Apple's HomeKit platform promises seamless smart home control via Siri and your Apple devices. Showcased at CES, these standout products ensure broad compatibility—and tips to maximize your setup.
A quick note: For remote Siri control of HomeKit devices, you'll need an Apple TV. Inside your home network, it's not required.
A smart home hub bridges devices to your system. Unlike many HomeKit items that work standalone, the Insteon Hub Pro makes Insteon's full lineup—plugs, thermostats, locks—HomeKit-ready. Retrofit your home without replacing everything.
The Insteon app also controls other HomeKit gear. At $150 from Insteon's site, it's a smart investment for expandability.
Challenging Nest's dominance, Honeywell's Lyric thermostat gains HomeKit support soon. Adjust temps remotely, learn your habits for energy savings—just like top competitors.
Standout: Apple Watch integration for wrist-based control, temp glances, and one-tap geofencing for away mode. Available now for $215; Watch compatibility expected this April.
Among IP cameras, Withings Home shines with HomeKit, environmental sensors, 12-hour app timelapse, phone alerts, voice control, and night vision.
Its monitoring prowess, sleek design, and HomeKit support make it a top smart home camera pick at $200.
Lock leader Schlage enters smart locks with the Bluetooth-enabled Sense: HomeKit-compatible, touchscreen keypad for phone-free access, and auto-unlock on approach.
Siri checks lock status too—perfect for peace of mind. Pricing and release TBD.
Incipio's HomeKit lineup suits beginners: Wireless Smart Outlet ($25) for single-device phone control; Wireless Smart Power Strip ($60) with one smart and three standard outlets. Slim design fits wall sockets easily.
Bonus: Light bulb adapter controls existing bulbs affordably. All coming soon on Incipio's site.
These devices integrate smoothly with Apple ecosystems. Note: HomeKit favors bridged Z-Wave/Zigbee over Wi-Fi (e.g., no Nest Thermostat pairing). Bluetooth sensors work if non-controlling.
Verify compatibility—absent so far: Nest, WeMo (Belkin plans support, no timeline), SmartThings (possible future).
Building a HomeKit smart home? Which device excites you most? Share in comments!
