Daniel J SaitAdding a new App simply called, Home, Apple is looking to add to the capabilities of its HomeKit platform including the addition of voice activation via Siri.
Part of the iOS 10 up-date planned for this September, Apple wants end-users to be able to control multiple home appliances through speaking to their Apple device.
The Home App will roll out looks to build-on the existing HomeKit set-up which until this point has operated by connecting different device Apps together.
Apple says Home will be a hub where users can access all of their connected home products, including lighting, locks, heating and cooling, plugs and switches, blinds and sensors for other electrical appliances.
Home looks like it has been designed to take on the likes of Hive, Nest and Samsung’s SmartThings, which are aimed primarily at the DIY market, but have some influence and presence and ambition in the pro world as well, particularly Nest.
The App links up with Apple’s Siri feature and users can choose whether they want to manage home devices individually or group them together into macros such as for when leaving or entering the home.
The App also offers the chance to programme for ‘scenes’ to match particular events or moods. The App will also deliver specific details, such as the exact temperature of a thermostat at a given time, or the percentage at which dimmer lights are at.
Home will also allow devices to be controlled when away from the home or also via other devices such as the Apple TV. The App also allows event triggers to be set to coincide with particular parameters such as temperatures being reached.
The App will cost £10.99 through the iTunes Store.