Will Apple home automation be the standard for home automation? It’s still unclear, but there are certainly a lot of manufacturers preparing for the widespread adoption of HomeKit.
In case you haven’t been paying attention, HomeKit is Apple’s entry into the smart home market. This type of Apple home automation will allow users to tap into smart home features, using iOS devices and Siri voice commands. It can even tie together a variety of products that are HomeKit-enabled, such as iHome’s iSP5 SmartPlug.
This newly announced device can put Apple home automation into almost any electronic device, such as lamps, fans and other appliances. It’s also super easy. Basically, plug the iSP5 into an available outlet, plug whatever you want automated into the iSP5, and you can use Siri or the iHome Control app to actually control those devices from anywhere in the world—as long as you have your favorite iOS devices connected to the web.
It’s worth mentioning that you don’t really need a whole-house HomeKit-based home automation system to use the iSP5. However, you will need some type of iOS device, since the app provides the SmartPlug’s main method of remote control.
Besides controlling individual devices, users can group several of the smart plugs for “scenes” or other applications. Those options can be controlled with a single command, if needed. Users can also create schedules, all using the iHome Control app.
Because of the design, iHome says that two iSP5 SmartPlugs can be plugged into the same wall socket at once. Other than that, you only need a WiFi connection. Of course, HomeKit users will also need an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch running iOS 8.1 or later.
Pre-orders for the iHome iSP5 SmartPlug will start on June 15 at $39.99, with shipments coming in late June and throughout July. The company is planning to release additional iHome Control products in the near future as well.
Leave a Reply