Apple's 'Smart Home' Platform

Posted by Kirhat | Wednesday, May 28, 2014 | | 0 comments »

Smart Home
If you think that the latest iOS version that will be launch by Apple is all about design improvement in iPhone 6, then better think again. It appears that iOS 8 will be more than Healthbook, iWatch integration or even split-screen functionality. iOS 8 will be more about home control.

According to a report, Apple will introduce a "Smart Home" platform at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on 2 June until 6 June 2014. This will allow iOS 8 to control the inner workings of a home. For instance, an Apple iPhone and Apple iPad will be able to change settings on connected appliances, turn the alarm on or off, and control the lighting inside and outside of the house.

Apple smart home business was boosted by its recent acquisition of thermostat maker Nest for about US$ 3.2 billion.

Apple has shown interest in smart homes over the years with various patent filings, many of which have shown the use of an iPhone as the centerpiece for connected appliances. In one filing, a new iPhone application is shown allowing users to build custom "scenes" that involve specific settings for devices like home lights, speakers, a television set and more.

The report adds that like Apple's AirPlay, CarPlay and iBeacon, Bluetooth LE could be employed in the platform. This low energy version of Bluetooth, allows for connectivity over very short distances. This means that the system will be able to pinpoint the exact location of the home owner wielding the iPhone or iPad being used to control the smart homes, even if it is a sprawling mansion.

Smart homes also allow property owners to turn on their alarm when leaving the house, or have the lights turn on when entering. Home owners on vacation should be able to create the illusion that some one is at home in order to deter burglars.

With devices like Hue and Nest already available, but controlled via separate dedicated applications, Apple's smart home efforts may serve as a way to unify these different products. By becoming certified as an Apple-sanctioned appliance, devices would be able to connect into Apple's ecosystem, and also will be able to display an authorized logo on the product packaging.

In next week's anticipated presentation, Apple is expected to focus on privacy in an effort to alleviate users' concerns about data collection and government surveillance. Such a move would be seen as a slap at competitor, Google, which has been scrutinized for its similar Android@Home initiative's privacy policies.

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