The first home automation products using Apple’s new Siri-controlled HomeKit platform will arrive next week, according to sources briefed on Apple’s plans.
The company first introduced HomeKit last year alongside iOS 8, introducing a framework for developers to build home automation accessories that could integrate with one another and be controlled using Siri. After Apple officially began to accept HomeKit product plans last November, a number of companies began showing off HomeKit products at CES 2015 in January.
Many of the companies previewing HomeKit products in recent months are likely to be among the roughly five companies sources say will make announcements early next week.
We’ll also see more of what’s in store for HomeKit at Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference, which starts only days after the announcements on June 8. The timing of HomeKit announcements so close to WWDC suggests that Apple did not have adequate keynote time to accommodate third-party demos of the accessories, but wanted to let them receive attention anyway. Earlier this month, we reported that Apple is planning a new ‘Home’ app for iOS 9 that uses virtual rooms to manage HomeKit accessories, which will give a user interface to the platform other than Siri. As we’ve previously noted, the Apple TV will also play a role in controlling HomeKit accessories.
HomeKit’s official launch early next month comes just as Google introduced its competing platform, which was dubbed Project Brillo during yesterday’s Google I/O developer conference.
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Sweet! The only problem is I already have a Nest and tons of Philips Hue bulbs / strips :| Should have came out with this a long time ago…Better late than never I guess. Maybe this will allow Hue and Nest (and others) to integrate with Siri? Now *that* would be freaking awesome.
I’m in the same position as you. Nest with Hue bulbs/strips. I also have Harmony Home Control on all of my TVs too.
There are a lot of us in the same boat. There will definitely be some solutions. It may involve buying another hub though (like a SmartThings Hub).
We’ll see…
That not how the industry works. There will not be “solutions” to make any of those work with HomeKit.
That said your devices will continue to work just like they’ve always done so I guess you can’t really complain.
Isn’t it possible Nest and Hue will work with HomeKit? I’m thinking it will be similar to HealthKit in that many developers will provide support and you can manage your devices (or info) in HomeKit or the developers’ apps.
I do believe that there will be a bridge to adapt existing hardware to connect to he homekit ecosystem. Current rumours slate that this bridge is actually the new apple tv, to be announced next monday.
Looks like all HUE bulbs WILL work with HomeKit… SWEET!
Philips is a home kit partner, nest is not…yet
When you automate the home just don’t do away with the humble light switch. I stayed in a hotel in Brisbane last weekend that only had one light switch. All other lights had to be operate via an app on an Android smartphone on the bedside table. It was just plain stupid having to find the phone then tap, swipe,tap tap to turn on the bathroom light!
I had an early version of home automation in 1983 with a Sinclair Spectrum computer and kit. It was amusing for a while. Hopefuly the Homekit app and kit will be more than a gimmick.
Just use Siri on your Apple Watch-no need to look for your iPhone.
No “tap, swipe,tap tap to turn on the bathroom light” needed.
I’ve had a few Hue bulbs and liked playing around with them in the house. Could never get my wife on board – “why am I going to use my phone to turn on lights?” Having the Hue Tap has been a perfect bridge – I can set schedules, create scenes, use my phone (and eventually Siri) but for my wife and for times when the phone is around, the Tap acts just like a like switch.
It was annoying to have to get a couple of them (one for each room with Hue lights) but was a perfect solution for anyone wanting something to bridge the gap between traditional light switches and phone-controlled ones.
Despite all the assumptions on whether or not home kit will be able to integrate itself with existing products, I’m really hoping that it does. I own a nest thermostat and a canary home security device.
What are the chances homekit supports z-wave? Im new to the idea of automation.
Ya but there are limitations and it will require a HomeKit compatible bridge. We previously detailed Apple’s guidelines on this: http://9to5mac.com/2015/01/22/apple-details-homekit-compatibility-with-competing-home-automation-platforms/
So I’m just onna need a bridge to be released?
Been holding off buying any home automation products as I wait to see who is first in line to support HomeKit. HomeKit is the first good idea in home automation, and the first companies fully supporting it are the ones to take seriously.
“We are excited to be part of the next step in making home automation a reality, in a safe and integrated way,” said Eric Rondolat, CEO of Philips Lighting. “HomeKit will allow us to further enhance the Philips Hue lighting experience by making it simpler to securely pair devices throughout the house and control them using Siri.”
As well this from the Philips.com News Center:
April 24, 2015 – “As a part of a seamless ecosystem covering bulbs, lamps and controls, as well as integration with the Apple HomeKit; Philips Hue offers new lighting experiences that are personal to you.”
I have Nest, Nest Protect, Philips Hues, and some not so good WeMo switches (that I would gladly replace with Siri enabled ones). I think having access to lights is brilliant and I want that for my Philips Hues, but Nest meh, it does what it does (here in Canada you set the Nest and adjust if cold, I don’t have aircon). I would like to see an automatic “door closer”, coz my 5 year old always leaves our bedroom door open, so when we walk out of the shower… “Yikes!”
I also have Chaimberlain Garage Door (that would be nice to control with Siri). My door locks are Kevo (that one, not too sure I want anyone controlling!!!!)
My 2 cents.