A Closer Look At Apple HomeKit

As defined by the company itself, Apple HomeKit is “a framework for communicating with and controlling connected accessories in a user’s home”.

With HomeKit, Apple aims to create a common language, that most of your home devices can understand.

This means, that if you want to control your door lock, lighting or even a fridge with a few simple taps on your smartphone – you will be able to do so.

Which products will work with HomeKit?

Of course, there will be a few conditions that will need to fall into place in order for this to work. For instance, your home equipment will have to be HomeKit certified, meaning it will be able to communicate with an iPhone or iPad via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. There are already over a dozen companies that are making HomeKit appropriate products, including Kwickset, Withings, Cree, iHome, Haier, Honeywell and lots of others.

The system is open to developers, both on the application and hardware sides.

In order to get involved with HomeKit, interested parties will need to sign up for Apple’s Made for iPhone programme. Then, their products will be able to carry Apple’s MFi logo and ensures the customers that they are buying a product using legitimate Apple connections.

How will HomeKit work?

HomeKit promises to let you control all he smart devices in your home from one single control system. You will be able to group the smart equipment in your home into “rooms”, “zones” and “scenes”.

“Room” is pretty straightforward, letting you switch on and off all the devices in one room.

“Zones” allow you to control a cluster of rooms, rather than a single room. For instance, you can turn on the lights in your kitchen, hall and living room all at once with a tap on your smartphone.

“Scenes” is a more customizable option that will let you release all your creative juices. You will be able to create a “party scene”: activating which will instantly change music and lighting settings in your house, or a “bedtime” scene that will help you turn off all the unnecessary devices before heading to bed.

Will Siri be involved?

Siri is expected to play a big part in Apple’s quest for the ultimate home automation.

Ideally, you may be able to say “Siri, it’s too hot here” and have your airconditionig instantly adjusted accordingly. Thus, you Siri will be able to help you turn lights on and off, control the thermostat, lock doors and more. The word on the street is that Siri will be the primary interface for Apple HomeKit for quite a while.