SwitchBot Unveils New Matter Lighting Collection with Integrated HomeKit Support, Hub-Free

SwitchBot is expanding its collection of smart home products, introducing an exciting new lighting series that operates with Matter over Wi-Fi. This allows you to link lights straight to HomeKit without the need for a hub or bridge (aside from an Apple TV or HomePod). The latest offerings from SwitchBot feature new RGBIC lights, a versatile neon rope light, and even a candle warmer lamp that can harmonize with your existing HomeKit scenes and automation. SwitchBot has had a successful run in 2025, launching several new products that integrate seamlessly with HomeKit.

### SwitchBot RGBIC Light Series

The RGBIC series consists of a floor lamp, strip light, and a neon rope light. Each device allows for complete color control through HomeKit once onboarded via Matter over Wi-Fi. The RGBIC lights can showcase multiple colors simultaneously, ideal for mood lighting, TV backlighting, or festive displays. SwitchBot has introduced support for both RGB colors and adjustable warm and cool white shades, giving you the ability to switch from vibrant scenes to standard lighting as desired. The strip light has an IP44 rating for light outdoor use, making it appropriate for covered outdoor spaces.

### SwitchBot RGB Light Series

For those seeking more straightforward lighting, the RGB series features the Floor Lamp 3 and LED Strip Light 3. These models forego segmented color control but offer adjustable brightness, 16 preset modes, and five dynamic effects. They function similarly to the RGBIC variants in HomeKit, allowing automation, Siri control, and color adjustments directly from the Home app.

### SwitchBot Neon Rope Light

Currently available only in North America, the neon rope light stands out as one of the more imaginative options in the range. You can shape it around furniture, shelves, or signage to provide personalized accent lighting. With its Matter support, you can adjust color and brightness straight from the Home app or incorporate it into your HomeKit scenes/automations. It’s flexible, simple to set up, and brings a playful touch to any space.

### SwitchBot Candle Warmer Lamp

The candle warmer lamp is the most distinctive item in the new collection and among the first of its type to support Matter over Wi-Fi. Rather than using a flame, it warms your candle with light, creating the same cozy ambiance without fire or smoke. Thanks to its Matter compatibility, you can manage it via the Home app and include it in your HomeKit scenes/automations. Picture saying, “Hey Siri, set the evening scene,” and having your lights dim and the candle warmer illuminate.

### Matter and HomeKit Support

What sets this lighting series apart is that all products connect directly to HomeKit via Matter over Wi-Fi. No need for a SwitchBot Hub or extra bridge. Simply plug them in, launch the Home app, scan the Matter code, and you’re good to go. Within moments, you can assign them to rooms, rename them, and add them to your existing HomeKit scenes or automations.

Since these lights utilize Wi-Fi instead of Thread, they don’t depend on a mesh network or require a separate border router. For many users, this is a significant advantage, as Wi-Fi coverage is readily available in most households. Matter offers the same benefits of privacy, local control, and support for multiple platforms.

For HomeKit users, daily interaction feels just like using any other native accessory. You can alter colors, fine-tune brightness, and incorporate the lights into automations, such as turning everything on at sunset or off when you leave your home.

### Wrap Up

SwitchBot continues to demonstrate its understanding of what smart home users truly seek: products that integrate with Matter and need no complicated setup. This new Matter over Wi-Fi lighting series satisfies both criteria. You receive native HomeKit control and adaptable options suitable for almost any environment or style. It’s encouraging to see SwitchBot consistently enhance its ecosystem with additional Matter support. Each new release makes the platform feel increasingly open and a lot more enjoyable to use.

Key Aspects of macOS Tahoe That I Have Employed Following Two Months of Usage

### Discovering the New Functionalities of macOS Tahoe: What Resonated in My Workflow

macOS Tahoe has launched numerous productivity and continuity enhancements that promise to improve user experience. After a couple of months of usage, I’ve realized that merely a handful of these functionalities have blended seamlessly into my daily workflow. This article emphasizes the features that have left a lasting impression.

#### Live Activities Mirroring

Among the most notable features for me has been Live Activities mirroring. This addition has been a wonderful surprise, particularly for food orders. Even though I didn’t actively seek out iPhone Live Activity mirroring, it has become a consistent reminder of the updates in macOS this year.

