Andrew O'Hara
Verified
Journalist w/ @appleinsider. Cautious of people who think Crocs are cool. TL/DR: Scuba Diving Magician that shoots video. Read at appleinsider.com
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Andrew O'Hara
Twelve South Valet mini review: A luxe MagSafe catch-all with new, faster speeds
Twelve South updated its luxe Valet MagSafe charger and catch-all with better performance and a new size, helping it fit into even more homes. The Valet is a clever device, and something I'm surprised we don't see more of in the space. It combines a MagSafe charger with a leather-lined tray to hold your daily essentials. When I reviewed the original Twelve South Valet, I had one primary criticism. While the design was great, the charging speed was a dealbreaker.
Big Sonos app update, & the state of smart home cameras on Smart Home Insider
On this week's Smart Home Insider podcast, we talk about a unique product from Nanoleaf, what's going on with smart home cameras, and the Sonos app update that is better, but still not quite where it needs to be. Almost a year after being first announced, the EU and UK version of the Aqara H2 smart plug is finally available to order. While a bit on the expensive side, it's one of the most full-featured smart plugs available. This plug is dual protocol, working with both Zigbee and Thread.
Brydge ProDock Trio review: An elite space-saving MacBook dock
The Brydge ProDock Trio is a rarity amongst Thunderbolt docks, offering a compact vertical MacBook stand alongside a MagSafe phone charger. All USB-C and Thunderbolt docks I've tested have been largely the same as boxes that connect with a bundled cable. They have different ports and different technical specs. Brydge goes a different route, opting for a new version of its vertical ProDock. Your Mac is physically docked in the device, working in clamshell mode and keeping your desk free and open.
Fixing ISP-provided routers, public betas, & more on Smart Home Insider
On this week's episode of the Smart Home Insider podcast, we talk about the the public beta of tvOS 27, and new product launches. Plus, Plume's Alan Coleman joins us and talks about how his company helps Wi-Fi behind the scenes. Guest co-host this week is Alan Coleman, chief product officer of Plume. Plume works with ISPs to help improve in-home Wi-Fi performance.
These are the things you should do first after updating to iOS 27
Now that the public beta of iOS 27 is out, here are some of the best things you can do on your iPhone after updating. This update is big, and there's a lot to be excited for. To list just a few of the features, there are new deep parental controls, an easier-to-use Shortcuts app, Apple Intelligence features for Apple Home, enhanced Flyover in Maps, and much more.
Three changes Apple could do to make iPhone Air 2 a hit
With iPhone Air 2 rumored to be less than a year away, Apple could turn to better cooling or more cameras to make the ultra-thin phone even more popular than the original. Here's what's been rumored, and some other possibilities. Despite what some vocal online detractors say, iPhone Air has its fans. I'm certainly counted among them. Early reports said Apple's thinnest phone was a "failure" and that the second-generation was cancelled.
Anker Solix E10 review: Whole home battery backups finally come within reach
The Anker Solix E10 whole-home battery backup system is a modular setup that can keep your home powered and save you money with multiple forms of power input. In rural Ohio, my partner and I have struggled with power outages since we bought our house. The first weekend we moved in, we were hit with a power outage, and as we walked outside, we heard all of our neighbors turning on loud, gas-powered generators. We knew this was common and had to find a solution.
How Thread is fixing smart home networks on Smart Home Insider
This week on Smart Home Insider, Ann Olivo from the Thread Group joins to talk about the future of the wireless standard and how it's improving smart home networks. Joining as this week's guest host is Ann Olivo. Olivo serves as the Corporate Campaigns Manager for Silicon Labs, as well as the VP of Marketing for the Thread Group. The topic comes just a week after Unify, a public-facing conference put on by the Connectivity Standards Alliance.
What Siri AI, Apple TV, & more are like with CarPlay in iOS 27
CarPlay is seeing one of its biggest updates in years thanks to the upcoming release of iOS 27. Here are all the new features, including Siri AI and Apple TV apps. At WWDC 2026, Apple officially unveiled its next version of iOS. The update, iOS 27, will be released in the fall of 2026 and is packed full of useful new features. CarPlay, Apple's in-car UI, is powered by iOS, so this new software will bring a bunch of enhancements to your car.
Home automation setup will be even easier thanks to Matter 1.6
With the 1.6 release, the Matter smart home standard is becoming more capable with streamlined setup, improved multi-ecosystem support, and expanded user preferences. Starting the week of June 15th, the Connectivity Standard Alliance has been hosting its first ever Unify conference in Austin, Texas. It's there the CSA made the announcement around Matter 1.6. As a precursor, Matter is a fairly new smart home standard that is intended to unify the various platform ecosystems.
