HomeKit Weekly: Onvis releases a Matter over Thread outdoor smart plug with energy monitoring

9to5mac.com Oct 10, 2026

HomeKit Weekly: Onvis releases a Matter over Thread outdoor smart plug with energy monitoring

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Oct 10, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Onvis has launched an outdoor smart plug that combines Matter over Thread, real‑time energy monitoring, and IP65 weather resistance. The device supports Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings, requiring only a HomePod, HomePod mini, or Apple TV 4K for full functionality. It handles up to 1,800 watts, tracks power usage directly in Apple Home’s energy view, and offers native scheduling and automation. The plug is now available on Amazon, filling a gap in the outdoor smart‑plug market.

💡 Why It Matters

· By eliminating the need for a Wi‑Fi bridge, the plug offers reliable connectivity for edge‑of‑range outdoor devices, enabling precise energy tracking and seamless automation across major smart‑home ecosystems.

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Pixel Watch 4 update adds Google’s AI watch face generator, more

Google has rolled out an AI-powered watch face generator to Pixel Watch 4 models through update version 4.2.12.989940186. The feature, first introduced on Pixel Watch 5, lets users describe desired designs and have Gemini Intelligence generate custom faces, including stock options like Weave, Modular, Reveal, Chronograph, and the Steph Curry dial. The update enhances the watch’s AI capabilities, offering a streamlined way to create daily‑changing faces. Users report the feature is accessible via the Pixel Watch app’s prompt section.

💡 The addition expands personalization options without extra cost, demonstrating Google’s commitment to AI integration in consumer hardware. It also positions the Pixel Watch 4 as a more versatile device, potentially attracting users who value dynamic, AI‑driven customization.

9to5mac.com · Oct 10

Apple marks first Apple TV 4K ‘vintage’ with new model imminent

Apple has added the original 2017 Apple TV 4K to its “vintage” product list, meaning the device remains eligible for service but only if parts are available. Once a product is marked “obsolete,” Apple stops providing repairs entirely. Owners of the first‑generation Apple TV 4K are urged to seek service promptly or consider upgrading. Apple will unveil a new Apple TV 4K model at its upcoming “Welcome Home” event next Tuesday, offering a modern alternative.

💡 The vintage designation signals the end of guaranteed support for a decade‑old streaming device, prompting users to act before parts become scarce.

appleinsider.com · Oct 10

Owning an Apple Home: second-party accessories could be the reboot we need

Apple announced that it will launch a “second‑party” accessory program for Apple Home at its October 13 Welcome Home event. The initiative will allow non‑Apple manufacturers such as LG, Schneider, and others to produce Matter‑compatible devices that meet strict Apple HomeKit standards, including HomeKit Secure Video, NFC pairing, and Apple Home Key. Apple will also unveil new Home products—a refreshed Apple TV 4K, updated HomePod mini, and a rumored Home Hub tablet—to support the ecosystem. The move aims to break the current siloed smart‑home market and reinvigorate Apple Home’s appeal.

💡 By certifying third‑party devices, Apple could finally offer a unified, secure smart‑home experience that rivals Amazon and Google, potentially reshaping consumer expectations for interoperability.

9to5google.com · Oct 10

Google rolling out Android 17 QPR2 Beta 7 for Pixel

Google has released Android 17 QPR2 Beta 7 for a wide range of Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6a, 7 series, 8 series, 9 series, 10 series, and 11 series, as well as the Pixel Tablet, Fold, and Pro Fold variants. The update is available for sideloading on devices currently running Beta 6.1, while testing for QPR3 Beta 1 continues. Users can report bugs through the Android Beta Feedback app or via the Android Beta community on Reddit. The beta images are also accessible for the Android Emulator.

💡 The rollout gives Pixel owners early access to new features and stability improvements ahead of the official release, allowing developers to identify and fix issues before the final update.

appleinsider.com · Oct 10

Telesin Master Grip Kit for iPhone review: Awkwardly packaged real optical zoom

Telesin released the Master Grip Kit for iPhone, a case with a 3.5‑x telephoto lens that claims to reach an equivalent 400 mm focal length. The kit includes a removable plate, a 3,200 mAh battery, and a ReefColor app that processes images. Reviewers report that the lenses deliver better optical zoom than software zoom, but the setup is cumbersome, the app is required, and the controls add little value. The product is priced higher than comparable lens kits from competitors.

💡 The kit’s high cost and complex workflow highlight the tension between hardware upgrades and software‑driven photography on smartphones. It underscores how accessory makers must balance added value with user experience to compete in a market dominated by integrated camera systems.

9to5google.com · Oct 10

Googlebook’s app situation is a mess, and not just because things are…

Googlebook’s launch has exposed significant app compatibility issues, particularly with desktop‑class software. The Android‑based platform lacks key productivity suites like Adobe and offers limited alternatives, forcing users to rely on the Google Play Store’s fragmented quality labeling system. Popular apps such as Telegram, Slack, and Spotify perform poorly, with broken interfaces and inconsistent functionality. Critics argue that Google’s early release, priced competitively, fails to meet expectations for a full‑featured laptop, prompting many to consider established Windows or Mac alternatives.

💡 The app shortcomings undermine Googlebook’s promise of a seamless hybrid experience, risking consumer trust and slowing adoption of Google’s new hardware strategy.