How Apple could make your home smarter

What does it

Intelligent light bulbs, thermostats, door locks - all this for a long time there. Each device has its own application, c by which it can be controlled. Apple task - to make it all work together, with the most simple and safe for the user.

For this and HomeKit platform was created. You can use it to connect, integrate and control all smart appliances in the house, having to hand-iOS device, or Apple TV. HomeKit presented at the WWDC-2014 for two years the number of accessories grew, while Apple finished the technology. I'll tell you how it works and whether it is possible to assemble yourself smart House from Apple.

HomeKit: what it is

Here you bought a few smart light bulbs, all great works, they can be controlled using the iOS app. "And why should I this HomeKit?» - you ask.

But what if you are not just light bulbs, but also blinds and thermostat, for example? Without HomeKit it is just a set of irons that will not work to manage from a single interface. They can not interact with each other, and therefore they can not be set to a specific work scenario. For example, every day at 9:00 pm to be switched on the light and closed the blinds. Instead, you have to go into every app devaysa and from there everything manually switched on and off. And okay, if a pair of such devices, and if they are pieces of six in every room? This is at least uncomfortable. HomeKit Since all devices can easily interact with each other.

It's great that the management involved devaysa Siri. Assistant can be asked to turn on the lights in the garage or by saying "Good morning" to start execution of a set of actions tied to the phrase. Open blinds will start to cook coffee and so on. In this case, Siri does not send you to the coffee maker app, everything happens in a familiar assistant interface. It is important that the protocol that connect the smart thing, is automatically encrypted, which means that nobody can get to your data and gain control of smart appliances in the house.

It is already working

For more than 50 brands produced gadgets with HomeKit support. Now, any producer can make your device is compatible with this platform. Apple must approve the device, after which they can be controlled by iOS-devices and Apple TV.

On WWDC-2016 the company reported an improved intelligent home control system, iOS 10, a new application "Home" (about it later). Now HomeKit possibilities are closer both users and developers, so that by the release of a new iOS should wait more smart devices.

What Apple products work with HomeKit

HomeKit works with iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch under iOS 8.1 and above control. Also, smart home can be controlled from your Apple Watch, starting with watchOS 2. With Apple TV 3rd generation or newer model, you can control all devices are powered from a distance using Siri. Simply log in with your iCloud Apple ID.

What smart Soup can buy right now

Officially supporting HomeKit device went on sale in June 2015. On the packaging should be depicted such an icon.

Available for many devices, it is dedicated to a separate page on the Apple site. I selected the most interesting, in my opinion.

August Doorbell Cam

Smart calling with built-in camera. Even while away from home, you'll see who comes to you, with the device will record the date and time.

Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt

Door lock which, in addition to the familiar to us the key is opened using an iPhone or code. In addition, the lock can be operated by means of Siri, by asking, for example, to lock the door every night.

Withings Aura

Intelligent system that monitors and improves the quality of sleep. The device collects data about your sleep (phase duration), as well as analyzes the external environment: air temperature, noise, illumination. Works as a smart alarm clock - wake up in REM sleep.

philips Hue

With these lights, you can create intelligent lighting system by combining up to 50 lamps. Accordingly, the lighting can be controlled using Siri throughout the house and in the garage, write scripts, customize the color of the lamps and so on.

Eve Energy

By itself, Eve Energy is not a smart handheld device, but it turns into a device socket. First, it allows you to save money by controlling energy consumption and sending detailed statistics on the iPhone. Second, you can remotely stop the current consumption. That is, if you forgot to turn off the iron, it can be done even at a distance.

Why do I need the application "Home"

With the release of iOS 10 control smart home will be even easier and more convenient. At WWDC-2016 Apple did what was expected of her long awaited HomeKit fans - presented the application "Home". It is a hub that allows you to connect and control all smart devices in the home.

The application can be managed as a single handheld device and a group, configure scripts, and more. For example, the script "I'm home," she opens the door, and "Good night" turns off the lights and close the blinds. And not necessarily even run an application or request of Siri: the script can be activated depending on your geopozitsii: the door will open as soon as you get close to it.

Branded applications are no longer needed, take control of the "House" and Siri. HomeKit evolved from an interesting but confusing platform system that can benefit everyone.

What's next

In my opinion, Apple is moving in the right direction. After the presentation of the company at the WWDC-2016 began to understand how Apple sees the smart home, and it is clear that it is going to make the user interaction devices and as comfortable as possible. Now is only available the first beta of iOS 10, so it is difficult to assess the possibility of applying the "House." However, before the release it is necessary to wait only two months: see what happens as a result.

In any case, now we all willing to have everything in order to build a smart home. And such a system will cost much cheaper analogues on the market.