Apple HomeKit

Apple's contribution to the world of the smart home ecosystem comes in the form of Apple HomeKit. Apple products are known for their proprietary nature, and Apple HomeKit is no exception to the rule. There are a set of standards that third party manufacturers must adhere to for their products to be compatible with HomeKit and Siri. There is a method to this madness in the case of this smart ecosystem, as making manufacturers jump through hoops is for your security. Smart home products are notorious for security problems, and having this proprietary system ensures that no one will hack into your Wi-Fi through your smart bulb. There is a method to this madness in the case of this smart ecosystem, as making manufacturers jump through hoops is done for your privacy. Smart home products are notorious for security problems, and having this proprietary system ensures that no one will hack into your Wi-Fi through your smart bulb. That same peace of mind can be had with a secure wireless router and hub such as Securify's Almond 3. Even so, the convenience of using Siri to control your home is not something many iPhone users would take lightly when creating their smart home. The Home app comes standard with every iPhone, which allows easy access to your smart products in one place. Using your smartphone, you can ask Siri to turn on the living room lights, or turn off the kitchen floods. You can use your iPad to see who is knocking at the front door, or control devices remotely with Apple TV. All of your Apple products work in sync to bring you whole home control in an instant. Currently, there are over 50 brands worldwide that work with Apple HomeKit, with more on the way every day. Each compatible device is reviewed and approved by Apple - there's that proprietary system - for that added security. Compatible products include smart lights, switches, outlets, thermostats, window shades, fans, air conditioners, humidifiers, air purifiers, sensors, security systems, locks, cameras, doorbells, garage doors, and bridges. A full list of Apple HomeKit compatible products can be found here. That said, not all smart home products will be able to be voice-controlled by Siri, and her assistance is the major selling point of the ecosystem. Notable companies who have announced support for Apple HomeKit or are already shipping HomeKit compatible products are as follows: Lutron (smart lighting), Philips Hue (smart color and white lighting), LIFX (smart WiFi lighting), Kwikset (smart locks), and iDevices (smart thermostat). Speaking of smart thermostats - Honeywell has their "Lyric" line of smart thermostats, and there's also the already-reviewed-by-us Ecobee3, which is the most direct competition to Nest. First Alert offers compatible smoke detectors and other sensors, and the list goes on. True to their legacy, Apple isn't trying to be first - they're aiming to be the best.