Latest Apple privacy on iPhone ad takes direct shots at Chrome
Apple's latest privacy ad is filled with chrome-wearing spies that disappear as soon as the person opens Safari. It's yet another ad that doesn't shy away from calling out surveillance capitalism. The "Privacy, That's iPhone" campaign has been ongoing for years. In 2024, Apple shared an ad with some unsettling mechanical birds with cameras for heads that would follow you around.
Smart home connectivity explained on Smart Home Insider
On this week's episode of the Smart Home Insider podcast, we tackle the daunting topic of smart home connectivity, breaking down the various options and what devices they're best suited for. Guest host this week is Jen Tuohy, who's been a regular participant on the show. She covers smart home for The Verge, among other topics. Starting off the episode we had a couple small pieces of news. Aqara and Dreame both had new releases to check out. Aqara is releasing its U500 smart lock in three variants.
Security systems for smart homes with ADT's Jimmy Lin on Smart Home Insider
On this week's episode of the Smart Home Insider podcast, we talk about security systems, and how they can integrate with other devices to protect your home and family. Joining as guest host for this security episode is Jimmy Lin, Vice President of Product Management at ADT. We dive into what's new with ADT as well as security systems and Matter in the latter half of the episode. First, we talk through the news.
How Samsung SmartThings is embracing Matter on Smart Home Insider
On this week's episode of the Smart Home Insider podcast, Daniel Moneta joins to talk about the latest updates to both Samsung SmartThings and Matter. A man of multiple hats, Daniel Moneta pulls double duty as the Chair of the Matter Marketing and Product Subgroup at the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) but also represents Samsung in product and marketing for SmartThings.
Ikea Matter-over-Thread review: Amazing smart home tech, when they work
Ikea has an impressive new lineup of Matter-over-Thread devices works with Apple Home, but after months of testing, we think that lingering connection issues with bulbs, controls, and sensors are the main problem. Unlike Tradfri, Ikea's last smart home push, the fresh batch of smart home wares doesn't have a unifying name. Instead, it is made up of over 20 individual products. The launch made big waves as the Swedish brand was putting all of its weight behind both Matter and Thread.
Denon Home series speakers review: Siri smarts with superior sound
Denon's new line of Siri-enabled Apple Home smart speakers may be what users are looking for in the absence of updated HomePod and HomePod mini. Let's take a listen. Japanese audio brand Denon is out with its latest range of speakers: the Denon Home 200, Denon Home 400, and Denon Home 600. While all different sizes and price points, the entire line caters to Apple users with support for conversing with Siri and AirPlay.
Apple Store education purchase verification process expands to US
Education customers in the US will need to verify eligibility to make a discounted purchase, as Apple expands its verification process to the US and other countries. Starting on Friday, May 8, Apple has started to more strictly enforce its education pricing. Previously, while Apple Stores would verify eligibility in person, anyone was able make discounted purchases by visiting the virtual education store. Apple has partnered with Unidays on a new verification system.
Bridge more Apple Home & Matter devices with Homebridge 2.0
After years in beta, Homebridge 2.0 brings support for even more devices to Apple Home, as well as other Matter platforms. Here's what's new. Homebridge launched in 2015 with the simple goal of bridging unsupported devices into Apple Home. With plugins, this locally-run server would allow many devices like Dyson fans or Ring cameras to work in the Apple Home app. In 2018, AppleInsider created a helpful tutorial on how you could make your very own HomeKit Secure Video-enabled camera.
Testing common myths that might extend your MacBook battery life
Even though most of a Mac's battery life is predestined by manufacturing variables out of your control, there are ways to prolong your Mac's battery life. In some cases, they may not be worth the hassle. With a smaller battery, most people talk about the best ways to extend both the battery life and overall battery health on iPhone. But your portable Mac is perhaps just as important.
Here's what using a touchscreen Mac may be like
For years, Apple has been rumored to be bringing native touch functionality to the Mac. A new display gives us an early look at what that may be like, for better and worse. Recently, I got an early look at the Aspekt Touch, a new monitor from Alogic. This isn't the first touchscreen monitor from the brand, but the tilt functionality combined with macOS Tahoe gives early impressions about how a first-party solution could be implemented.
