Christopher Close
Christopher spends most of his time writing and dreaming about all things HomeKit and the Home app. Whether it is installing smart light switches, testing the latest door locks, or automating his households daily routines, Christopher has done it all.
Latest articles by Christopher Close
How to use Intercom on HomePod, iPhone, and more
By Christopher Close published
Did you know you can use your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and HomePods as an Intercom? Here's how to get everyone's attention in the home with a shout.
tvOS 16: Everything you need to know
By Christopher Close last updated
While it didn't get any stage time during WWDC, there are still a few things that you need to know about tvOS 16. Here's all the details.
Everything new with HomeKit from WWDC 2022
By Christopher Close last updated
Some big changes are coming to HomeKit this fall. Here's everything announced at WWDC 2022.
iPadOS 16: Everything you need to know
By Christopher Close, Christine Chan published
Apple has revealed some massive updates to iPadOS 16 at WWDC 2022. Here's everything you need to know.
How to use Real-time text (RTT) on iPhone
By Bryan M Wolfe, Christopher Close published
The Real-time text (RTT) protocol is alive and well on iPhone. Here's how to set it up and use it.
How to use AutoFill on Apple TV
By Joseph Keller, Adam Oram, Christopher Close published
Say goodbye to tediously typing your email and password every time you need to log into an app with the Apple TV's AutoFill feature.
ecobee's new HomeKit thermostats include radar motion detection, larger screens, and more
By Christopher Close published
ecobee drops a pair of new HomeKit-enabled smart thermostats each with advanced radar motion sensing technology, significantly larger screens, and more.
Eve launches HomeKit Secure Video-enabled outdoor floodlight camera
By Christopher Close published
Eve's latest smart home accessory is a powerful floodlight camera designed exclusively for HomeKit Secure Video.
How to connect incompatible accessories to HomeKit
By Christopher Close, Mikah Sargent published
Want to bring your favorite smart home accessories over to HomeKit? Here's all of the ways that you can try to get them added to the Home app!
Aqara launches new HomeKit-enabled motion sensor with 5-year battery life
By Christopher Close published
Aqara's latest HomeKit-compatible motion sensor features extra-long battery life and upgraded Zigbee connectivity.
Thread: Everything you need to know
By Christopher Close published
Everything you need to know about the latest smart home connectivity standard — Thread.
Calendar app: The ultimate guide
By Rene Ritchie, Christopher Close published
How do you organize your appointments, update your agenda, plan events, and keep on time with your iPhone and iPad? The built-in Calendar app, of course!
ecobee SmartThermostat vs. Nest Learning Thermostat: Which should you buy?
By Joseph Keller, Mikah Sargent, Christopher Close published
Smartmi launches new HomeKit-enabled air purifier with UV sterilization
By Christopher Close published
The new, HomeKit-enabled second-generation Smartmi Air Purifier 2 cleans better than ever with UV sterilization and a larger coverage area.
How to set up HomePod and HomePod mini to play music when you arrive home
By Christopher Close published
Ever wish your HomePod could play your favorite songs the moment you walk through the door? Well, it's possible, and all it takes is the Home App on your iPhone and a few taps. Here's how!
Nest Thermostat vs. Nest Learning Thermostat
By Joseph Keller, Mikah Sargent, Christopher Close published
Ready to give your home a smart upgrade but can't decide between Google's Nest Thermostats? Here's how the two stack up!
How to upgrade your eero router to a HomeKit Secure Router
By Christopher Close published
If you have a compatible eero router, you can take control of how your accessories connect to the internet with just a few simple steps. Here's how!
Siri Remote for Apple TV: The ultimate guide
By Christopher Close, Lory Gil last updated
The Siri Remote brings novel new ways to control your Apple TV, including touch and voice. Here's your in-depth guide to everything the Siri Remote for Apple TV can do.
How to calibrate the color on your Apple TV with your iPhone
By Christopher Close published
Stop messing around with those clunky settings menus on your TV and let your iPhone and Apple TV calibrate the color for you. Here's how!
How to make a phone call and listen to voicemail on HomePod and HomePod mini
By Bryan M Wolfe, Christopher Close published
Apple's HomePods aren't just for listening to your favorite music. You can also use them make and receive phone calls. Let's do this!
How to use the Apple TV app for Apple TV
By Christopher Close, Joseph Keller published
The Apple TV app is the central entertainment hub on your Apple TV. Here are the ins and outs of using it.
Aqara launches G2H Pro security camera with HomeKit Secure Video and more
By Christopher Close published
One of the best HomeKit cameras around gets a Pro upgrade.
August Smart Lock vs. Smart Lock Pro: Which smart lock should you buy?
By Luke Filipowicz, Mikah Sargent, Christopher Close published
Thinking about upgrading to an August smart lock? Here's what you need to know about the August Smart Lock and August Smart Lock Pro.