AllYouCanTech

HomeKit Weekly: Key HomeKit Tools for Improving Dorm Life

# Smart Home Innovations for College Dorm Living

During my college days, smart home innovations seemed like a concept from the future. That notion has evolved immensely since then. If I were to begin college today, I would certainly bring a few HomeKit devices to enhance the comfort and functionality of dorm life. With limited desk space, poor overhead lighting, and shared common areas, a touch of automation can make a significant difference. Here’s what I would include if I were preparing to head to school.

## HomeKit Smart Plug: The Essential Dorm Gadget

If you plan to bring just one smart home gadget to campus, let it be a HomeKit smart plug. It enables you to control lamps, fans, or even a coffee maker directly from your iPhone or through Siri. This feature is especially handy during late-night study sessions when getting out of bed to switch off the light feels like a daunting endeavor.

The [Eve Energy](https://amzn.to/4kuGDv6) is an excellent pick, but [Meross](https://amzn.to/44o2Hmz) has affordable alternatives that perform wonderfully and are Matter-compatible.

## Desk Fan

The latest [SwitchBot fan](https://amzn.to/4eH3mmk) is a compact yet powerful option. It’s powered by batteries, USB-C rechargeable, and surprisingly quiet, making it perfect for placement next to your bed or on your desk. If you incorporate the [SwitchBot Hub](https://amzn.to/44APl5a), it will connect effortlessly to your HomeKit setup through Matter.

## HomeKit Cameras and HomeKit Secure Video

Living with a roommate or in a suite can heighten worries about security and privacy. A HomeKit camera can bring reassurance, allowing you to monitor your space and even grant access to your roommate. This is helpful for verifying whether anyone has entered your room or for keeping an eye on valuable possessions when you’re not present.

[HomeKit Secure Video](https://9to5mac.com/guides/homekit-secure-video/) encrypts your recordings and stores them in [iCloud+](https://9to5mac.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/09/icloud.webp). You can set it to capture footage only when the area is unoccupied. With the appropriate setup, including a [HomeKit Hub](https://support.apple.com/en-us/102557), you can monitor your room via your iPhone.

## Smart Bulbs

Most dorm rooms come with overly bright lighting. Replacing standard bulbs with HomeKit-compatible smart bulbs can greatly improve your lighting situation. You can modify the brightness to meet your preferences, which is ideal for studying at night without lighting up the entire space. Creating a simple scene for study mode lets your lights automatically dim when you need to concentrate on exams. These bulbs are also perfect for desk lamps.

## Conclusion

Dorm life revolves around optimizing small spaces and sharing with a roommate. A handful of HomeKit devices can significantly personalize your dorm. You don’t have to spend excessively; starting with basics like an [Eve smart plug](https://amzn.to/4kuGDv6) or a

Facebook and Instagram Facing Service Interruptions for Some Users

**Meta Faces Server Challenges: Facebook and Instagram Users Experience Issues**

Meta, the parent organization of Facebook and Instagram, seems to be encountering server challenges today, causing disruptions for users trying to access these widely used social media sites. Reports suggest that numerous users are having trouble with the apps not refreshing correctly.

Data from Downdetector shows a notable increase in user reports concerning issues with Facebook and Instagram. Although some users have indicated problems, it is important to mention that Meta has not yet confirmed any outages on its official system status webpage. Curiously, some users can still access Facebook without any problems, implying that the issues may not be universal for all users.

If you are facing challenges loading either Facebook or Instagram today, you are not the only one. Downdetector offers real-time updates on service disruptions, and many users have turned to the platform to share their experiences.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Meta will tackle these server challenges and if they will offer any official announcements regarding the outages. For the time being, users are advised to monitor Downdetector for the latest updates and to stay patient as the company works to rectify the issues.

The Consequences of Apple’s Choice to Forfeit a Significant AI Acquisition

### Apple is ‘receptive’ to AI acquisitions, yet indicates no imminent large buy

Recently, the AI sector has seen notable changes, highlighted by key releases from firms such as OpenAI and Anthropic. In this context, the conversation around Apple’s AI efforts has been less encouraging. Even though the company reported strong quarterly results surpassing Wall Street projections, investor attention has pivoted towards Apple’s perceived challenges in the AI field.

CEO Tim Cook has sought to ease worries by signaling a boost in AI investments and an openness to potential acquisitions. He mentioned that Apple has taken over around seven firms this year, but none have had a significant financial impact. Cook asserted, “We’re receptive to M&A that expedites our roadmap,” yet the lack of any major purchase prompts questions about the company’s confidence in its internal AI development.

### Behind the scenes at Apple, AI advancements might be more favorable than they appear

Apple is famous for its secrecy, frequently keeping details about unreleased products and internal projects under wraps. Thus, insights into Apple’s AI initiatives mainly arise from official announcements and sporadic leaks. While the company claims progress, leaks have indicated hurdles, including notable exits from crucial teams and significant shifts in Siri’s leadership.

Despite these worries, the absence of a prominent acquisition might suggest that Apple’s leadership is confident in their ability to meet their AI objectives without external assistance. With substantial financial reserves available, a strategic acquisition could have been an uncomplicated approach to enhance their AI abilities. However, the lack of such action may signal assurance in their ongoing internal projects.

