HomeKit is Apple’s most recent attempt at conquering the IoT space. HomeKit allows users to communicate with and control internet-connected devices in their home using an iOS 9 device. For example, using HomeKit-compatible accessories, you can use Siri to change the lighting or temperature in a room. The fact is, this isn’t a futuristic vision, but rather a growing consumer electronics trend.
Though Apple largely glazed over changes to its smart home platform during Monday’s WWDC 2015 keynote, the company went into more detail during a special HomeKit session, Mashable reports. According to Mashable, Apple announced that iOS 9 will include updated and enhanced support for HomeKit, and introduced some neat new features.
Apple has expanded upon the concept of letting users create “scenes” that enable certain actions, introducing 4 predefined and customizable scenes: getting up, leaving home, returning home and going to bed. In addition to scenes, users will also be able to program “custom triggers” that initiate chains of actions, such as the lights turning on when the door unlocks. iOS 9 will also expand remote control capabilities with its HomeKit Accessory Protocol (HAP).
One of the major issues with HomeKit thus far is that it requires compatible accessories to operate, and developers had for a long time been silent on product releases. However, many companies are now revealing a number of new HomeKit-compatible devices.
Here are 5 of the most interesting HomeKit devices on or soon to be on the market:
1. Elgato Eve
The Elgato Eve is a comprehensive climate control and monitoring device. It is a set of connected wireless sensors that monitor air quality, temperature and humidity indoors, as well as air pressure, temperature and humidity outdoors. According to Tech Crunch, there are 4 different types of sensors available: Eve Room, for indoor use ($79.99), Eve Weather, for outdoor climate reporting ($49.95), Eve Energy, for monitoring energy consumption ($49.95) and Eve Door & Window, which keeps track of open/closed status ($39.95). All sensors are available for pre-order through Elgato.
2. Insteon Hub
This is probably the most versatile HomeKit device on the market. Tech Crunch reports that the Hub allows you to control all of your Insteon devices, including LED bulbs, plug-in lamps, thermostats, wall outlets, cameras, door locks and more from your iOS device, creating a virtually complete smart home. The Insteon Hub goes for $149.99 and is currently available on Insteon’s website.
3. The Withings Home
This stationary camera is a nightmare for party-happy high schoolers and a saving grace for their parents. Using HomeKit support, the camera can send live video feed to a user’s iOS device, making it perfect for keeping an eye on your home when you’re away. According to Techradar, the Home costs $200 and is available through Withings.
4. ConnectSense Smart Outlet
If you’re worried about not being able to use all of your old appliances with HomeKit, this is your solution. ConnectSense’s “smart plug” allows you to turn any of your devices into a HomeKit-compatible smart appliance by simply plugging them in. Techradar reports that the Smart Outlet costs $79.95 and is available for pre-order on ConnectSense’s website.
5. ecobee3
Thermostat maker ecobee has decided to make its ecobee3 device HomeKit-compatible. According to Tech Crunch, this device monitors climate in multiple rooms using remote sensors, conserving more energy than a standard thermostat. The device costs $249 and will be available for pre-order June 23 through ecobee.
