The concept of a smart home was developed for a long time. It involves the management of a security system, fire system, home equipment up to the simplest devices with a single module. Smart home Apple is one of the options for the software platform.
The principle of the smart home Apple
The framework is designed to integrate household appliances and maximize their automation. From a technological point of view, the solutions are simple. However, Apple's system is closed and involves the use of only those elements that have been certified by the company.
The main market for Apple is the United States. Power standards are different here. Accessories specifically designed for the Home Kit may not work.
The Apple Home Kit platform solves the following problems:
- collects data from installed and connected devices and monitors;
- manages home equipment;
- Fulfills the programmed scenarios: turn on the heating or air conditioning at the right time, provide the security alarm, register the visitor and transmit information about it to the user;
- notifies the owner of the home of emergency situations.
The Home Kit framework is controlled by iPhone, iPad or AppleTV devices.
Full list of smart home devices
The platform allows you to work with devices and devices designed to operate in a smart home system. Installation and connection of devices of other manufacturers is possible. However, the choice in the Russian market is limited.
Lighting, sockets and switches
In the conditions of the Russian Federation, only those devices can be used whose sizes and energy consumption standards coincide with Russian standards.
In a smart home based on the Apple Home Kit, the company produces only 3 types of lamps operating from a 220 V network and an E27 base. All models support the partial power function. Decorative lighting available. For example, Nanoleaf Light Panels. LEDs in its composition generate color radiation of different power.
Additional convenience - smart switches. iPhone or iPad is not always at hand. Ready-made scripts are activated by pressing a button - short, double, long. Switches are located in places where implementation is required.
If home appliances do not support the Home Kit, there is another way - smart sockets. From iPod, you can control their on and off. Sockets act like counters. This allows you to control devices operating from them.
Ventilation system
There is an extremely limited number of air conditioners or fans certified by Apple. From a smartphone, you can control equipment designed for voltages up to 120 V. The list is short:
- Hunter ceiling fans;
- Haier range of air conditioners;
- oil heaters of the same company;
- O’pro9 air purifiers - available for the United States.
To include air conditioning in the overall system, they resort to other solutions: set up 3 operation scenarios and connect to an intelligent switch or socket.
Another way is Elgato Eve. This is a centralized controller that, with the help of outlets, is able to coordinate the operation of ventilation and air conditioning with the Apple platform.
Sensors
Better to use Elgato Eve.The weather station evaluates and displays the temperature, humidity level, pressure, the air analyzer in the room provides the same data about the air in the room. Contact sensors control the opening of doors and windows, can close doors and signal an unauthorized opening. Motion sensors detect the movement of objects.
Compatible with Home Kit products are August Smart Lock. From a smartphone, the owner of the home controls the entrance to the house, looks at the statistics of visits, receives a picture of the guest.
Accident control
Such an opportunity is provided by Elgato Eve sensors. Automation tools notify the owner of what is happening, but the platform is designed more for management, and not for preventing accidents.
Security systems
The base for it is the already mentioned contact sensors and motion sensors. Complementing the structure of the camcorder are compatible with the Home Kit, for example, D-link products. Pre-installed on the device software from Apple.
There is also a comprehensive solution - a ready-made security system from Honeywell. However, it is designed for voice control and uses English, French, Spanish and Portuguese.
Internet devices
The company offers its own protocol for transmitting data over a local network - AirPlay. If the speakers, receivers, cameras support the protocol, it is not difficult to connect them.
To control the smart home system remotely, you need to install a mobile application - a network bridge, a smart hub. Apple TV can also handle this feature.
There are other devices that can be automated: motorized curtains - regulate the flow of light; drives for opening lifting and sliding gates - suggest voice control in English; irrigation systems - supply water according to the programmed algorithm; thermostats - regulate the heating of each radiator.
Rules for connecting and managing the system
All Home Kit compatible devices are automatically detected and connected. Setup is carried out in several stages:
- on the room tab, the separation of devices by zones is set;
- identify devices compatible with the platform;
- each detected device is assigned a zone;
- long pressing the button of the device, open controls and make scenarios.
The devices or scripts added to the “Favorites” are accessible not only to the Home application, but also to other devices: macbook, tablet, watch, if they have an Apple account.
The main advantages and disadvantages of the smart home Apple
The Apple Smart platform for Home has its advantages:
- control from one device;
- Within the scope of the software, any scenario can be developed
- voice control is available through the Siri cloud voice assistant;
- wireless connection.
There are significant disadvantages:
- the list of compatible devices and technologies is limited;
- the choice of wall switches is very small;
- voice control requires internet;
- there are no elements installed in the electrical panel, the system cannot prevent emergency situations.
Apple suggests the ultimate in simplified management. This approach does not fit well with complex systems.
Market place
Apple is far from the first and not the only company engaged in the development of smart homes. Crestron, AMX offer more comprehensive and comprehensive solutions. At the same time, applications have already appeared that support certain Apple technologies.
Simple operation attracts consumers. It is not uncommon for the interaction between the iPhone and the “alien” system to write drivers or install special devices like the Raspberry Pi.
