Homekit shade control5/27/2023 ![]() The HomeKit power plug has a HomeKit-certified chipset with a wireless connection to get instructions from the app. Your appliance hooks into that plug, which then goes into a regular electric outlet. ![]() The easiest way to start is with a HomeKit power plug, such as ones that iHome, iDevices and Grid Connect soon plan to sell for $40 to $80 each. HomeKit-enabled products certified by Apple will carry a HomeKit logo. Now you’ll need a HomeKit-capable product those will start coming out in a few months. Of course, if makers of smart-home products enable multiple systems - and some of them plan to - consumers won’t have to worry about which device works with what.) Google is starting to enable similar functionality through its Nest smart thermostat and smoke detector and Microsoft is trying to enable smart-home controls using its Cortana voice assistant. (Sorry, Android and Windows users, you’ll need a different system. ![]() The first requirement is an iPhone or an iPad with iOS 8. With HomeKit, you have the option of creating multiple combinations to match whatever ambiance you prefer. Sure, you can already control a set of lights and appliances by attaching them to a power strip with an on-off switch, but your options are limited to all on or all off. Setting up a “bedtime” scene might involve leaving just the nightlight on, while locking the front door and lowering the heat downstairs. Tap a “party” scene and the stereo and disco lights could turn on while your regular lamps dim. Saying “I feel hot” might prompt Siri to turn on the air conditioner and lower the shade for you. You can even use the Siri voice assistant to control your home. You can also do that with a group of rooms, or zone. ![]() HomeKit’s strength is its ability to group products into “rooms,” “zones” and “scenes.” With one tap, you can turn off every HomeKit product in a room, such as lights and stereos. Apple itself isn’t making an app, just a platform for integration: all the functionality will come from product manufacturers. One note of caution: Companies aren’t required to make rival products work with their apps although many say they will, it’s best to check before you buy. With HomeKit, companies can integrate their apps into a single software platform that you control from your iPhone or iPad. Buy a garage door opener from Widget Inc., and you need to use Widget’s app. makes a light switch, you need to download Acme’s app to control it remotely. Think of HomeKit as a way to unify smart-home products from different manufacturers. ![]()
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