Apple introduces HomeKit framework for connected homes
As part of Monday's unveiling of iOS 8, Apple took the covers off of HomeKit, a new framework for connected home devices that allows users to easily control those devices using iOS.
Apple says they worked with a number of manufactures, including large names like Cree and Haier, to create the system. Among the supported devices are smart locks, lights, cameras, doors, plugs, switches, and thermostats.
One feature, Secure Pairing, is designed to enhance security. Secure Pairing ensures that only the registered iOS device can activate connected items like locks, and is said to be quick to set up.
HomeKit also allows users to group devices into scenes or control devices individually. A number of lights in a living room could be grouped together to create a relaxing mood, for instance, while others could be turned on while working.
Additionally, HomeKit integrates with the Siri personal digital assistant. Users can tell Siri to turn on the lights in the living room or open the garage door.
Apple says they worked with a number of manufactures, including large names like Cree and Haier, to create the system. Among the supported devices are smart locks, lights, cameras, doors, plugs, switches, and thermostats.
One feature, Secure Pairing, is designed to enhance security. Secure Pairing ensures that only the registered iOS device can activate connected items like locks, and is said to be quick to set up.
HomeKit also allows users to group devices into scenes or control devices individually. A number of lights in a living room could be grouped together to create a relaxing mood, for instance, while others could be turned on while working.
Additionally, HomeKit integrates with the Siri personal digital assistant. Users can tell Siri to turn on the lights in the living room or open the garage door.
Comments
We’re building a garage. Now we know what openers to buy. Not even a question of buying a dumb one anymore.
We’re building a garage. Now we know what openers to buy. Not even a question of buying a dumb one anymore.
All of Apple's announcements today have massive implications.
We’re building a garage. Now we know what openers to buy. Not even a question of buying a dumb one anymore.
I'm eyeballing Chamberlain or the dealer installed variety Liftmaster
I will BURN my Genie opener in celebration once it's been installed.
Can't wait to see how extensive Homekit is. Siri control is going to be nice and likely a bit more reliable than IFTTT
Apple User: "Hey Siri, I'm ready for bed"
Lights dim, ac drops 2 degree, confirms doors are locked and garage door is closed.
Siri: "Sleep Tight"
Google User: "OK Google, I'm ready for bed"
Google: "We noticed you you spent extra time in the bathroom today, please pick up your Nexus to confirm order- we have searched Google Shopping for Pepto Bismol and added a bottle to your cart"
All of Apple's announcements today have massive implications.
Yup- This and Healthkit have absolutely huge potential and lay critical groundwork. The stuff shown off today is infinitely more important than any new physical product- the products will come, but they will depend on the software and ecosystem for their existence. An iOS device will become such a powerful tool, and everything else will be crippled in comparison- simply because of the massive install base of the newest iOS version and the fact that every 3rd party vendor worth their salt will optimize for and support the APIs. This is what Apple has always done- create the software that makes a new physical product extremely desirable- and on that front, they've now exceeded all of their past efforts. We will eventually see a wearable from Apple, but after today, its usefulness and existence kis that much more tangible and clear- simply because of such frameworks like homekit and healthkit.
Any idea if it's z-wave compatible?
That would depend on z-wave alone.
I installed the Chamberlain thingie a few months ago and it rocks, but being able to say "Hey, Siri, did I leave the garage door open?" or "Hey, Siri, open the garage door" is really awesome.
How long did it take you to install? I'm hearing average install is about 4 hours.
Yup- This and Healthkit have absolutely huge potential and lay critical groundwork. The stuff shown off today is infinitely more important than any new physical product- the products will come, but they will depend on the software and ecosystem for their existence. An iOS device will become such a powerful tool, and everything else will be crippled in comparison- simply because of the massive install base of the newest iOS version and the fact that every 3rd party vendor worth their salt will optimize for and support the APIs. This is what Apple has always done- create the software that makes a new physical product extremely desirable- and on that front, they've now exceeded all of their past efforts. We will eventually see a wearable from Apple, but after today, its usefulness and existence kis that much more tangible and clear- simply because of such frameworks like homekit and healthkit.
agreed.
The home just became an iPhone accessory. Just like your car did.
and pretty soon your body.
This will take time. Home Automation is 'hard' Nest did a great job in 'learning' and overriding learning. But things like complex scenes (turn on and off lights inside and out as if we are in the house [aka vacation mode]) are complex for the average person to grok. And the hard stuff (I want my irrigation system to "turn on at 4 in the morning on Tuesday if less than .5" rain fell in the last 7 days, and turning off once the 7 day water total reaches .75in [with a sanity loop to make sure I haven't sprung a massive leak, then turn off immediately], UNLESS the forecast is for greater than 40% chance of rain today or tomorrow., then delay one day. Oh and if it's going to rain, please make sure my windows are closed.), is hard (wife says... just make it work.)
Like I want proximity... I walk up to the door... if it's locked, it unlocks. I walk away and it's unlocked, it locks... if I leave the door ajar, my phone tells me [your door is not a door... it's a jar]. It would be really nice if it 'beacons' for that ability [identify friend or foe bluetooth]... as opposed to motion detection.... That's cool. As it is now... I have to play a scene... unlock front door, from my phone. hard if my hands are full.
That would depend on z-wave alone.
probably not. Zwave is a signaling (mesh network) standard, not a company/device. I doubt Apple will use it's radios to talk to it, More like if there will be an automation controller that does exposes the ZWave network to an HomeKit controller app.
There are a few home automation 'standards' '(the good thing about standards are... there are so many to choose from' ;-) ) , time will tell if this is a shot across their bow, or an opportunity to integrate with HomeKit, and tie disparate stds together.
I'm not keen of having an IoT in my house connected to the Internet of Internets... I don't want my lights to have their own IP addresses on my 'home network.' I want minimally an 'air gap' between my Home Automation system and my main network, and then a very secured interface from the home network (one device that can't program, just send commands, and retrieve responses) that can talk to the iOS device. I'd hate to have some poorly design lightbulb embedded TCP controller be the pivot point used in attacking my home network.
I'm curious if HomeKit can handle that intermediate separation (or be on 2 WiFis at once).
Until Siri refuses and tries to kill you.
"I'm sorry Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that.."
Slam!
Anyone notice that Nest wasn't on the list of companies they flashed on the screen? I assume Nest can use this, since its an open API, but still a little "F--- you." to Nest/Google.
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As Craig went past, he hit thermostats. I said out loud, “Ha! And it’s not Nest!”
As Craig went past, he hit thermostats. I said out loud, “Ha! And it’s not Nest!”
Yeah baby !
I immediately noticed both of those incidents with great satisfaction, loved the great Honeywell shot, although I cringed that they still favor Gaggle for search, but at least they went with Bing translation.