iOS 8 is coming for your home . One of the many novel developer tools Apple unveiled Monday at the Worldwide Developer Conference is HomeKit , a raw cortege of cock that will permit the makers of smart home products mix their merchandise more deeply into Apple ’s mobile OS .
HomeKit is celebrated for what it is n’t . Apple did n’t pick one standard communications protocol for the industry to rally behind ( at least not yet ) , like the way the company push adoption of USB by building it into the iMac . Apple did n’t denote its own hub or gadget , like the Revolv , to bridge multiple gimmick protocols . HomeKit is n’t a single app on iOS , like Health or Passbook .
Hey, Siri, control my house
Right now , most connected - home products deserving their salt can be controlled by an iOS app , but users have to navigate to that app and open up it to do anything .
Who say Nest is honorable ? Apple ’s HomeKit will allow Honeywell smart thermoregulator integrate with iOS 8 .
or else , and as we betoken , HomeKit will allow users to check third - party smart - home gadgets from more places in iOS 8 . HomeKit will let smart locks , lights , cameras , thermostat , plugs , and switches securely pair with your iPhone , so you could control item-by-item devices , and even group twist together .
You could assure Siri you ’re fit to layer , for example , and that could trigger a answer from your full home all at once , or else of you having to open theNestapp to turn down the heat energy , theHueapp to turn off your brightness level , and theAugustapp to lock the front door .
The geofencing feature film in iOS could be huge for affiliated house devices too . you’re able to already useIFTTTto programiOS location - based triggerswithcompatible gadgetslike the Philips Hue light and the Belkin WeMo smart outlets and switches . HomeKit should make that process easier by eliminating the surplus IFTTT gradation . Now when your smart plate visit your iPhone come near , it will be able to flip on your porch luminosity to receive you home .
Home safe
The company has its eye on security too . Federighi says it will practice “ a coarse electronic connection protocol that has secure copulate so only your iPhone can unlock your garage door . ” take care for Made for iPhone label popping up on link up place appliances — Haier ’s Tianzun air conditionerwas spotted with a MFi label back in January bythe eagle middle at MacRumors . Apple is working with “ leaders in home automation ” such as Haier , Honeywell , and Texas Instruments to place a consistent web communications protocol .
Apple is partner with some heavy hitter to keep the communication secure between your connected menage equipment and your iPhone .
We ca n’t hold off to memorise more about HomeKit as we approach the launch of Io 8 this fall .
