, and this is the go-to show.

HomeKit insider is good in that it’s there, and there aren’t many HomeKit podcasts at all - I wish there were more. I also wish these hosts were more knowledgeable about HomeKit and Apple’s tech. Stephen Robles seems to be cast as the good natured buffoon who chuckles and laughs about how he just doesn’t know a thing, handing it off to Andrew who appears to be cast as the expert. Unfortunately, Andrew seems to know just a little bit more about Apple tech than my mother did before she passed away in her 80s. He makes stuff up on the spot, and they both concur and agree that yep, yep that must be the answer! Even when they’re just plain wrong. Worst, the point of the podcast really seems to be for them to get free gear from manufacturers. Look, I get it, it’s part of the industry, but they are so boldfaced about it that it becomes sickening; it just seems to be a podcast there to support their greed, not to educate consumers about what’s happening in HomeKit, and telling us about new products. The fact that they get free stuff should be secondary and in service to the listeners, and it just doesn’t feel that way a lot of the time. Overall, it’s an embarrassment to an old and venerable name in the Apple news world, AppleInsider. You should really do better.

Very entertaining and hosts know the best products for Apple Home. Great job!

Been listening for a long time. Always great information on updates and new products. Keep up the good work.

Thank you Stephen and Andrew for the many tips, tricks, and product reviews. Another shoutout to (TheBeardedTeacher) on insta for all the tips given!

What A Great Show!!!! Having to switch Home Automation systems, the Hosts do a great job explaining everything. I love the reviews of new items. Thanks for keeping us up to date with HomeKit, Apple, and ALL the accessories we need to buy. Keep up the GREAT show.

Really like the content and hosts, but Andrew’s audio quality is bad. I can easily tell that Stephen is using a high-quality microphone cause it sounds very professional (of course aided by his deep, rich baritone voice). Come on Andrew, invest in a better mic, please.

Show me on the doll where Elon hurt you. Libtard sheep soyboy needs to leave politics out of it and stick to your job (which I thought was discussing HomeKit). For the record, Twitter is better now than it ever was. How anyone could be against free speech in America and for government collusion and censorship with big tech is beyond me. Generation full of brainwashed imbeciles.

I’m a tech person as we all are here, my mother is not. She bought a home and I want to smart it out with the basics cameras and light switches and things. Sadly I will be avoiding HomeKit things just are not great and I’m an Alexa person. Minus that maybe you can do like a where to start in 2023 with a smart home! My biggest question is really bulbs vs lights and witches and fans like what part do I make smart?

Look forward to mondays just to listen!!

HomeKit insider is a must listen every week. Keeps me up to date on what’s new and happening in the HomeKit world. Their opinions and insight have been invaluable to me as we recently built a new house and are currently installing and adding HomeKit devices throughout.

I look forward to this podcast each week. I learn about all kinds of things I can buy to make my home smarter and smarter and what’s greater than that?

Great podcast for Apple enthusiasts

What does your homekit look like Been watching since 2020

Don't get me wrong, Steven is a great co-host. However the new gentleman (can't recall his name at the moment) brings a new level of youthful exuberance, energy, and insight to the pod. But for reals, HKi is an approachable and entertaining discussion on all things homekit and the smart home landscape as a whole. It's my favorite tech podcast, and if you know of a better one, well, I'll Believe it When I See It™️

Have you tried the apple Podcasts app for Apple TV? I’m on the latest beta and trying to rewind or fast forward with the physical remote is an absolute nightmare.

Been a HomeKit enthusiast for the last 2 years. This podcast gives the best breakdown of everything going on with HomeKit. Stephen and Andrew play off each other well as co-hosts. Stephen’s also a good sport on twitter, in spite of his candy corn take.

I’m Robert from North Carolina and I’ve been listening to your show since the beginning. The show has been so helpful in getting my house fully automated with HomeKit accessories. Thank you!

Love the podcast keep up the good work

I love listening to the show weekly. I have 100 devices on my home and I always learn about what’s new and works well in the ecosystem.

I can’t express enough how much I learn and catch up on every time I listen. Been wanting Matter as much as the next listener and also agree “I’ll believe it when I see it!” Don’t know if this is how I ask questions but can you talk through the AppleTV and HomePod mini connectivity issues that seem to be plaguing me and others. Tried all online help, troubleshooting, and the support app just recommends bringing them in to a store. Thoughts? Thanks and you’ve got another dedicated fan as always.

Best Apple Home podcast hands down. Andrew and Stephen (or Stephen and Andrew - no favoritism here) are both knowledgeable and goofy, making for a great podcast. Keep up the good work, guys.

I’m leaving a 5 star review today for one reason, though: because Stephen literally said “Bigsfeet” was the plural for Bigfoot. A verifiable laugh out loud moment.

It’s a fantastic podcast to listen to, and I often find myself buying the products they discuss.

These guys are great and keep me up to date on all the great HomeKit products, especially for my new house!

Used similar HomeKit products as Steven

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Love the fun interplay between Stephen and Andrew. Hearing real world uses, solutions, and problems makes the show worthwhile to any smarthome person. Please have Jennifer back to cohost or guest anytime.

Andrew is the home hub to Stephen's brightest dimmer. Well done on creating a show that people can keep coming back to. It's a pleasant way to start each week.

I have a question about a smart device. 1. If I am going to get a Nanoleaf wall product, which one should I get? My price range is $1-$250