iOS 10’s ‘Home’ app promises unified access to all HomeKit devices
Computing juggernaut Apple has announced the inclusion of a new app called simply ‘Home‘ in the next iteration of its mobile operating system, iOS 10. It is designed to aggregate controls for any HomeKit-enabled smart home devices.
While Apple users have been able to control specific home automation devices such as lighting, curtains and blinds, heaters and smart power outlets through Siri and third-party apps since the introduction of iOS 9 one year ago, Apple is setting up Home as its major push back against the likes of Amazon and Google in the smart home market.
Home will feature a single interface for all HomeKit devices, including the ability to set favorite “Scenes,” or conditional grouped settings across multiple devices. An “Automation” feature will preemptively adjust device settings by location or the time of day. Home will be available for Apple TV as well as iPad and iPhone as remote hubs with full Siri voice-activation and Control Center options. Apple Watches will even be able to function as convenient remote controls for most options.
Home fits with Apple’s long-time slogan: “It just works.” While none of the individual features are particularly new or innovative, a single and ubiquitous mastery of every household device would be a strong push back against Amazon and Google’s recent forays into the home automation market. Amazon’s Alexa home assistant currently only works with a small selection of automation equipment offered through Amazon’s own shop, while Google’s Nest system is more cohesive but smaller in its offerings. If Home works as seamlessly as previewed, Apple stands to acquire a huge share of the smart home market in the near future.
