So….We’ve only just had CES 2019 launch and already HomeKit fans have been bowled over by the sheer amount of devices, updates and new functionality that has been announced. Given that Apple have deemed it wise to make their own appearance via an invite-only press conference for a selection of news outlets to announce all the HomeKit/Airplay news on behalf of many additional manufacturers and partners, it would seem the tide has turned somewhat for HomeKit – not that it was ever in any real danger of vanishing any time soon, but considering all the products that work with Google Home and Amazon Alexa, as a user of Homekit products, one was feeling a bit left behind. Still, this is 2019, and there’s already plenty to talk about, so let’s have a look at all the announcements so far.
Honeywell T-Series Smart Thermostats and Sensors
All new Thermostat designs to work on a room-by-room basis
Advanced smart sensors with people detection (200ft range)
Control the temperature in any room at any time
HomeKit compatibility coming later in 2019
Lutron Ceiling Fan
Designed to add smart control to your existing standard fan
Works with Lutron’s Caseta hub – no mention of connection to HomeKit at present
Works with a single 1.5A ceiling fan
Neutral wire required, unlike their Caseta line of Smart light switches
First Alert announce update to their Safe & Sound Smoke Alarm/Speaker
Will be HomeKit compatible, as per the first version, as well as Google Assistant or with Amazon Alexa built inBuilt-in
Airplay 2 speaker for multi-room audio
The 2019 model will feature WiFi mesh technology to allow for expanded connectivity
TP-Link Kasa Smart Plugs to gain HomeKit compatibility
Already compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and even Microsoft Cortana
HomeKit integration will come via a (we presume) Firmware update for Software Authentication
HomeKit coming to Arlo Pro and Arlo Ultra Cameras
Arlo Ultra combines a 4K Wire free security camera and HomeKit compatible hub
Black and white, or colour night vision, thanks to an integrated Infrared Spotlight
Arlo hub will also work with Z-wave and Zigbee devices – presumably acting as a hub for these devices too
Both the Arlo Pro and Ultra will gain HomeKit support by an OT update later this year
Brilliant Home Control to gain HomeKit support
First released in late 2018, the Smart Home control switch will add HomeKit compatibility this Spring
Already compatible with the usual platforms – Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, but also Nest, Ecobee, Honeywell, Ring, August, Philips Hue, Sonos, and Wemo.
Capable of music playback (no mention of Airplay 2 yet), stream video (currently via Ring Doorbell cams for example), and of course control lights
OTA firmware update for current models expected in Q2 2019
HomeKit support update for ‘U by Moen’ Smart Shower
Already compatible with Alexa, with HomeKit and Google support due this Spring
Allows voice control of the shower – start, stop, pause and even preset ‘scenes’ for different preferences, including temperature
Comments