Articles about Apple HomeKit

Video doorbells are friggin' awesome. For my home, I rely on the Arlo smart doorbell and I couldn't be happier with it. Arlo's offering was very easy to install, but more importantly, it lets me know when there is any activity at my front door, such as food delivery people, packages, the occasional nighttime raccoon, and more. For a few dollars a month, I can even save recordings to the cloud.

Of course, not all video doorbells are the same. For instance, you should avoid Amazon's Ring Doorbells as there are too many privacy red flags surrounding it. While Arlo is great, another respected company is getting into the doorbell game. You see, Logitech has launched the Circle View Doorbell, and it looks like a solid product. Unfortunately, it only works with Apple HomeKit, meaning Android users should look elsewhere.

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Apple’s HomeKit was supposed to simplify the smart home, putting the controls for all internet-connected devices in one place. The iPhone-maker’s solution largely delivered what it promised, but not all developers got onboard. And so, many homeowners found themselves unable to use HomeKit exclusively, as not all of their devices were compatible. Thankfully, Apple hasn’t yet given up on it.

Today, Logitech launches a new smart home security camera called “Circle View” that isn’t just compatible with Apple HomeKit — it is exclusive to it. In other words, if you aren’t an Apple hardware user, you shouldn’t even bother, as it requires the HomeKit Secure Video platform.

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While smart home devices are very popular these days, Apple's HomeKit sadly isn't. This is a shame, as I rather like the company's centralized approach to controlling the home. If all of your devices are HomeKit compatible, you can expect an elegant experience where you don't have to jump from app to app. Unfortunately, there are many popular smart home device manufacturers that don't put resources into supporting Apple's solution.

Today, Satechi announces a new smart outlet adapter that thankfully is compatible with Apple HomeKit. Called "Dual Smart Outlet," it can control power to two devices -- not just one like many other models. Don't want to use HomeKit and Siri? You don't have to -- you can use Satechi's app instead.

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Having a "smart home" is all the rage these days, with people installing Wi-Fi cameras, locks, and security systems. Not to mention, voice assistant hardware from companies like Amazon, Google, and Apple allow you to interact with those aforementioned smart devices. Understandably, however, some people are wary of installing such things due to privacy concerns and hacking. These folks shouldn't feel bad about being cautious -- there is absolutely nothing wrong with being hesitant to allow major corporations into your home.

With all of that said, even if you don't trust having cameras or microphones in your home, smart lighting is a less risky option that you should still consider. It is very convenient to turn on a lamp, for instance, using your smartphone. Today, a company called Eve Systems launches a really cool such lamp. Called "Eve Flare," it is compatible with Apple HomeKit and features the ability to change the lighting color using your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. You can even charge the lamp wirelessly.

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As a suburbanite homeowner, nothing brings me more joy than having a nice yard. Yeah, it can be hard work to mow the lawn, rake leaves, and pull weeds, but it is totally worth it. Earlier this year, I even installed the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller to more intelligently water my grass, and I came away very impressed. Not only does it keep my lawn looking good, but it saves me money too. How? It knows to skip watering based on the weather -- no more running sprinklers in the rain!

Believe it or not, starting today, the Rachio 3 is getting even better. No, the company is not upgrading the hardware. Actually, it is improving thanks to all-new Apple HomeKit support! Yes, owners of iPhone, iPad, HomePod, or other Apple devices can now control Rachio 3 using either the HomeKit app or Siri.

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Internet of Things devices for the home are becoming extremely popular, but Apple HomeKit, well, isn't. The iPhone-maker's platform for controlling the home hasn't exactly set the world on fire. Slowly but surely, however, device manufacturers are starting to embrace it.

Today, Logitech announces that one of its existing home devices, the Circle 2 Wired security camera, is getting Apple HomeKit compatibility; the wireless variant is not supported at this time. This will allow you to interact with the wired camera using Apple's Home app. It also means Siri support -- a huge convenience.

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Belkin's Wemo smart home devices are absolutely brilliant. Not only does the company offer power outlet and light switch adapters, but it recently introduced a dimmer switch too. The Wemo products are also compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Home, making them easy to control by voice.

Unfortunately, Wemo devices are not compatible with Apple HomeKit or Siri. There is good news, however -- Belkin is adding support. Starting this fall, consumers can buy a new product called "Wemo Bridge," which will enable HomeKit support for existing Wemo devices. It simply plugs into an Ethernet port on your router, thereby enabling support for Apple's smart home platform.

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As prices continue to drop, and the technology becomes easier to use, 'smart home' devices are set to explode in popularity. As someone who once swore off such things, I now have Wi-Fi-enabled electric sockets and home cameras. When I am away, I can turn on a lamp and monitor my house. It is very cool, but slightly annoying that there is no central app for all of my connected home devices. Since I chose different brands, I unfortunately have a few different apps on my smartphone and tablet.

Today, iDevices announces 'Smart Home Essentials'. This focused kit is both Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa compatible. By purchasing this well-designed kit, you can avoid managing multiple apps. It even comes with free concierge service based in the USA for help setting things up (if needed).

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