What smart kitchen devices are worth it, and which aren't, on Smart Home Insider
This week's episode of the Smart Home Insider podcast is all about the smart kitchen, breaking down which devices do and don't need to have connectivity and why there's been a drought on Matter appliances. In the news this week, we had a rare improvement on pricing. Ecovacs has announced that due to tariff reversals, they were able to drop prices on its vacuums by as much as $400. DJI has also received its first Matter certification from the CSA.
Apple TV audio issues, testing Aqara P100 & more on Smart Home Insider
On this week's episode of the Smart Home Insider podcast, an Amazon Fire TV hardware update, testing the Aqara P100 multi-sensor, setting up Apple TV audio properly, and more exciting home automation news. Amazon kicked off the news with several updates to its Fire TV lineup. Most notable was the $35 Fire Stick HD that is now 30% faster and can be powered directly from a TV's USB port. It is running Amazon's new operating system Vega that will be on all Fire devices going forward.
Sonos Play review: Sonos is back with the Goldilocks of portable speakers
After a lengthy hardware hiatus, Sonos is back with its portable Play speaker. Between the impressive audio quality and AirPlay streaming, it's a solid choice for any Apple user. Without getting too into the weeds, the last couple of years have been unusually tough for Sonos. The speaker maker took a lot of well-deserved flak for rolling out an app update that wasn't ready. This update revamped the UI, but it was also temporarily lacking essential features that many users depended on.
Aqara W200 review, HomeMapper app, & heat pump talk with Mary-Ann Rau on Smart Home Insider
On this week's episode of the Smart Home Insider podcast, Mary-Ann Rau sits in talk through the week's news and discuss the first heat pump to integrate with Apple Home. Mary-Ann Rau is the CEO and co-founder of Merino Energy, a new start-up that just put its first product available for preorder. It's the Merino Heat Pump Mono and is the very first home heat pump to integrate with Apple Home.
Anker Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station review: Fast, portable, & smart
The Anker Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station is a fantastic portable charger that is MagSafe-compatible, delivering up to 25W of power to your iPhone, while simultaneously charging your AirPods and Apple Watch. With the launch of Qi2.2, we've started to see a trickle of chargers that have embraced the latest standard. Anker, which already launched a highly-praised Qi2.2 desktop charger, is now out with a foldable version.
Aqara W200 review: Affordably-priced smart thermostat has firsts for Apple users
Announced on April 7, the Aqara W200 smart thermostat is the first to take advantage of Apple's Adaptive Temperature technology for Apple Home, and that's a big deal for users. At least in the U.S., two or three big players largely have a stranglehold on the premium smart thermostat market. If you want a nice-looking smart thermostat, you're likely opting for Ecobee, Nest, or Honeywell Home. Aqara is looking to shake that up with its W200, which first launched at CES 2026.
What the new Matter update delivers to Apple Home users, on Smart Home Insider
On this week's episode of the Smart Home Insider podcast, we cover the launch of Matter 1.5.1 and all the changes that are coming to Apple Home users after the update. The Connectivity Standards Alliance has committed to at least two updates to the Matter spec each year. While sometimes we see a larger milestone update, other times it's smaller — as with 1.5.1. This update primarily focuses on improving the experience for cameras, which were added with version 1.5 in the fall of 2025.
AirPods Max 2 review: Familiar features & design, but needs more
AirPods Max 2 finally got an actual update. They're still excellent, but the added features aren't really anything new. Apple half-heartedly updated the AirPods Max in September of 2024. It was such a meager update that it removed a prior feature — wired lossless — and didn't get a new name. Thankfully, Apple at least brought back wired lossless audio via a software update. That update delivered nothing else, and was months later just to restore a feature that the Lightning version had.
Apple's AI home strategy, hands on with Sonos Play, and more on Smart Home Insider
On this week's episode of the Smart Home Insider podcast, we go hands on with the new Sonos Play speaker, test out Matter cameras, and discuss Apple's AI home plans. Sitting in as guest host this week is Dan Turk. Dan is Vice President of Tech and Innovation at Max Borges Agency and is well-versed in the current state of the smart home. We get the episode going by recapping the week's news, including Apple's official announcement of WWDC 2026.
First Matter camera, tvOS 26.4, & Pawport CEO Martin Diamond on Smart Home Insider
On this week's episode of the Smart Home Insider podcast, Pawport CEO Martin Diamond stops by to talk about the news of the week, and how intelligent pet doors can be integrated into the smart home. Our guest host this week is Martin Diamond, founder and CEO of Pawport. Born out of necessity, Pawport is a secure and durable dog door that can help you let your four-legged friends in and out of your house. Pawport can be mounted in a door, in a wall, or even a sheet of glass.
