PBA
I've just bought 6 Essential light bulbs - they're fantastic. Bluetooth - not so much.
I'm a HomeKit user, but I won't be buying HomePod mini's, as I'm heavily invested in another smart home speaker ecosystem (Sonos).
I've tried the OpenThread Border Router, but there seems to be some Bluetooth magic going on that OTBR doesn't know about.
I really want a HomeKit compatible Thread Border Router that is plug and play. Some options would be:
- Nanoleaf HomeKit Border Router that plugs into a wall socket. Low cost enough so I can sprinkle them about the house to extend coverage if needed.
- HomeKit Border router built into another, "always on" Nanoleaf product, such as your upcoming light switch.
Some wilder ideas:
- Contribute to or Fork OTBR project for Raspberry Pi, and add HomeKit commissioning features. (Not really plug and play, but I'm technical enough to live with this for now.)
- Work with Sonos to get HomePod Mini-like Thread BR features into their product (especially if it can be done in software only)