Apple’s Home is a software and Apple’s Homekit is a platform. With Apple’s Home, you can control your smart devices and set up automation. For example, you can create a scene to turn on the lights and adjust the thermostat when you say “Good Morning” to Siri. Or at night, you may want to lock the door and close the garage with one tap on your iPhone.
All the devices that work with Apple’s Home must work with Apple’s Homekit as well. Apple’s Homekit, on the other hand, allows smart home device manufacturers to make their products compatible with Apple’s smart ecosystem like they can make lights work with Siri.
Also, it helps to ensure a high level of security for the smart devices, which means every device labelled with Apple’s Homekit works by meeting the strict security standards. So, with Apple’s Home, it means all the smart devices are successfully set up and connected so that they can communicate with each other and with Apple’s Home.
You can control your devices and create the scenes and automation rules. In contrast, Apple’s Homekit is a developer’s framework, allowing manufacturers to create hardware accessories and to let them make their devices compatible with Apple’s Homekit.
However, each smart device can be set up and controlled separately, for example, you can still adjust the thermostat in the relevant app instead of using Apple’s Home to control it when you don’t want to. But then it lacks the fun of setting up the rule in a scene and starting the automation.
Also, you can still use Apple’s Home to control them or ask Siri to do you a favour. By the way, another difference between Apple’s Home and Apple’s Homekit is the required software requirements.
For all smart devices compatible with Apple’s Home, they can work with iOS. But the set-up and control of the device, i.e., connecting and making a scene, can only be done on Apple’s Home app which is running on iOS 10 or later version of the operation system, such as iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.
On the other hand, Apple’s Homekit is an exclusive feature to iOS, so it can work with any compatible iPhone, iPad or iPod touch with iOS 9.3 or later versions, which can be found in the user manual.
Also, the set-up of Apple’s Homekit is much simpler; by using the iPhone’s camera, Apple’s Home recognizes the accessory and therefore setting up becomes super easy, as well as a quality of life improvement. So, with all the differences that have been mentioned, there is a simple way to remember.
Apple’s Home is like a heart that controls how the smart devices talk to each other more smartly; Apple’s Homekit is like a brain that helps the hardware to work together and have more awesome features.
Apple HomePod (2nd Generation)
The Apple HomePod has been designed top to bottom with audiophiles in mind. The main selling point of the HomePod is its sound quality.
Powered by what Apple describes as “spatial awareness,” the HomePod promises to automatically fine-tune its output for optimal sound quality in just about any environment.
The HomePod is Apple’s answer to the many home smart speakers available on the market today, such as the Amazon Echo, the Google Home Max, and the Sonos One.
Through the creation of the HomePod, Apple has entered into the smart home market. The HomePod supports the HomeKit platform, which is the app through which users can control all of their smart home devices via iPhone, iPad, and now, the HomePod. Every HomeKit-enabled device in the home app will be controllable using the HomePod.
This ranges from opening the garage door to turning on the lights and adjusting the thermostat. The control you have over your home is only limited to the HomeKit devices you have connected, and right now, the HomeKit platform supports a wide variety of device types from a large number of manufacturers.
Also, a user can control the HomePod using Siri. Siri can send messages, set timers, play music, and activate any HomeKit devices. However, the user must have one of the recommended devices to use Siri in a HomePod, which includes iPhone 5s or later and is also compatible with iPad Pro, iPad mini 2 or later, and iPod touch (6th generation) running iOS 11.2.5 or later.
By interacting with the user, Siri on the HomePod will adapt based on what she learns, which includes providing recommendations. Moreover, the user can ask Siri to provide information about the music playing, and be reminded to do certain things later in the day, among others.
Siri is a smart voice assistant developed by Apple that can understand natural language voice commands and perform various tasks.
The HomePod has Siri fully integrated into the device, allowing users to not only play music but also set automatic timers, play podcasts and audiobooks, stream news, and control other smart IoT devices.
Apple HomePod can distinguish between different users’ voices, allowing for personalized music control. Siri integration with Apple HomePod provides a complete smart speaker experience for daily life.