As someone who prefers a tidy menu bar—utilizing applications like Bartender to conceal most icons—it’s easy to miss features like this. Nonetheless, Live Activities mirroring has shown to be practical, surfacing when required and enabling swift access to the app via iPhone Mirroring.

#### World Clock and List Calendar Widgets

With my global work responsibilities, the World Clock desktop widget has proven to be an essential asset. It aids me in managing time zones across Brazil, Pacific Time, Eastern Time, Mexico City, and Barcelona. Moreover, the List Calendar widget has turned out to be crucial for organizing my podcast schedules.

Both widgets can be accessed effortlessly with a swipe or a trackpad gesture, integrating so smoothly into my workflow that I often prefer using my Mac for quick checks over my iPhone. Despite my initial hesitance regarding desktop clutter, these widgets have become vital.

#### Honorable Mentions

– **Spotlight**: The inclusion of clipboard history, keyboard shortcuts, and automations in Spotlight is praiseworthy. However, as a seasoned user of Keyboard Maestro and TextExpander, I feel adequately equipped. For newcomers to automation, the enhanced Spotlight serves as an excellent introduction.

– **Control Center**: Initially, I believed that the ability to add Control Center items to the menu bar would not interest me, but it has turned out to be a genuinely beneficial feature. The introduction of Control Center was a highly awaited enhancement at WWDC, even if I don’t utilize it as often as others may.

– **Liquid Glass**: I admired the Liquid Glass redesign from its inception, although its influence on macOS feels less significant than on iOS. As a Dark Mode user, the updated transparency settings are subtle and less apparent, rendering it feel less impactful on macOS.

### Conclusion

Although macOS Tahoe has rolled out a range of features, not every one has struck a chord with every user. The Live Activities mirroring, World Clock, and List Calendar widgets have become integral to my workflow, while other functionalities, although impressive, have not made a considerable impression. What features have you found most beneficial in macOS Tahoe? Share your insights in the comments.

iPhone 17 Pro Reaches Enhanced Charging Rates: Insights on the Upgrades

# iPhone 17 Pro Max: Improved Charging Speeds and Battery Efficacy

The iPhone 17 Pro Max has captured attention with its remarkable battery capacity and charging speeds, representing a notable enhancement over its predecessor. ChargerLAB recently performed assessments on the charging performance of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, uncovering that it can reach charging speeds of up to 36W, an increase of 20% compared to the iPhone 16 Pro.

## Charging Speeds for iPhone 17 Pro Max Reach 36W

Last year, the iPhone 16 Pro established a standard with charging speeds near 30W, already a significant upgrade over the iPhone 15 Pro. Yet, Apple has continued to break new ground with the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which was evaluated with 15 different Apple chargers. The findings revealed that users can achieve a peak charging speed of 36W, highlighting another year of notable progress in charging technology.

To reach this peak speed, users can employ various Apple chargers, including the new 40W Dynamic Power Adapter, which is optimized for fast charging. Furthermore, Apple’s MagSafe charger also excelled, providing charging speeds of 32W. However, for those aiming for the quickest charging experience, a wired connection with an Apple 40W charger or greater is suggested.

## The Significance of Charging Speed

While increased battery capacities are always appreciated, the correlated rise in charging speeds is just as vital. A larger battery that charges at a slower rate can lead to perceptions of inefficiency, even with an enhanced overall capacity. Hence, Apple’s focus on boosting charging speeds along with battery enhancements is a strategic decision to guarantee user satisfaction.

## Conclusion

The iPhone 17 Pro Max not only features a greater battery but also considerably enhanced charging speeds, making it an attractive option for users who emphasize performance and efficiency. As technology continues to progress, Apple’s improvements in charging capabilities demonstrate its commitment to elevating the user experience. Whether through wired or wireless charging methods, the iPhone 17 Pro Max shines as a frontrunner in smartphone charging technology.

Apple Provides Complimentary Chapter from Carol’s Book ‘Pluribus’

### Pluribus: Apple TV’s New Sci-Fi Series and the Release of Bloodsong of Wycaro

Apple TV has just unveiled its latest must-see series, **Pluribus**, which has swiftly attracted attention for its captivating narrative and intriguing characters. The show stars Rhea Seehorn in the prominent role of Carol Sturka, a character who serves as a key player in the series and is also a bestselling author of romantasy novels.

