Q: HomeKit compatible light switches?
I'm moving into a townhouse that has a lot of lights, especially in the kitchen. Most are recessed and operated via standard wall levers. I see application here for Homekit (or similar), via a centralized control. I also intend to install WIFI-enabled devices such as thermostat and a hot water controller.
I see Homekit being adopted for small-end devices, but I'm not sure I've seen the entire array of offerings. I wonder if someone more experienced here could point me to a FAQ or just offer some pointers about products I should be looking at.
The home automation "thing" is catching on, but I don't want a bunch of small remote controls that are paired individually to lutron light box switches (imagine?). Ideally, these should all be pooled under a central API controller -- maybe someone has written one and I've not seen it yet.
I envision setting schedules and even on-demand profiles (such as when I get home). In particular, being able to access my WIFI-enabled thermostat will be great from upstairs (where we don't have zones in that unit).
Thanks!
Mac Pro, OS X El Capitan (10.11.2)
Posted on May 14, 2016 9:56 AM
Your are describing HomeKit exactly.
HomeKit is a developer framework that home accessory manufacturers of can use to create home automation products that are not only easy to use but extremely secure. These include lights, light switches, room sensors, thermostats, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, door locks and garage door openers to name a few. HomeKit, with the addition of an Apple TV (optional), also makes it easy to control your devices remotely away from home and that also includes the ability to use features like geofencing to control devices as you arrive and leave your home.
Apple developed the framework so that developers could quickly write apps to not only control the manufacturers' own devices but also all other devices compatible with HomeKit. Unfortunately only one developer of home automation products has built their app to control all other HomeKit devices and that is Elgato Eve. There is also an independent developer, Matthias Hochgatterer, who developed an app called, Home - Smart Home Automation, that will also control all HomeKit compatible devices.
You can learn more about HomeKit here: http://www.apple.com/ca/ios/homekit/ and here: Use HomeKit-enabled accessories with your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support
You can find a list of current HomeKit accessories here: Find accessories that work with Apple HomeKit - Apple Support
I am currently using the Lutron Caséta wireless light dimmers to control my lighting. http://www.casetawireless.com/
I also have a Schlage Sense deadbolt. http://www.schlage.com/en/home/keyless-deadbolt-locks/sense.html
Some additional info:
These developer videos will give you an idea of Apple's vision for HomeKit.
You can also get a lot of information by going to https://www.youtube.com/ and searching the name of the devices you are interested in. There are many users posting reviews of HomeKit enabled devices.
Here is one that shows many HomeKit devices used in a home. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2kc6M1fJPE
That video highlights the use of Siri but HomeKit also allows the use of remote access away from the home and automatic triggers based on time-of-day, sunrise/sunset, geofencing to name a few. You can also set up conditional based triggers, for example: If the Smoke/Fire alarm goes off, that can cause all the lights in the home to turn on and the doors to unlock.
Posted on May 17, 2016 7:46 PM