HomeKit

Phillips brings HomeKit support to Hue bulbs and lamps, launches HomeKit-compatible Bridge 2.0

Christian Zibreg ∙ October 5, 2015

Keeping true to its promise of adding support for Apple's homeKit platform to its Hue lineup of smart lights, Philips today launched a brand new Hue Bridge 2.0 with HomeKit support, bringing HomeKit compatibility to existing Hue bulbs and lamps. In addition, the new Bridge supports other connected home platforms so it's future-proof while the original, round-shaped Bridge will continue to be supported with software updates.

Here’s a list of all HomeKit compatible appliances for the connected home

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated April 5, 2017

Apple's HomeKit platform was announced more than a year ago but HomeKit-certified products continue to be in scant supply. In fact, there are currently just five HomeKit-compatible accessories available on the market: the Ecobee3, Elgato Eve, iHome iSP5 SmartPlug, Insteon Hub and Lutron Caseta Wireless Lighting Starter Kit.

More were announced but HomeKit won't take off until fall at the earliest for it hit unforseen issues.

First HomeKit code base “blew up” and now prototype devices seem to be performing poorly as the current crop of Bluetooth chips struggle to handle strong encryption imposed by Apple.

With that in mind, here's a list of HomeKit-compatible appliances thus far.

Apple pulls Nest products from its website and retail stores

Cody Lee ∙ July 23, 2015

Apple has stopped selling the Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Protect smoke alarm online and in its retail stores, reports Mashable. A search for the products on Apple's website now redirects customers to HomeKit-compatible devices.

The move comes a month after Apple debuted HomeKit, a platform that aims to streamline communication between iOS devices and smart home accessories. Among the compatible products available at launch was the ecobee3 thermostat.

Apple’s focus on privacy slowing HomeKit rollout as cutting-edge encryption produces unacceptable lag

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 22, 2015

HomeKit, Apple's platform for the connected home, sounds terrific on paper. In reality, HomeKit is like CarPlay, another Apple platform plagued with slower than expected rollout.

There are currently only five HomeKit-compatible accessories on the market: the Ecobee3, Elgato Eve, iHome iSP5 SmartPlug, Insteon Hub and Lutron Caseta Wireless Lighting Starter Kit.

A new report alleges that wider HomeKit adoption is being held back by Apple's stringent encryption requirements. Apparently, Bluetooth chips currently available on the market and certified for HomeKit just can't handle Apple's super strong encryption without degrading the experience.

As Forbes reported Wednesday, Apple imposes a high level of encryption on HomeKit accessory makers in order to prevent eavesdropping and protect the privacy of its users. Apple's focus on privacy, however, has created unacceptable levels of lag in prototype Bluetooth products whose chips have sub-par processing capability.

Apple publishes list of supported Siri voice commands for controlling HomeKit appliances

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 25, 2015

Apple has refreshed a support article detailing setting up and using HomeKit-enabled accessories with a list of supported Siri voice commands to control your HomeKit hardware locally or remotely, through your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad.

After pairing a HomeKit-enabled accessory to an iOS device, you can use Siri commands to turn your home appliance on or off, adjust its settings and more, using just your voice.

HomeKit in iOS 9 supports new sensors and devices, can remotely control your home via iCloud

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 8, 2015

HomeKit, Apple's platform for the connected home that was unveiled last summer, is beginning to pick up support from some well-established names in smart home appliances.

Last week, several vendors brought out some compelling HomeKit-certified home automation devices ahead of the Worldwide Developers Conference. And now, HomeKit is going to get a lot smarter with support for new types of home automation systems and improved remote management of your home.

Philips to add HomeKit support to existing and new Hue lights this fall

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 8, 2015

Philips Hue, a personal wireless lighting system that we reviewed thoroughly, will get updated with support for Apple's home automation platform called HomeKit, the company confirmed Monday in a post on Facebook.

Upcoming Hue lights released this September and onwards will have built-in HomeKit support. Existing Hue lights will be upgraded with HomeKit compatibility through a free software update that will unlock new features for your existing Hue hardware, said the firm.

Hands-on with HomeKit: the Caséta Wireless Smart Lighting Dimmer Kit from Lutron

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

A couple of hours ago, I got my first real hands-on experience with HomeKit—the connected smart home framework that Apple announced at WWDC 2014. A year later, and some of the very first HomeKit enabled products are now landing on store shelves.

The folks over at Lutron were nice enough to send us the Caséta Wireless Smart Lighting Dimmer Kit ($229.95 on Amazon). This kit comes with a Smart Bridge, two remote controls and two plug-in lamp dimmers. Although the kit in and of itself is interesting, our main interest at iDownloadBlog is with its HomeKit support. With that in mind, this post consists of an unboxing and overview of Lutron's kit and a walkthrough of the HomeKit configuration, including Siri control.

Want to see how HomeKit works in the real world? Then watch our full video walkthrough for more details.

Apple confirms Apple TV’s role as a hub for remote HomeKit functionality

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 3, 2015

We've known since CES 2015 the Apple TV would play a central role in Apple's HomeKit ecosystem, dating back to October 2014 when HomeKit support first surfaced in an Apple TV Software beta.

Wednesday, a newly published Apple support document has acknowledged that the streaming box acts as a bridge between HomeKit devices and your mobile life.

iHome launches smart plug receptacle with HomeKit, pre-orders beginning June 15

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 2, 2015

Among the first wave of HomeKit-certified devices from SmartLinc and Ecobee, which dropped today ahead of Worldwide Developers Conference next week, iHome on Tuesday launched its HomeKit-enabled smart plug receptacle.

The first in iHome Control series of smart home products, the iHome iSP5 SmartPlug not only controls smart home appliances but “dumb” ones like lamps, using Apple's HomeKit. The accessory will be available for pre-order on iHome.com beginning June 15.

HomeKit-enabled $150 Insteon Hub now shipping, hitting retail stores in July

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 28, 2019

Available for pre-order since CES 2015, Insteon said today its hub with support for Apple's HomeKit will begin shipping to retail stores early next month. Dubbed the Insteon Hub, the device can now be ordered at $149.99 through Amazon.com and via SmartHome.com.

Controlling HomeKit-enabled accessories away from home requires a hub in the form of a third-generation Apple TV with Apple TV software 7.0 or later, or a dedicated product like the Insteon Hub.

Ecobee announces HomeKit-enabled, Wi-Fi connected smart thermostat with Siri commands

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 2, 2015

First HomeKit-certified devices are beginning to appear ahead of Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference next week. Tuesday, accessory maker Ecobee announced its smart thermostat for the connected home with HomeKit-certified chips for full compatibility with the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.

Soon to replace Ecobee's existing thermostat that has been selling in Apple's retail stores, the refreshed third-generation accessory features Wi-Fi connectivity, compatibility with Apple's HomeKit and integration with Siri so you can control your room's temperature using spoken commands on your iOS device.