Tag Archives: HomeKit

iOS 10 To Come With HomeKit Controller App

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HomeKit LogoThe so-called Internet of Things is bringing more and more connected devices into our lives. And as the market for these smart gadgets continues to expand, one question seems to be on everyones minds; How will all of these different products communicate with each other? Some manufacturers have developed their own proprietary products and tools to ensure their own devices will play nicely together. But what if you want smart lightbulbs made by Company X and a smart security system made by Company Y? Will it be necessary to have one “command center” on your network just for each company’s products?

Many companies have stepped into this arena to try and bridge the landscape of connected things. Apple announced its own solution, HomeKit, a few years ago. But there hasn’t been much movement on the HomeKit front since that announcement. Now, it looks like Apple may ship its first HomeKit controller app with the release of iOS 10 later this year. Curiously, this information was discovered in a comment left as part of an Amazon product review:

Word of the new app came from an Apple marketing employee commenting in Amazon product reviews. MacRumors verified the commenter’s identity, and that they were responsible for the comments.

“As I work in marketing for Apple, we test many Smart Home devices, especially for iOS HomeKit integration,” the person said. “The next version of iOS due this fall will have a standalone ‘HomeKit’ app as well.”

No word yet on how HomeKit will actually work but it’s good to know that real progress is (apparently) being made on the system.

Hunter Ceiling Fans Go Wireless For CES

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Hunter Fan CompanyNow this is a cool idea. Ceiling fan inventors, Hunter Fan Co, have introduced Wi-Fi controlled ceiling fans integrated with Apple’s HomeKit for CES. Feeling a little warm? Ask Siri to turn on the fan for a gentle breeze to lower the temperature.

There’s two new Wi-Fi models coming to the market, Symphony and Signal. Symphony has a graceful, modern design and comes in fresh white, while Signal, with its satin nickel housing and reversible wood-finished blades, is a contemporary blend of sleek design and classic finishes. Symphony’s MSRP is $329; Signal’s MSRP is $379. Both fans are available Spring 2016 at online sites such as Hunter Fan, Amazon, Build, BestBuy, HomeDepot, Lowes and Menards. Of course they will be stocked in lighting showrooms nationwide.

Hunter FanAs with all HomeKit-enabled equipment, users can also create custom scenes involving the fans and the built-in lights. For example, one could create a scene to automatically turn on the fan’s light, lock the doors, close the garage door and set the thermostat to the desired temperature in just one step.  For emergencies, users can also set up HomeKit-enabled products to work together based on triggers, such as having the fan’s light turn on the moment the fire alarm detects smoke.

Hunter Fan“Our ceaseless innovation is why Hunter Fan is the industry leader, and these new Wi-Fi enabled fans, with added support for Apple HomeKit, are a testament to our heritage of progress and originality,” said Hunter Fan CEO John Alexander. “They’re beautiful, affordable, high quality pieces of decor that bring state-of-the-art Wi-Fi technology where it might not be expected: the ceiling fan. As we celebrate 130 years, we have several exciting developments to share with our customers, and are proud to kick off 2016 at CES with Symphony and Signal.”

Symphony and Signal were developed in collaboration with industry leaders Ayla Networks and Marvell Technology Group Ltd., which will feature the fans in their respective displays at CES 2016.

Onelink Brings Connected Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors to HomeKit

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Onelink smoke and CO alarmWhen Apple announced the launch of HomeKit, its platform for the connected home, hopes began running high that HomeKit would become the one platform to “rule them all” in the Internet of Things space. And while the rollout of HomeKit has progressed somewhat slowly, more companies have begun releasing products specifically made for HomeKit. One such company is First Alert, who recently announced the release of its Onelink line of products, kicking off with a connected smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detector.

The intuitive, easy to install two-in-one alarm protects against threats of smoke and CO by sending notifications to users on their iOS devices or Apple Watches. The alarm can also be easily tested or silenced using the Onelink Home app. Siri voice commands allow users to check the status of their detector and ask if an alarm was triggered. Since the Onelink Alarm is HomeKit-enabled, privacy is built in and data is always encrypted, ensuring that users’ privacy is protected at all times

The Onelink Wi-Fi Smoke + CO Alarm features a 10-year sealed lithium battery that lasts the life of the alarm. By utilizing photoelectric broad-based technology in conjunction with patented smoke entry system, it is efficient at detecting both smoldering and fast-flaming fires, while being less prone to nuisance alarms.

The Onelink system is designed to work with most existing interconnected hardwired alarms in the home, so users do not have to replace all existing functioning alarms at once, and can do so over a period of time. All Onelink alarms are designed to wirelessly interconnect through a Bluetooth mesh system with other Onelink alarms in the home when an emergency is detected.

The Onelink by First Alert Wi-Fi Smoke + CO Alarm is currently available at Lowe’s and Amazon. It will also be available at Apple Stores and the Apple website in time for the holidays..