#### Bloodsong of Wycaro Excerpt Now Available on Apple Books

In a creative marketing initiative, Apple Books has made available a complimentary chapter from Carol’s fictional novel, **Bloodsong of Wycaro**. This exclusive excerpt enables fans of the series to immerse themselves deeper into Carol Sturka’s world and experience the storytelling style that has enthralled readers within the show.

The excerpt can be downloaded from Apple Books, offering readers a sneak peek into the fourth installment of Carol’s grand romantasy trilogy. The description from Apple Books invites readers to accompany Lucasia, the captain of the duneship Mercator, as she traverses the perilous sands of Wycaro in search of a remedy for her ailing crew. The narrative promises a mix of adventure, romance, and intrigue, as Lucasia faces her past and the trials of her present.

#### Marketing Strategy and Series Availability

Apple TV’s promotional strategy for **Pluribus** has been recognized for its inventiveness, reminiscent of the marketing campaigns for other hit series such as **Severance**. The show currently offers three episodes, with new installments scheduled for release weekly until December 26.

For those keen to delve into **Pluribus** and the associated literary work, Apple TV is available for a subscription rate of $12.99 per month. The platform boasts a wide array of popular shows and films, including beloved titles like **Ted Lasso** and **Severance**.

#### Conclusion

The debut of the **Bloodsong of Wycaro** excerpt is a distinctive enhancement to the viewing journey of **Pluribus**, enriching the narrative landscape of the series. Fans are urged to download the free chapter and immerse themselves in Carol Sturka’s universe, while also enjoying the developing storyline of **Pluribus** on Apple TV.

Apple Watch Blood Oxygen Function Faces ITC Examination After Redesign

In August 2025, Apple brought back a revamped version of its Blood Oxygen feature for the Apple Watch in the United States, signifying a major comeback after an 18-month break. This hiatus was attributed to a patent conflict with health tech firm Masimo, which prompted Apple to market the Apple Watch without this capability for a duration.

The International Trade Commission (ITC) has now launched a new proceeding to ascertain if this revamped feature should also encounter a ban because of the continuing patent disputes with Masimo. The ITC’s latest filings reveal that they are undertaking a combined modification and enforcement proceeding to evaluate the legality of the revamped Blood Oxygen feature regarding the original import ban.

The ITC’s choice to revisit the case arises from the release of the redesigned Apple Watch, which was not included in the initial probe. The main focus of this proceeding will hinge on whether Apple infringes on Masimo’s patents by offering an Apple Watch that, when connected to an iPhone, utilizes the contested technology.

A critical component of the ITC’s assessment is the operation of the Apple Watch alongside the iPhone. The inquiry will investigate if the union of the two devices activates the patented features at stake. Apple’s updated Blood Oxygen feature enables users to start a test on their Apple Watch, gathering the required data. However, the findings are not shown on the watch itself; rather, they are available through the Health app on the connected iPhone, specifically within the Respiratory section.

The ITC has signaled that it anticipates reaching a verdict on this issue within six months, which could have considerable consequences for Apple’s product lines and its ongoing legal skirmishes with Masimo.

Apple to Transform ‘Hot Money: The New Narcos’ Podcast into TV Series

Apple and Richard Plepler’s EDEN Productions are joining forces to convert the investigative podcast *Hot Money: The New Narcos* into an Apple TV series. The podcast, co-hosted by Miles Johnson from the *Financial Times*, debuted in late 2023 and delves into the workings of a cocaine “super cartel” that operates similarly to a multinational company.

The story begins with the assassination of a middle-aged electrician in a tranquil Amsterdam neighborhood, unraveling a complicated network of drugs, money laundering, and state-sponsored killings extending from Dublin to Dubai. Johnson’s probe uncovers the increasingly indistinct boundaries between criminals and legitimate business leaders, as well as between governments and gangsters.

In the adaptation process, Johnson will take on the role of executive producer alongside the *Financial Times* and the audio production studio Pushkin. At this time, there is no established schedule for the show’s debut.

Apple TV, which provides a subscription at $12.99 monthly, showcases a range of popular series and films, including *Severance*, *The Studio*, *The Morning Show*, *Shrinking*, and *Silo*.