[UPDATE – Check out The Best Value Way to Start Your HomeKit Smart Home Setup] If you’re thinking of dipping your toe into the world of home automation and you’re an iOS user then these HomeKit compatible devices may be just what you’ve been waiting for.
Apple announced HomeKit over a year ago but at last hardware is now starting to appear that supports their smart home framework.
This Apple Support Document confirms that the Apple TV can be used to control your HomeKit setup when you are away from your house via the Internet.
HomeKit aims to do away with the nightmare mess of having a separate app to control each smart home range in your home, bringing systems together with a common control and allowing powerful voice commands via Siri.
Control your accessories away from home – If you have an Apple TV (3rd generation or later) with software version 7.0 or later, you can control your HomeKit-enabled accessories when you’re away from home using your iOS device.
Sign into iCloud with the same Apple ID on your iOS device and Apple TV, and you’ll be able to use Siri commands to remotely control your accessories. If your remote access isn’t working, sign out out of iCloud on your Apple TV, then sign back in.
Elgato Eve
Elgato Eve is a range of smart home modules, sensors and bulbs. Due in the UK this July the sensors start around $40 and will measure air quality, temperature, humidity, air pressure, energy and water consumption and more.
Ecobee Wi-Fi Thermostat
The latest ecobee3 is an Apple HomeKit-enabled Wi-Fi smart home thermostat that allows you to control your heating using your iOS device and Siri. Available from July for around $250.
Lutron Caséta
With the HomeKit-enabled Smart Bridge, homeowners can now control their Lutron Caséta Wireless dimmers using Siri on their iPhone or iPad. The Lighting Starter Kit is available for around $230 with individual dimmer modules for around $60.
iHome SmartPlug
iHome SmartPlugThis wifi-enabled SmartPlug from iHome allows you to turn appliance on and off as well as set timers and schedules.
It’s available to pre-order from this week although it looks like north America only for now though.
Insteon Hub
The new hub from Insteon brings HomeKit support and the $150 unit will be available in the US later this month.
However it looks like existing Insteon users may be disappointed with this ‘Pro’ unit as it’s a step backwards in several areas.
Coming Soon
As you can see, if you live outside the USA your choice is very limited so far. But two of the most popular smart home lighting products in the UK look set to get HomeKit support soon.
Philips say HomeKit support is coming to their Hue range this Autumn and all existing lights will be compatible. This may (or may not) require a new hub though, no details yet. Belkin’s CEO has stated his company are in discussions with Apple regarding the WeMo range so this should follow too.
Keep an eye on Apple’s HomeKit compatible devices page for new items over the coming weeks and months as they become available.
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Apple HomeKit : HomeKit Explained
Last update on 2024-11-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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