When a new tech category emerges, it sparks fierce competition among giants vying for market leadership. The personal computer era in the 1980s saw Apple, IBM, Sinclair, and Commodore battle it out, ultimately yielding a duopoly of Apple and Windows machines. Fast forward to 2016, and the smart home market appears headed down a similar path, with Google and Apple positioning themselves as frontrunners.
Both tech titans, evenly matched in resources, pursue contrasting strategies—Google through bold acquisitions, Apple via developer ecosystems. Here's an expert breakdown to help you decide before investing in smart home hype.
Google's dominance often stems from its vast resources, allowing it to muscle into markets decisively. Spotting the smart home's potential in 2014, Google acquired Nest—a leader in thermostats, smoke detectors, and security cameras—for $3.2 billion. This move brought proven products, expert talent, and an established brand.
Key advantage: Instant brand equity. Mention 'smart home,' and Nest often comes to mind, akin to buying Coca-Cola to enter beverages. We've seen firsthand how Nest thermostats slash energy use—in one week of testing, we halved our power consumption. How to install and use the Nest Thermostat to automate energy savings If you've ever thought about getting started with home automation, buying a Nest Thermostat is the perfect way to start. In just one week of use, we cut our power consumption in half. Read More
Unlike past acquisitions like Picasa (2004) or Android (2005), which Google fully absorbed, Nest operates semi-independently under CEO Tony Fadell. Google branding is minimal, preserving Nest's strong privacy reputation.
Leveraging Google's backing, Nest acquired Revolv—a $300 cloud hub—in an 'acquihire' for talent. Unfortunately, Nest later discontinued it, bricking devices and prompting refunds amid user backlash.
Recognizing acquisitions alone won't suffice, Google developed Brillo—an Android-based OS stripped for low-power IoT devices, rewritten in efficient C++. Early adopters have launched compatible hardware.
Brillo faces rivals like Mozilla's Firefox OS for IoT, optimized for low-end hardware using open web tech (HTML5, CSS, JavaScript). How to Run Firefox OS Apps in Your Android Browser You can now install Firefox OS apps on Android. Firefox for Android supports Mozilla's "Open Web Apps," allowing you to install and run Firefox OS apps directly on an Android device. Read More
Complementing Brillo is Weave, a secure JSON protocol for device interoperability—essential for seamless smart homes. What is JSON? A Layman's Overview Whether you plan to be a web developer or not, it's a good idea to at least know what JSON is, why it's important, and why it's used all over the web. Read More Yet, Android integration remains inconsistent, unlike Apple's polished approach.
iOS 8 introduced HomeKit, enabling developers to link accessories with iPhones, iPads, and Siri for grouped control. iOS 8 Is Here: 10 Reasons To Install It Right Away If You Own An iPhone, iPad Or iPod Touch, you'll want to update it to iOS 8 as soon as possible. This is why. Read More
HomeKit's success is evident: Philips Hue now integrates fully, transforming lighting setups. Philips Hue works with HomeKit: How to get the most out of it Philips has finally come to HomeKit integration on their Hue lighting rig, and it's amazing. This is what you need to know. Read more.
Apple avoids hardware risks, scarred by 1990s flops in cameras and PDAs that nearly bankrupted the company. Post-Steve Jobs' 1997 return, focus narrowed to core strengths. Expect no Apple-branded smart home gear— instead, it empowers partners like Philips, Belkin, and Elgato.
Microsoft dabbles via Windows 10 IoT for Raspberry Pi, Another new Raspberry Pi...and it's compatible with Windows 10 but lacks Google/Apple ambition. Google's buyouts versus Apple's tools—which prevails?
What’s your take? Will Google or Apple dominate smart homes? Share in the comments.
