Apple's HomeKit Is Closing in on the Home Automation Market
HomeKit, Apple's home automation protocol, really is beginning to establish itself as a great option for folks looking to enhance their home with smart appliances. It might be a couple of years since Apple first introduced HomeKit, but the platform is finally coming into its own.
I have to admit, there was one point last year when I wondered if Apple would pull the plug on HomeKit. The protocol didn't seem to be making its way in the world of home automation appliances at all, and despite maintaining a healthy (albeit financially conscious) interest in home automation, I didn't own any products that supported Apple's platform.
But, as AppleInsider explains in a recent article, Apple's WWDC keynote affirmed that their intentions for HomeKit are nothing but dedicated. And with a bunch of new products supported by the platform, along with Apple's own Home iOS app, there's never been a better time to take the plunge and invest in some HomeKit-compatible hardware.
Camera support (top-right) is something AppleInsider draws attention to. HomeKit products can now include smart doorbells, which feature integrated cameras. The live feed from these cameras can pop-up inside the Home iOS app. Moreover, this will be available in Home for watchOS 3, too.
The new camera support won't be limited to doorbells however, which bodes well for other HomeKit-enabled security systems. Users will be able to adjust camera settings, as well as audio playback and recording.
And in iOS 10, this feed will even be available to view inside a Lock screen notification.
New accessory types include “air treatment” equipment, including air conditioning units, humidifiers, and air purifiers. As the publication explains, before now HomeKit could only control fans or thermostats.
Of course, you'll need iOS 10 (and watchOS 3) before you can take advantage of this revamped HomeKit support. Both are expected to arrive in September, and bring a plethora of much-requested features to both platforms. I've said it before and I'm saying it again: iOS 10 really is shaping up to be one of the best iOS releases in years.
