Controller AI 9.0, SwitchBot Acquires Nanoleaf, and Tarken's Window Handle

This week is all about automation by voice and a major acquisition. With version 9.0, Controller for HomeKit gains an AI assistant that creates Apple Home scenes, automations, and workflows from a single sentence. SwitchBot acquires lighting specialist Nanoleaf for roughly 40 million dollars and secures its Thread expertise in the process. In brief: the SwitchBot AI Hub Show with a touchscreen has surfaced, and Tarken launches a motorized window handle with Matter over Thread. Plus a video on the Apple TV and HomePod rumors ahead of WWDC, and a tip on how Controller AI wires up multiple motion sensors automatically.

Controller AI 9.0: Scenes, Automations, and Workflows from a Sentence

With the update to version 9.0, Controller for HomeKit gains an AI assistant. You describe in a single sentence what the Apple Home scene, the automation, or the Controller workflow should do, and the AI handles the rest. It identifies the right devices, sets conditions, and creates multiple automations or workflows when needed. You can also edit existing scenes, automations, and workflows with the help of the AI. Controller AI is included in every plan at no extra cost.

SwitchBot Acquires Nanoleaf for 40 Million Dollars

Through its parent company OneRobotics, SwitchBot is acquiring lighting specialist Nanoleaf for roughly 40 million dollars. What makes the deal especially interesting for SwitchBot is Nanoleaf's Thread expertise. Its light panels have served for years as reliable Thread border routers, a capability SwitchBot previously lacked. For Apple Home users, this could mean future SwitchBot devices being woven more tightly into the Thread mesh instead of relying on their own bridges. The Nanoleaf founders are staying on for at least three years, and the brand is to be retained.

Worth Watching: Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini Before WWDC

MacRumors rounds up the latest rumors about the upcoming Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini just ahead of WWDC and explains why Apple is still holding both devices back despite the hardware reportedly being finished.

In Brief

SwitchBot AI Hub Show with Touchscreen Surfaces

SwitchBot's AI Hub Show has surfaced, a larger variant of the AI Hub that adds a touchscreen. It lets you control compatible SwitchBot devices and scenes, display camera events, and mount the hub on a wall as a dashboard. Pricing, a market launch, and possible Matter support are not yet known.

Tarken Window Actuator: Window Handle with Thread

The Tarken Window Actuator replaces the classic window handle and tilts windows open and closed automatically via a motor. Built-in sensors measure temperature, humidity, and CO2, and it connects via Matter over Thread. The handle is available in the EU through the manufacturer's shop, and in Germany also on Amazon for 261 euros.

Tip of the Week: Wire Up Multiple Motion Sensors with Controller AI

With Controller AI, you no longer have to think about start events, conditions, or splitting things across multiple automations. Say, for example, "The hallway lights should be controlled by both motion sensors," and the AI recognizes that Apple Home needs two separate automations for this and creates both ready to use. One switches the lights on as soon as either sensor detects motion, the other switches them off only once both sensors no longer detect any motion.