By giving Siri access to HomePod smart home devices, it supports a wide range of HomeKit device types. With Siri voice commands, we can easily control HomeKit scenes, such as setting specific settings.
For instance, if a HomeKit scene is named “Good Night,” simply saying “Hey Siri, Good Night” from HomePod will activate that scene on the currently active HomeKit device.
However, the configurations of scene settings and Siri voice commands will depend on the different smart HomeKit devices connected to the HomePod.
Additionally, newer software updates from Apple will provide more HomeKit device service support for Apple HomePod. Even in the initial setup of HomePod as a smart speaker, Siri voice recognition plays a critical role.
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Apple TV 4K 128GB (3rd gen) Wi-Fi + Ethernet
As a Homekit, Apple TV 4K provides a user interface, allowing users to control appliances in their home such as smart lights, smart locks, and more, by using a mobile device.
The new Apple TV 4K has a lot of new and exciting functions, such as the new Siri Remote, which has a touch-enabled D-Pad for easier navigation.
All in all, the new Apple TV 4K is a new and improved product with a range of new features that older models don’t offer. With a faster processor and improved user functions, the new generation of Apple TV 4K sounds very exciting and I can’t wait to get my hands on one.
Overall, the total review of Apple TV 4K 128GB is very positive and fantastic. Users are incredibly happy with this device and they say it’s very easy to set up, the picture quality is great, and the processor is fast, meaning games are smooth to play.
The only negative reviews were about the difficulty of putting the back on the remote, but over time I’m sure people will get used to this new design.
If you have an Apple TV 4K in a HomeKit environment and have set it up as a home hub, you will be able to control all HomeKit-enabled accessories such as intercoms, cameras, locks, thermostats, etc. in your home.
Additionally, you can grant or remove access to these accessories to people you know and trust, using the same iCloud feature you may be familiar with. With Apple TV 4K in a HomeKit environment, you can also create and view automation based on the accessories’ status or your location.
For instance, if you press the Control Center on your iPhone or iPad, a new screen will show the status of your HomeKit-enabled accessories, such as whether the main door is locked or what is the latest image of the front door.
This feature is called “at a glance.” By tapping the screen, you can view a larger image of the front door and interact with your accessories.
Moreover, you can allow people access to your home for a specific period or remove their access when you don’t need them to have it. This feature is useful for property landlords or if you want to invite someone to take care of your pets for a week.
Finally, you can use the Apple TV 4K to create and view automations based on your location and the state of your HomeKit-enabled accessories. For example, you can automatically turn on a light in the evening when the camera detects that it is getting dark.
Apple TV 4K 128GB (3rd gen) Wi-Fi + Ethernet, MN893LL/A, 2022 Check Price
Chamberlain B4603T MYQ Smart Garage Door Opener
Chamberlain MYQ Smart Garage Door Opener has a unique feature that sends alerts on your smartphone every time someone opens or closes the door.
With this powerful garage door opener, you can stay in control of your garage door and all activities around it. The garage door opener and the smartphone have the ability to control the door.
The opener also comes with a bright LED lighting that can be adjusted by the user to three preset settings, 100%, 50%, and 25%. This means that you can transform your garage into a living space by adding lighting that suits you. The lighting can also be activated when opening and closing the garage door, providing added security benefits.
The MyQ Smart Garage Door Opener application enables remote operation. If the door is left open, it will alert you as long as the app is active.
If you integrate the smart garage door opener with an Apple Home app, you will then be able to enjoy additional services, such as remote base and voice control using Siri. Integrating the device is easy – you only need to locate the MyQ Home Bridge anywhere around your home, plug it into power and Wi-Fi, and follow the simple steps provided in the User’s Guide.
The Chamberlain MYQ Smart Garage Door Opener has a key feature that makes it stand out: it’s compatible with Apple’s HomeKit, a virtual home system that allows you to manage all of your HomeKit-enabled accessories in one place.