M5 Max 16-inch MacBook Pro review: Portable Mac Studio power
Months after it launched the first M5 chip, Apple has released its top-of-the-line 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 Max. Visually, it looks the same, but Apple Silicon performance continues to shine. The MacBook Air has always been one of my favorite machines. It's so thin, light — perfect for hauling anywhere you need to go. Most of my work, though, is in video production and image editing. The MacBook Air is extremely challenged when I need to export an hour-long 4K video podcast.
The first Matter camera has arrived, but Apple users won't notice
Two new products have gone on sale from Aqara, including the world's first Matter-certified camera. For Apple Home users, that Matter support means very little today. After being previewed at CES 2026, the Aqara G400 video doorbell and Aqara G350 indoor camera are both available to purchase. The G350 has the honor of being the very first camera to be certified Matter compatible. Even though cameras were added to the Matter spec in late 2025, Aqara is officially the first to market with the G350.
Sonos finally returns to hardware with Jennifer Tuohy on Smart Home Insider
On this week's episode of the Smart Home Insider podcast, we examine the new Sonos smart speaker launch and suggestions for seasonal device management with guest Jennifer Pattison Tuohy. Jennifer Pattison Tuohy from The Verge sits in on the podcast for the first time in 2026. She's been a journalist for over three decades and covers all kinds of smart home tech. We start the episode in one of Jennifer's areas of expertise, Amazon Alexa+.
Apple continues to renovate its social media presence with new @helloapple Instagram account
Apple is continuing to up its social game, with the brand launching a new Instagram handle to help highlight the creator community, and show what it's like inside the company. The new Instagram account, @helloapple, is where Apple will share a variety of news and information in one place that is easily accessible. This is alongside the official Apple newsroom and other accounts it operates on various social platforms.
AirPods Pro 3 long-term review: Apple's latest earbuds are great with one asterisk
It's been roughly half a year since Apple released the AirPods Pro 3 to the world, and I'm revisiting them to see how they've held up after months of near-daily use. In my original review of Apple's latest earbuds, I largely praised them for improving audio quality, ANC, as well as adding new features. Now that the initial excitement has subsided, let's examine the changes that have stood out. I went from the AirPods Pro 2 to the AirPods Pro 3.
Apple Home Key comes to everyone, everywhere with Aliro launch
After years in development, the Connectivity Standards Alliance has announced the release of the 1.0 version of Aliro, bringing an Apple Home Key-like experience to everyone. The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) is a member-driven organization that develops the Matter smart home standard. Matter was designed to enable smart home devices to work across different ecosystems, and Aliro is a new specification within that framework.
May 4 Apple Experience, & more with guest Brian Tong on the HomeKit Insider podcast
On this week's episode with guest Brian Tong, we discuss the upcoming evolution of the HomeKit Insider podcast, and what we expect to see on Apple's March 4 special experience. This week's guest host is once more Brian Tong. Brian is a content creator who has been covering the tech space for years, including securing high-profile interviews with Apple executives and co-hosting CES. Kicking off this episode, your host talks about the future of the podcast.
A bespoke catchall MagSafe charger
Twelve South's latest accessory is a bespoke, leather-laden valet that will charge your iPhone with an elevated MagSafe-compatible perch and is impressively customizable. Like it or not, chargers are a necessary evil in our lives. Realistically, they will likely remain so for the foreseeable future. When examining the available models on the market, which are numerous, several factors must be considered, including design and performance.
Aqara U400 review: UWB
The newly launched Aqara U400 is the first — and so far only — smart lock with Ultra Wideband Home Key support, and after using it for the past month, I don't think I can go back. I firmly believe that smart locks are one of the best smart home devices you can add to your home. Not only do they offer unparalleled convenience of unlocking or locking your home from anywhere, but they also add peace of mind. If I get in the car to leave my house, I don't have to fret about whether the door was locked.
Aliro, Yale locks, & communal living on HomeKit Insider with guest Garrett Lovejoy
On this week's episode of the HomeKit Insider podcast, Garrett Lovejoy joins to talk about smart locks, Aliro, and shared living communities. Guest host this week is Garrett Lovejoy. He serves as SVP and General Manager of Connected Security at Fortune Brands and Innovations, overseeing product lines such as Yale. He's been at the company for years, starting with more professional security devices, before moving over to consumer-facing residential ones.
