There's was a lot of buzz last year about the HomeKit compatible infrared blaster the Nature Remo Nano. It looks like a great product but unfortunately it is only for the Japanese market. The Switchbot Hub 2, however, beat it to the American market! And I have to say it's great! The update to change the IR blaster over to Matter was seamless and easy. The blaster works like a charm too!
If there is anything to nit-pick about, I'd say that the Switchbot's phone app simply doesn't have very many pre-programmed templates to control various devices. Not that they are necessary. The Switchbot's ability to learn IR codes and button from current remote controls is fantastic and easy. As long as you have the remote, Switchbot can learn it! For all the devices I wanted to control, I ended up just creating my own templates using the "Others" category under "IR Appliances". Works great!
A note note Apple TV users. Although Switchbot support will tell you it's impossible to control an Apple TV with Switchbot, that's just not true. It controls it fine. ALL Apple TVs can be controlled using IR signals from IR remote controls. You don't even have to mess with settings in the Apple TV. It just works out of the box. The hurdle to overcome, however, is to get a IR remote control for the Apple TV. Only a bluetooth remote comes with the Apple TV 4 and later, not an IR remote. Apple TVs gen 1-3 had IR remotes. You can still buy these older model remotes and Switchbot can learn them just fine, but the gen 4 and later Apple TVs added a new Home button which is not on the older remotes. The new Home button is how you put the Apple TV 4s and later to sleep. Luckily, there are many cheap ($10) 3rd party IR remote controls for the Apple TV 4 and later that have the new Home button. Just buy one of those, and you can use it to teach Switchbot how to control your Apple TV.
Switchbot uses Siri Shortcuts to allow Siri to control an Apple TV. Would be nice if it had built in support for Siri, but using Siri Shortcuts works fine. Amazon's Alexa voice assistant can also control the Apple TV with Switchbot. So best of both worlds!
I highly recommend Switchbot if you want to use it with Apple's HomeKit. It's not like we have much of a choice in any case. As far as I could tell, Switchbot is currently the ONLY smart home IR blaster in the American market that is compatible with HomeKit. But at least you know it works, and works well! :)
| Brand | SwitchBot |
|---|---|
| Special Feature | Supports HomeKit via Matter, The Gateway of SwitchBot Products, link SwitchBot to Wi-Fi (Support 2.4GHz), Equipped with a light sensor, that helps your device adapt to the local environment, WiFi Smart IR Remote Control, WiFi Thermometer Hygrometer |
| Color | White |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult, Child |
| Included Components | Hub 2*1, 5V 2A adapter*1, 2m temperature and humidity data cable*1, User Manual*1, 3M adhesive*1 |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth |
| Product Care Instructions | Wipe Clean |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Power Source | Ac/Dc |
| Model Name | Hub 2 (2nd Gen) |
| Number of Batteries | Lithium Ion batteries required. |
| Reusability | Reusable |
| Indoor/Outdoor Usage | Indoor |
| UPC | 850046603181 |
| Manufacturer | Wonderlabs |
| Part Number | W3202100 |
| Item Weight | 7 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 3.15 x 2.76 x 0.91 inches |
| Item model number | W3202100 |
| Batteries | Lithium Ion batteries required. |
| Material | ABS |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Special Features | Supports HomeKit via Matter, The Gateway of SwitchBot Products, link SwitchBot to Wi-Fi (Support 2.4GHz), Equipped with a light sensor, that helps your device adapt to the local environment, WiFi Smart IR Remote Control, WiFi Thermometer Hygrometer |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Warranty Description | 2 years |
