The tech-centric world is buzzing with three distinct stories that, while unrelated, each shape how we protect homes, automate living spaces, and follow elite sports. On the corporate front, Joshua Kushner’s venture arm announced a multi-billion-dollar purchase that could reshape residential security. Simultaneously, Apple users are wrestling with a maze of device specifications to build a seamless smart-home experience. And for golf fans, the Asian swing of the LPGA delivered dramatic finishes and breakthrough victories.
Below, we break down the financial transaction, distill the Apple Home compatibility checklist, and recap the most memorable moments from the recent Maybank and BMW Ladies Championships.
Thrive Holdings’ $7.6 billion takeover of ADT
In a deal valued at $7.6 billion, Thrive Holdings—founded by venture capitalist Joshua Kushner—will acquire the legacy security firm ADT and take it private. The transaction, slated to close in the first quarter of 2027, marks the largest cash purchase of a home-security provider to date. ADT, known for its 24-hour monitoring network, will gain access to Thrive’s deep artificial-intelligence expertise, a cornerstone of the conglomerate’s strategy to modernise “traditional” service businesses.
ADT already collaborates with major tech players, installing Google Nest devices and Apple’s latest smart-home lineup. Post-acquisition, CEO Jim DeVries highlighted that Thrive’s capital base and AI capabilities will accelerate product innovation, improve customer experience, and broaden the company’s reach into both residential and commercial markets. The move also aligns with the broader trend of private-equity firms leveraging AI to optimise operational workflows in sectors historically resistant to rapid digital change.
Apple Home, HomeKit and Matter: a practical compatibility guide
Apple’s ecosystem, branded as Apple Home, unites iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and HomePod under a single control hub. The platform has been marketed under three names over the years: Apple Home (the consumer-facing app), HomeKit (the developer-facing framework), and Matter (the industry-wide connectivity standard). While the terminology can be confusing, the underlying goal is simple—ensure that a device can be discovered, controlled, and automated from the Home app.
When shopping for a new smart gadget, the critical question is not “Does this brand work?” but “Does this specific model support Apple Home or Matter, and will its key features appear in the Home app?” The following checklist helps avoid costly returns:
Key device categories and common pitfalls
- Smart bulbs and light strips: Zig-Bee products (e.g., many Philips Hue models) need the brand’s bridge to appear in Home.
- Plugs and outlets: Verify that the unit uses 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi; 5 GHz-only plugs will not connect.
- Light switches and dimmers: Most require a neutral wire in the wall box; check before purchasing.
- Smart locks: Only locks that list “Home Key” support tap-to-unlock via iPhone.
- Thermostats: Ensure wiring compatibility, especially the presence of a C-wire for continuous power.
- Security cameras: Look for the “HomeKit Secure Video” badge to store recordings in the Home app.
- Video doorbells: Fewer models support Apple Home than competing platforms; verify the exact model.
- Sensors (motion, leak, temperature): Many run on Thread and need a Thread border router.
- Blinds, shades, garage doors, fans, air purifiers: Basic on/off works, but advanced modes may stay in the manufacturer’s app.
To confirm compatibility, users should first look for the “Works with Apple Home”, “Works with Apple HomeKit”, or Matter logo on the packaging. Next, consult Apple’s accessory page for a curated list of supported brands. Finally, cross-reference the exact model number on the maker’s website to verify any required hubs, bridges, or firmware updates.
LPGA’s Asian swing: Maybank and BMW Ladies Championships recap
The 2026 Asian swing delivered a blend of veteran dominance and breakout performances. At the Maybank Championship in Kuala Lumpur, Nelly Korda continued her remarkable season, posting low scores that kept her atop the leader board through both rounds. Meanwhile, Andrea Lee captured headlines with a hole-in-one on the par-3 eighth hole at Pine Beach Golf Links, earning a brand-new car as part of the event’s promotional prize.
The BMW Ladies Championship provided its own drama. Japanese rookie Yuri Yoshida rallied from behind to claim her first LPGA Tour victory, highlighted by a sensational bunker shot that produced a birdie on the 17th hole in the final round. The tournament’s closing moments also featured a clutch birdie by Yoshida on the 17th, cementing her status as a rising star. In addition, former Stanford standout Megha Ganne discussed her transition to the professional ranks, having secured her 2027 LPGA Tour card after a strong Epson Tour performance.
These events underscore the growing global appeal of women’s golf, as top players travel across continents, adapt to diverse courses, and compete for both prestige and substantial prize pools.