Integrating home automations & Shortcuts with Matthew Cassinelli
On this week's episode of the HomeKit Insider podcast, guest Matthew Cassinelli joins to talk about Shortcuts and home automations. Co-hosting this week is Matthew Cassinelli. He previously worked at the app Workflow, prior to Apple's acquisition. He joined the Apple team as the Workflow app was converted into Shortcuts, before eventually setting out on his own. He's now known as one of the biggest proponents of Shortcuts in the tech space.
Anker Nano Charger with display: New travel charger knows your iPhone
Anker has a new tiny charger that is designed specifically for iPhone users with several unique features not found in any other power adapters. Let's put it to the test. The new GaN charger is the Anker Nano Charger, which is a name used by many prior Anker mini chargers. They've all been roughly the same size, but with updated specs in each new iteration. This one, announced at CES 2026, supports 45W of power, has rotating prongs, a built-in display, and a smart "care" mode.
Aqara U400, IKEA Matter Lineup, & Govee Nugget Ice Maker Pro reviews
On this week's episode of the HomeKit Insider podcast, we review three recently-launched smart home products from Aqara, Govee, and Ikea. Following CES 2026, news is a bit scarce. We did have one new product launch, though. The Dewenils outdoor smart plug is arriving for less than $25 in single or dual outlet configurations. Unlike most outdoor smart plugs, this one is capable of dimming your exterior lights. It seems perfectly suited for the popular filament bulbs many have draped over their patios.
How to master the Camera app on iPhone Air
With one camera, it's more important than ever to know every tip and trick to help you get the best photos and videos on iPhone Air. Let's take a look at everything you need to know to master the Camera app. On the iPhone Air, there is a single 48MP rear-facing camera. It's similar to the primary camera on the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Flipping the phone over reveals an additional front-facing camera. This Center Stage camera packs 18MP and features a distinctive square sensor.
Smart home at CES 2026 and HomeKit architecture deadline on the latest HomeKit Insider
On this week's episode of the HomeKit Insider podcast, we go through every Matter and Apple Home announcement from the show from many of the major brands — and there's a big HomeKit deadline coming up. Historically, the CES episode is one of the most popular of the year for HomeKit Insider. It's a long episode, diving into all the major announcements and giving our opinions and first impressions on the devices we got to see in person.
Lexar Professional Workflow Docking Station review: A modular setup for creative pros
Lexar's customizable docking station is an easy way to expand your photo or video production workflow with added Thunderbolt flexibility in the studio or on the go. The Lexar Professional Workflow Docking Station is a unique Thunderbolt dock that can be quite powerful, depending on your setup. Unlike most docks that typically offer up an array of ports, this pairs extra ports with customizable modules.
Compact Apple Home air purifier
The AirVersa AP2 Air Purifier is the first model to support both Thread and Apple Home support and comes in a compact form factor that will fit easily into your life. I really heavily rely on air purifiers in my life. They're a bit hard to test outside of watching air quality monitors over time, but with more than a half-dozen animals in my home, they're a necessity.
Mcon mobile gaming controller review: Compact design with premium feel
The new Mcon controller balances portability and performance in a compact, MagSafe-compatible design for iPhone gamers. Gaming controllers usually come in two flavors. You'll find ones that are extremely comfortable and capable, as well as those that are small and portable. Finding a controller that is both portable and capable is a rarity, to say the least. The OhSnap Mcon is the first one I've tested that makes good choices on compromises and uses MagSafe for easy connection to iPhone.
First UWB Home Key lock and Adaptive Thermostat lead Aqara's CES 2026 showcase
Smart home brand Aqara presented multiple firsts at CES 2026, including the first Matter thermostat with Apple Adaptive Temperature and the first smart lock with support for UWB Home Key. At CES, Aqara had its usual slew of announcements for the first half of the year. Headlining the announcements are the U400 smart lock and W200 thermostat. Two smart home firsts The U400 smart lock looks like a standard smart lock with an exterior-facing keypad.
Find My comes to Moft's new magnetic iPhone accessories
At CES 2026, Moft revealed three new devices it will soon be launching, equipped with Apple Find My. You can choose from two new MagSafe wallets or an extending stand. These aren't the first Find My accessories from Moft. The accessory maker, well known for its unique folding designs and use of magnets, first showed off its Find My-enabled MagSafe wallet at CES 2025. All three of Moft's new accessories are upgraded versions of the original versions that were already on the market.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Andrew
Contact Andrew, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack