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

LATAM Unveils AirTag Luggage Tracking Compatibility via Apple’s Share Item Location Function

**LATAM Airlines Joins AirTag Luggage Tracking Program**

Recently, it was announced that Saudia Airlines had become part of the AirTag luggage tracking initiative, elevating the total number of airlines involved to 30 worldwide. This month, LATAM Airlines, the foremost airline group in Latin America, has also started enabling AirTag location sharing for passengers flying within Brazil and throughout South America.

As reported by Folha, LATAM now permits clients whose bags are either delayed or lost to create a secure link via the Find My app on their Apple devices. This link can be submitted through LATAM’s self-service baggage portal, offering an extra layer of tracking for travelers.

Upon recovery of lost baggage, users can either discontinue sharing the AirTag location link or let it automatically expire after seven days. LATAM Airlines processes over 40 million bags each year and boasts a mishandling rate that is around 50% lower than the average in the industry. The rollout of this feature is anticipated to improve travelers’ peace of mind.

With LATAM’s inclusion, the roster of airlines participating in the AirTag Share Item Location program has risen to at least 31. The full list comprises:

– Ajet – Turkey
– Air Canada – Canada
– Air India – India
– Air New Zealand – New Zealand
– American Airlines – US
– Breeze Airlines – US
– Cathay Pacific – Hong Kong
– China Airlines – Taiwan
– Delta – US
– Finnair – Finland
– IAG/Aer Lingus – Ireland
– IAG/British Airways – UK
– IAG/Iberia – Spain
– IAG/Vueling – Spain
– JetBlue – US
– LATAM – Chile/Brazil
– KLM – Netherlands
– Lufthansa Group/Austrian Airlines – Austria
– Lufthansa Group/Brussels Airlines – Belgium
– Lufthansa Group/Eurowings – Germany
– Lufthansa Group/Lufthansa – Germany
– Lufthansa Group/Swiss – Switzerland
– Pegasus – Turkey
– Porter – Canada
– Qantas – Australia
– Saudia Airlines – Saudi Arabia
– Singapore Airlines – Singapore
– Sun Express – Turkey
– Turkish Airlines – Turkey
– United – US
– Virgin Atlantic – UK

### How to Use the AirTag Feature

To employ the AirTag tracking capability, confirm that your device is updated to the latest operating system version. Follow these instructions:

1. Launch the Find My app on your device.
2. Press “Items,” select the item you wish to share location updates for, and tap “Share Item Location.”
3. Adhere to the on-screen prompts to create and share a temporary webpage.
4. Press “Done.”

Apple indicates that to deliver updated locations, at least one of your Apple devices must be online and logged into your Apple Account.

For additional assistance on managing or ceasing location updates for AirTag, users can consult Apple’s official support page.

### Conclusion

The introduction of AirTag tracking by LATAM Airlines signifies a notable development in baggage tracking technology, granting travelers increased security and reassurance. As more airlines embrace this feature, the AirTag program continues to expand, offering a dependable solution for dealing with lost luggage.

Apple TV+ Builds Traction In Anticipation of Imminent Streaming Wars Clash

### Apple TV+: Steering Through the Transforming Streaming Terrain

Apple TV+ has engaged in the streaming sector for almost six years, yet it has only recently started to establish a notable position for itself. This recent achievement coincides with a transformative phase in the streaming sphere, characterized by heightened competition and strategic shifts among key players.

#### Streaming Sphere Witnesses Its Most Significant Changes in Years

The television streaming sphere is presently experiencing considerable transformations, with several major developments occurring concurrently. This influx of activity mirrors the swift launches of services like Apple TV+, Disney+, HBO Max, and Peacock during 2019 and 2020. While the current wave of entrants and strategic realignments may not reach that previous intensity, it is still significant.

As new challengers arise, Apple TV+ seems well-equipped to face the upcoming challenges. The timing of its recent achievements aligns seamlessly with the changing dynamics of the streaming battles.

#### Apple TV+ Appears to Have Discovered Success at an Opportune Moment

Looking back at the condition of Apple TV+ a year ago, worries about its future were justified. At that point, the platform’s most prominent success was “Ted Lasso,” and its content selection was seen as inadequate. However, since late summer, Apple TV+ has undergone a remarkable rejuvenation, consistently providing high-caliber programming.

Currently, Apple TV+ is enjoying its most successful year yet, boasting an impressive slate for the impending fall season. Once regarded as a niche choice, the platform is increasingly being viewed as a serious player in the streaming domain, drawing comparisons to HBO.

Even though it has not yet reached the same heights of success as some of its larger rivals, Apple TV+ has garnered considerable mainstream recognition, which will be essential as the streaming landscape continues to develop.

With numerous streaming platforms competing for subscribers, Apple is positioning itself as a hub for premium content, all while keeping a competitive price point. At $9.99 a month, Apple TV+ provides an affordable alternative compared to newer services that frequently demand considerably more.

In conclusion, Apple TV+ is set to maintain its upward momentum amid fresh competition, a trend that appeared uncertain not long ago. As the streaming wars escalate, the platform’s focus on quality content and affordability may very well help secure its future in entertainment.

Apple TV+ is available for $9.99 monthly and features acclaimed shows and films such as “Ted Lasso,” “Severance,” “The Morning Show,” “Silo,” and “Shrinking.”