How the first Apple HomeKit products will work

A composite image illustrating smart home technology, featuring a house icon with Wi-Fi signals, surrounded by abstract lines and tools.

The first collection of Apple HomeKit-compatible products were quietly announced last week at the 2015 International CES in Las Vegas. These products included smart plugs, sensors, garage door openers, and locks.

While these appliances might not seem overtly exciting, they offer a glimpse into Apple HomeKit's vision for the smart home.

SEE ALSO: This is your future smart home -- and no, it doesn't look like 'The Jetsons'

While reports suggested Apple TV would serve as the central hub for the smart home, similar to Google's Nest thermostat, this is not entirely the case.

HomeKit products can work with Apple TV for remote Siri control (e.g., dimming lights from the office). However, controlling devices at home via Wi-Fi using Siri does not require an Apple TV. Remote control via an app is also possible without an Apple TV, unless voice command is specifically desired.

A key takeaway from the product launches is that HomeKit functions as a framework ensuring interoperability between devices, rather than relying on a single master hub or control center app like Apple Health.

HomeKit streamlines communication between an iPhone and a home device.

Example Product: ConnectSense Smart Outlet

An image of a white electrical outlet with a blue glowing indicator light, labeled 'GridConnect'.

Grid Connect's ConnectSense Smart Outlet, priced at $79, allows users to turn existing home products like lamps, older game consoles, and dishwashers into smart appliances. This means users can control these devices over the Internet without needing to replace them.

By plugging devices into the outlet, users can control them via an iPhone or use Siri. For instance, a command like "Goodnight, home," could be programmed to dim lights, turn off a PlayStation, and lower the room temperature.

Adam Justice, VP of Grid Connect, explained the company's decision to prioritize HomeKit: "First, what's really appealing is there's an easy setup for consumers – they can get started on an iPhone or iPad in just a few steps. There is also Apple wireless accessory configuration so people don't have to grab a sticky note with the Wi-Fi password on it, and there's also voice control."

Justice also highlighted Apple's security measures as a major selling point: "It has end-to-end encryption, so you don't have to worry about someone hacking into the system."

Unlike Apple's HealthKit, there are no current plans for a single app to act as the central control center on iOS devices, according to sources. For ConnectSense, users will utilize their specific app to manage lights and other home devices.

"When you buy a HomeKit product, you're purchasing the product and the interoperability between products rather than having to buy just one brand," Justice stated. "You can get a garage door opener from one company and a smart lock from another. Everything works together."

Other HomeKit Products at CES 2015

Other HomeKit-compatible products showcased at CES included:

• Chamberlain's MyQ Smart Garage
• Elgato's smart sensors
• Insteon's Insteon Hub
• iHome's iSP5 SmartPlug
• iDevices' Connected Plug
• Schlage's Sense smart lock

All these devices are designed to work with an iPhone and leverage Apple's underlying technology.

These devices work with Apple TV and Siri, though with some limitations. An Apple TV is required for remote voice control via Siri. However, for voice control within the same Wi-Fi network, an Apple TV is not needed, as HomeKit can identify iCloud credentials for Siri requests.

None of the HomeKit-compatible products announced at CES were available for purchase immediately, meaning Apple's smart home platform had not officially launched at the time of the article. Anticipation was high for a spring arrival.

The article concludes by suggesting that consumers would soon see the capabilities of Apple HomeKit and its partners, and its potential impact on daily life.

Topics Covered

• APPLE
• APPS
• APPS AND SOFTWARE
• CES
• GADGETS
• HOMEKIT
• MOBILE
• SMART HOME
• TECH