The popular Logitech Circle 2 camera which gained beta Secure Video support last year has a new beta firmware that exposes the camera’s ambient light and occupancy sensors to HomeKit.

On Monday, Logitech posted release notes for a firmware update for their Circle 2 camera.  Firmware version 8.2.43 replaces the previous firmware build 5.6.54 which brought the initial beta integration for HomeKit Secure Video. The new beta firmware is said to be rolling out over the coming week, though at the time of writing this post, the update was not available for my unit.

In addition to the exposure of the ambient light and occupancy sensors to HomeKit, continued bug fixes and enhancements for HomeKit Secure Video are also included inching closer to full HSV support..

Ambient light sensors gauge the amount of light in a space and allow us to use that data as a condition to help to determine if a light really needs to be switched on or blinds to be raised or lowered. Occupancy sensors are similar to motion sensors except that presence is detected based on continuous movement rather than instantaneous movement as is the case with motion sensors. This can help to reduce the need for complicated delay automations or the ol’ wacky-inflatable-flailing-arm-flailing tube man syndrome inevitably experienced by many users of motion sensors.

The inclusion of occupancy and ambient light sensors further expands the capabilities of the Circle 2 and alongside HomeKit Secure Video, the motion sensor, and the fact that it’s rated for indoor and outdoor use, make the Logitech Circle 2 a must-have for any HomeKit aficionado.