In a word: security. With the new update, eero 6 and eero Pro 6 users can now use HomeKit to block smart home accessories from communicating with the outside internet and other network devices. HomeKit users can also firewall untrusted internet services to prevent IoT hackers.
Currently, HomeKit offers three levels of device security:
Restrict to Home: This means that devices can only interact with HomeKit through an Apple device without additional internet access. This level of protection means that some aspects like updates to firmware might not work.
Automatic: Which allows both HomeKit access and access to manufacturer-recommended connections only. This level is the default option for most devices.
No Restriction: This gives devices the ability to interact will all other devices and any internet-based service.
That’s not to say there isn’t a possibility of more collaboration between tech giants going forward, but any speculation at this time seems to be only wishful thinking. That means you can still expect Echo devices to maintain their ecosystem exclusivity, for now.
However, Matter is still in its adolescence, so smart home users will have to wait for more extensive changes to emerge. In other words, more compatible devices are coming, but a precise timeline has yet to be established.
On the whole, this update means that eero 6 and eero Pro 6 users can now enjoy the same security functions of previous eero routers with their existing HomeKit setups without worrying about being locked out of the HomeKit ecosystem.
Users Will Have to Be Patient
And while many smart home users are still itching for more collaboration between large smart home manufacturers to eliminate some of the current boundaries, users will, unfortunately, have to remain patient.