When you add this door to your Home app, it becomes a part of your “home” and you can then organize and control different smart home accessories such as lighting, thermostats, and of course, the garage door.
The benefits of this integration are significant. You can open, close, or check the door at any time from anywhere, making it very convenient.
Additionally, the HomeKit connection allows for automation and “scenes”. A scene is a convenient way to control all of your home accessories with a simple command. For example, you can create an “I’m home” scene that will automatically open the garage door, turn on the entry lights, and adjust the thermostat to your desired temperature – all with one command on the Apple Home app.
The automation feature allows the equipment to respond to specific conditions or triggers. For instance, you may set the door to close automatically when you leave and receive a notification if the door is left open for a certain period. The successful demonstration of these features indicates the reliability and robustness of this smart garage door opener.
Chamberlain B4603T MYQ Smart Garage Door Opener Check Price
Eve Aqua – Smart Water Controller with Apple HomeKit technology
The Eve Aqua is a smart water controller that connects to your iPhone or iPad using Apple HomeKit technology.
This allows you to control your garden irrigation through an app or Siri dictation. You don’t have to worry about turning the water on and off every morning and evening.
Simply set a schedule for the device to turn on the water taps and you’re all set. This device is a technological breakthrough.
Eve Aqua is a device that can be integrated with HomeKit scenes. For instance, you can create a scene named ‘Gardening Time’ which will turn on the water for a particular duration when activated.
This one-tap process at home demonstrates the value of Eve Aqua by linking it to HomeKit and showcasing the use of HomeKit technology in Eve Aqua.
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Meross Smart Plug Mini
The Meross Smart Plug Mini is a miniature smart plug that fits over the existing power outlet without consuming all the available room, leaving the second outlet free for use.
It provides full compatibility with Apple HomeKit, so users can easily control it remotely, create scenes and automation in the Apple Home app, and also allow the kids and elders to enjoy the ease of a smart home.
To use this Smart Plug, you do not need a home hub but only a secured 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network and an Apple device running iOS 13 or later version. The installation is simple and easy, only three steps are needed: plug in, set up & connect with the internet with the Meross app, and add it to HomeKit.
Influenced by the design of Methe ross Smart Plug, this “HomeKit Edition” product is also a slick Wi-Fi Smart Plug that is energy monitoring and can control different devices connected to it. With these features, the Smart Plug Mini is versatile when it comes to usage like turning the light on and off, scheduling operation time, viewing energy consumption, and even controlling devices when away from home.
For parents or smart home beginners, having a HomeKit smart plug is a good way to start our smart home journey. Compared with other ones in the market, the Meross Smart Plug Mini has some obvious benefits when working with the Apple HomeKit.
Meross Smart Plug Mini, 15A & Reliable Wi-Fi, Support Apple HomeKit, Siri, Alexa, Echo, Google Assistant and Nest Hub, App Control, Timer, No Hub Needed, 2.4G WiFi Only, 2 pack Check Price
Why choose Apple’s Homekit?
Smart home devices can be divided into seven categories, which include lighting, climate control, entertainment systems, security and monitoring, home appliances, plumbing and irrigation, and access control. The HomeKit framework provides a wide range of services and accessories to manage these devices. It also allows users to communicate and control more complex connected devices, like doors and windows.
When we install the HomeKit app on our mobile phones, we can find most of the Info. list files in the root directory of the .app. However, in the sample project from the “HomeKit Catalog” core project by Apple, we can find the files organized in a subdirectory named “Configurations.” Although this app doesn’t communicate with any physical HomeKit accessories, it is designed to demonstrate all the major functions of HomeKit. It also helps debug every single HomeKit object’s configuration and status.
The HomeKit framework includes permitted smart home services in the HomeKit app category. This helps us handle and modify user permissions and data tasks while also managing the connection and message handling of smart home services.
Check out more Apple’s Homekit compatible devices Here
“Why did the HomeKit-compatible coffee maker refuse to brew a cup? It said, ‘I’m not programmed for depresso!”
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