Apple gives green light to HomeKit accessory-providers

Following the year-long wait since the announcement was first made, HomeKit accessories are now available for purchase after Apple gave third-party manufacturers the greatly-anticipated green light. Apple’s HomeKit allows people to create an ecosystem of connectivity in their homes and even give voice commands through Siri. Via iOS devices, users can control a variety of domestic products, including thermostats, lights, sensors, speakers and smart-outlets.

The HomeKit brings tech connectivity to a whole new level and signifies huge benefits for consumers

Numerous manufacturers have produced HomeKit compatible goods that can be integrated into Apple’s vision of a technological ecosystem. Among the many that have jumped at the opportunity to create a range is German consumer technology manufacturer Elgato, which has released a series of sensors under the brand name Eve. Eve products allow Apple users to monitor temperature, air quality and humidity, as well as outdoor atmospheric conditions, through their mobile devices. With the Eve range, people can also track if doors and windows are open in their homes and even control electrical switches through Siri.

Other manufacturers that have released HomeKit accessories include iDevices, Schlage, iHome, Lutron, Incipio, Ecobee and Insteon.

The HomeKit brings tech connectivity to a whole new level and signifies huge benefits for consumers – from increased home security, to greater energy efficiency and tech-guided gardening. If the system is proved a hit with the public, which the buzz in the run-up of the release seems to indicate, then many more producers will be clambering to make their devices Apple compatible also. The significance to the market for home electronics could therefore be extraordinary, with customers choosing their purchases based around the HomeKit. Given the potential for the industry, it seems likely that Android will also follow suit at some point, so as not to lose out would could be the next step in the 21^st century’s technological revolution.