Skip to main content

Apple HomeKit devices unlikely to land till spring at earliest

first homekit devices rumored to be arriving next week wwdc 2014
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Apple seems to be moving at a snail’s pace with the full-scale launch of its HomeKit automation system, a framework it announced back in June at its annual WWDC event.

The unveiling of the company’s HomeKit product seven months ago led some enthusiasts to believe that by the end of 2014 they’d be remotely controlling all manner of electrical items – inlcuding lights, locks, thermostats and plugs – via their iDevices or Apple TV.

Recommended Videos

But according to a recent Re/code report, HomeKit products made by third-party suppliers look unlikely to hit stores in any great number till spring at the earliest.

Unnamed sources told the news site that the apparent delays are partly down to the later-than-expected start of certification procedures for HomeKit hardware. The Cupertino company’s stringent standards regarding product performance are also said to have played a part in holding up the introduction of compatible devices.

As Re/code points out, CES 2015 saw the unveiling of several HomeKit products, including the ConnectSense Smart Outlet that lets users control various household appliances using Siri on an iDevice, and the Schlage Sense deadbolt that users can control via spoken commands. It will, however, be several months before any of these items hit the market.

In the words of Apple spokesperson Trudy Miller, HomeKit offers “a set of common protocols making it easier for customers to control HomeKit-enabled accessories using Siri or iOS apps.”

The system functions around “a secure foundation with end-to-end encryption which provides customers a secure connection between their iPhone or iPad and HomeKit accessory.”

Despite the seemingly slow rollout of products, Miller said Apple is excited to have an increasing number of partners “committed to bringing HomeKit products to market.” However, it seems interested consumers will have to sit tight for a few more months at least.

Trevor Mogg
Contributing Editor
Not so many moons ago, Trevor moved from one tea-loving island nation that drives on the left (Britain) to another (Japan)…
Apple to ditch its HomePod smart speaker but stick with mini version
HomePod

Apple will stop selling its HomePod smart speaker and instead focus on the smaller version of the device.

The company confirmed its decision to TechCrunch, adding that the larger version of the smart speaker will continue to be available until supplies run out.

Read more
Roku adds AirPlay 2, HomeKit to select 4K devices
Roku Ultra

Roku announced that it would begin updating select 4K Roku devices with Apple's AirPlay 2 and HomeKit technologies, giving Apple owners new ways to interact with the popular streaming media players.

The update, which is part of the Roku OS 9.4  software, will be added to the Roku Ultra, Roku Streambar, Roku Smart Soundbar, Roku Streaming Stick+, and Roku Premiere as part of the first wave. Roku TV owners can expect to get AirPlay 2 and HomeKit as well when Roku OS 9.4 is added to their TVs, which Roku says will happen "in phases over the coming weeks."

Read more
Apple HomePod can replace a Dolby Atmos soundbar when paired with Apple TV 4K
HomePod White

Shortly after Apple announced the new pint-sized $99 HomePod mini, the company revealed an upcoming feature for the original HomePod: A "Home Cinema" mode that lets the HomePod be the default speaker for an Apple TV 4K. Home Cinema also enables Dolby Atmos on the HomePod, something Amazon has done with its Echo Studio and Fire TV devices. Along with Dolby Atmos, the HomePod will also work with Dolby 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound formats.

This capability isn't quite ready for general release yet. To enable these features, you'll need tvOS 14.2 and HomePodOS 14.2. according to FlatPanelsHD, both of which are still in a closed-beta period.

Read more