As Apple continues to maneuver through the competitive AI environment, the real effect of its internal advancements may not be fully apparent until later product updates, like the awaited iOS 26.4 release. While rivals may be quickly advancing, Apple’s well-established ecosystem may allow the necessary time to refine and improve its AI offerings.

New iOS Application Streamlines HomeKit Issue Resolution Process

### HomeCare for HomeKit: An All-Encompassing Solution for Smart Home Challenges

HomeKit, Apple’s smart home ecosystem, is a robust platform for controlling connected devices, but it can become cumbersome when problems surface. The recently introduced app, [HomeCare for HomeKit](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/homecare-for-homekit/id6747270794), seeks to ease these challenges by delivering a thorough toolkit for troubleshooting and resolving smart home issues.

#### Main Features of HomeCare for HomeKit

At its foundation, HomeCare scans your entire HomeKit environment to detect devices that are unresponsive, sluggish, or low on battery. Each device features a “Last Time Online” timestamp, aiding users in identifying when issues first occurred. This functionality is vital for ensuring a smoothly operating smart home.

HomeCare additionally provides proactive monitoring functionalities. The app can execute automatic health checks in the background and send notifications solely when new issues are discovered. Users can personalize low-battery alerts for every device, enabling them to replace batteries preemptively before any automations are disrupted.

#### Help with Automations

HomeCare offers significant assistance for overseeing scenes and automations. It includes detailed testing to identify the exact action triggering a malfunction. Real-time logs monitor every device state change in your home, specific rooms, or particular accessories, simplifying the process of recognizing abnormal activity.

Moreover, performance analysis features enable users to contrast response times and success rates among varying brands, bridges, and rooms. Reports can be exported in PDF or CSV formats for additional scrutiny. The app also works with Shortcuts, allowing users to execute automations solely on devices that are currently operational.

#### Compatibility and Accessibility

HomeCare is compatible with all [HomeKit accessories](https://amzn.to/4leUeal), including bridge-connected devices from notable brands like [Aqara](https://amzn.to/4mwZXt9), [Philips Hue](https://amzn.to/45pjEfp), and [Lutron](https://amzn.to/3J1eLC5).

The app is accessible for iPhone and iPad through the App Store for a one-time fee of $7.99, with no ongoing subscription required. It is developed by A, the same team responsible for

Current Promotions: $120 Off on iPad Mini 7 (Now $259), Black Magic Mouse, M4 iPad Pro, Mac Mini, and More Deals

### Apple iPad Offers: Unmatched Savings on Latest Models

In the latest wave of Apple promotions, substantial savings have surfaced across several iPad models, creating an ideal opportunity for shoppers to think about upgrading their gadgets. This piece emphasizes the top offers currently up for grabs, concentrating on the iPad mini 7, M3 iPad Air, and M4 iPad Pro.

#### iPad Mini 7: Record Low Prices

The iPad mini 7 has dropped back to its Prime Day record low prices, featuring discounts of **$120 off**, which reduces the starting price to **$379 shipped**. This price cut is part of a larger Apple sale event that has experienced markdowns on nearly all current-generation products. The iPad mini 7, which has been a favorite since its launch in fall 2024, has seen price reductions in the past, but this latest promotion represents the lowest price recorded thus far.

All three storage variants of the iPad mini 7 are now obtainable at this reduced price. However, shoppers are encouraged to act swiftly, as these offers may only be valid until midnight, with other Apple sale prices anticipated to last through the weekend.

#### M3 iPad Air: Unprecedented Rates

The M3 iPad Air series has also encountered considerable price drops, with **$150 off** on all storage sizes and hues. This positions it as the most economical current-generation M series iPad available. The M3 chip provides improved performance compared to earlier versions, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a mix of affordability and functionality.

The iPad Air, commencing at **$299 shipped**, is positioned as an economical alternative that still grants access to Apple’s latest innovations. The M series iPads offer exceptional CPU and GPU performance, rendering them ideal for intensive tasks and multitasking capabilities.

#### M4 iPad Pro: Price Cuts on Premium Models

For consumers in search of a more powerful gadget, the M4 iPad Pro is now priced at **$200 off**, with starting prices from **$1,099 shipped** for the entry-level 13-inch model. This model typically has a retail price of **$1,299**, making this discount one of the most significant offers seen this year. The M4 iPad Pro is tailored for professionals and advanced users, showcasing sophisticated features such as the landscape Center Stage camera, Smart Connector for keyboard compatibility, and Stage Manager for improved multitasking.

#### Extra Offers and Accessories

Alongside the iPad bargains, there are also substantial discounts on accessories, including the black USB-C Apple Magic Mouse. Shoppers can investigate a range of charging deals and other accessories that enhance their new gadgets.

#### Final Thoughts

With the ongoing Apple sales event, now is the perfect moment to invest in an iPad. Whether selecting the compact iPad mini 7, the adaptable M3 iPad Air, or the robust M4 iPad Pro, shoppers can take advantage of remarkable savings. These offers are likely to appeal to a broad array of consumers, from casual users to professionals in need of high-performance devices.