The Apple HomeKit is a smart home system that can revolutionize how you interact with your home and your smart devices. Here are a few benefits to using one, as well as a few tricks it can do that you may not be aware of.
No Need for a Separate Hub
One of the first big benefits of the Apple HomeKit is that there is no need for a separate hub. Most smart home users and owners will know the frustration of getting a new hub, having to set it up, sync, connect, etc, before you can use it.
Getting a HomeKit during the Apple Black Friday sale will show you just how easy it is to set up, and sync, and how quickly it will integrate into your home and your existing smart devices.
Prioritize Security
One of the biggest concerns you may have when using a smart home system is the system being hacked or cyber-criminals gaining control of it. However, the Apple HomeKit is all about providing the best, and most secure experience.
The system uses end-to-end encryption and also stores data on your device, instead of in a third-party source, which could be hacked.
Focused on Privacy
Unlike some other systems, the Apple HomeKit does not take advantage of the trust it is given by users by exploiting the data provided to them. Instead, only a very limited amount of data is shared, with the rest being stored on your devices.
Effective Voice Assistant
Siri has set the benchmark as one of the best, if not the best, voice assistants on the market. You can expect more of the same with your Apple Homekit, as no matter what commands you give Siri, they are processed correctly and a relevant and useful reply is provided.
One-App Convenience
Another huge frustration many smart home users experience is the need to use more than one app to control all the different smart features. This small aspect can cause large amounts of annoyance, especially when you just want to perform a few small, simple tasks.
However, the Apple HomeKit changes this by allowing you to control everything from one app. This easy change means everything is under one roof, and there is no need to fill your phone with multiple apps, where each only controls one or two things.
Extensive Compatibility
Many people may be under the assumption that the HomeKit isn't compatible with as many other devices when compared to the similar offerings from Samsung or Google. However, this is the furthest thing from the truth.
The HomeKit is compatible with air conditioners, doorbells, air purifiers, faucets, and everything in between. Not to mention the long list of brands it works with, such as Phillips, LG, and Sony, to name a few.
Apple HomeKit Tips & Tricks
Now that you know a few of the biggest benefits of the Apple HomeKit, here are a few tips and tricks it can do that you may not know of.
Scenes & Automations
Scenes are a HomeKit tool that allows you to control a variety of different accessories with the tap of a button. For example, You can set a scene that turns all your lights or air conditioners on at the same time.
Automation is another option, which allows you to set a series of events. For example, with the touch of a button, your light can come on, then your smart coffee maker 10 minutes later, then your air conditioner 15 minutes after that.
Groups & Zones
Similar to scenes, groups, and zones allows you to control all the accessories in a particular part of your house. For example, instead of changing the brightness of each individual light in your living room, dining room, or kitchen, grouping them allows you to do it all at the same time.
On the other hand, Zones allow you to control specific zones at once, such as just the downstairs, just the garage, etc.
Home Sharing
A simple but useful feature is the ability to share your HomeKit with other people in your house, or regular visitors, family, your partner, etc. This allows them to control accessories in your home without having to bother or message you when they need something changed.
Third-Party Apps
One of the best parts of the HomeKit is that it can integrate and fully utilize third-party apps. You may find yourself in a position where a different main HomeKit app is better than the default one, and it is easy to download and begin using immediately.
Another benefit of being compatible with third-party apps is that you are able to integrate accessories into your HomeKit that may not necessarily be compatible to begin with. This applies to popular accessories such as the Nest Thermostat or Echo Show.
Apple Watch Control
If you are part of the Apple ecosystem, you most likely already own an Apple Watch. When combined with the HomeKit, you are able to control it with your Apple Watch no matter where you are, and it is far easier than having to get your phone or tablet out all the time.
*This is a collaborative post. All views and texts are my own.
