Everything you need to know about HomeKit

The below article talks about everything you need to know about using HomeKit and ushering yourself into smart home innovations, along with some frequently asked questions about HomeKit. 

What is HomeKit?

HomeKit is a software framework developed by Apple, that allows for users to enjoy features of a smart home. The main purpose of the framework is to allow its users to control smart home appliances using any Apple device of choice. HomeKit can be used to set up and control these devices, enforce routines for the devices, and creates a network of connected devices using the internet to provide its users with exceptional capabilities including controlling lights, thermostat controls, control of windows and blinds, remote control of other devices including smart toasters, heaters, humidifiers, air purifiers, etc. 

Why use HomeKit and HomeKit-enabled products?

The HomeKit framework may be quite daunting at the beginning, but getting to know the system provides its users with multiple benefits that bring innovation and digital capabilities into a new light, and it increases convenience, security, and safety, amongst other capabilities of having a safe and smart home. The HomeKit platform introduced by Apple, allows to connect smart appliances into a single network and allows users to control these devices remotely through any Apple device of their choosing. As more devices are connected to the internet, they can be controlled using various platforms including Apple’s HomeKit, Amazon’s Alexa, or even Google Home, and Samsung’s SmartThings. HomeKit is Apple’s solution to use Any HomeKit-enabled device with convenience and with the utmost safety and security. 

The best advantage to using HomeKit is being able to set routines for all your devices at once, and even in synchronization if the need be. With multiple HomeKit enabled products, you could set up your own routines, with devices of your choice. For example, a routine set for bedtime could include switching on your outdoor motion detectors, closing the windows and blinds, locking your house, switching on security cameras, putting off other devices to sleep, dimming lights, changing modes to your air purifier, etc. These particular settings saves time for users to have to set up each device individually, and also allows for remote control of the devices. The HomeKit platform gives its users a safe and streamlined option to smart home appliances and applications.

There are various HomeKit enabled products including smart plugs, smart lights, Apple TV, Apple HomePod, smart locks, smart deadbolts, smart sensors for windows or blinds, smart light controls including dimmers, smart thermostat, garage door openers, air quality monitors or purifiers, and many other appliances that could change the way we view smart homes and smart home applications. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): What is the purpose of HomeKit?

What are some of the best options for HomeKit enabled air quality sensors?

• Eve Room 2 – Indoor air Quality monitor with smartly designed features, LCD display, ideal for tracking various airborne contaminants including volatile organic compounds, measures temperature and humdifity levels, can last 6 months on just charging once, is portable and can be placed in different spots of your house to measure air quality in different areas, built-in Bluetooth, doesn’t require a hub for control. 
• Kaiterra Laser Egg 2 – The device has been well-appreciated for its accuracy and is capable of measuring various indoor airborne contaminants including particulate matter, dust, etc. and can also measure CO₂ levels. A device that is smartly designed, can be used remotely to understand air quality levels in your space of concern, with easy to use controls, and a digital display which shows the status of the air quality in any enclosed space. The device also reads temperature and humidity levels, and can last up to 8 hours on a single charge of the device. 
• VOCOlinc PureFlow Smart Air Purifier VAP1 – One of the best options available to a user for a smart air quality sensor and purifier in one device. Can be controlled using Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant, etc. The device can be accessed remotely through HomeKit, and is fitted with various features that make it one of the most sought out HomeKit devices, as it monitors the air and cleans it out when the need arises. With automatic capabilities to detect and change modes to improve the poor air quality in the area, the device is quite efficient in cleaning out airborne contaminants in a short span of time. It can also monitor temperature and humidity levels, and all measurements can be seen real-time through its easy display. 

How do HomeKit devices connect?

Any HomeKit enabled device can connect through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a hub which connects to the Wi-Fi. In most cases, you might need to add home hubs to extend the connectivity of the platform with its devices and ensure that there is an adequate connection range between the platform controls and wherever the device is situated. 

References 

Apple Insider. (n.d.). HomeKit. Apple Software. Viewed on 02-12-2022. https://appleinsider.com/inside/homekit 

Close C. (2021, December 14). Best HomeKit Air Quality Sensors 2022. iMore. Viewed on 02-12-2022. https://www.imore.com/best-homekit-air-quality-sensors 

Clover J. (2021, November 15). HomeKit: Everything you need to know. MacRumors. Viewed on 02-12-2022. https://www.macrumors.com/guide/homekit/ 

Price M. (2021, November 05). Best Apple HomeKit devices to buy for 2022. CNET. Viewed on 02-12-2022. https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/best-apple-homekit-siri-devices/