BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO HOMEKIT
You don’t need to be an MIT graduate or a millionaire to have a smart home… J.R. Bookwalter shows you how to get started
The idea of “the connected home” has been bandied about for a few years now, usually as though it’s some sort of upcoming innovation.
However, the truth is that you can create your own smart home, complete with automated actions and intelligent sensoring, right now. All you need is an iPhone or iPad running iOS 10, which includes Apple’s HomeKit – a system designed to interact with compatible smart accessories. These can range from multicolor LED lights and smart plugs to weather sensors, smoke alarms, locks, and even ceiling fans.
Such products aren’t massively expensive and usually don’t require any complicated installation. So in the next few pages, we’ll look at some of the best HomeKit stuff available, and explain how to get started with setting it up.
1 Philips Hue Go $79.99
With more than 16 million colors to choose from, your home lighting need never be boring again. Although not the cheapest option around, this multicolor LED is portable, easy to use, and features a built-in timer for switching on or off automatically. Its brightness and color temperature are also adjustable.
2 Philips Hue Tap Switch $49.99
By adding an optional Hue Bridge, this combined switch and remote control can control up to 50 lights and 10 accessories with no wires or batteries necessary, thanks to the wonders of kinetic energy. It’s a great way to control all your Philips Hue bulbs from anywhere at home using four configurable buttons.
3 Lutron Caséta Smart Lighting Dimmer Kit $189.95–255.00
When individual products alone simply won’t do, here’s a complete bundle that includes a Wireless Smart Bridge, a pair of in-wall dimmers with Pico remote controls, matching wall plates, and tabletop pedestals for one reasonable price. This one’s easy to set up, but the Smart Bridge requires an Ethernet port.
4 Elgato Eve Light Switch $49.95
HomeKit-enabled light bulbs are one thing, but nothing beats the tactile feel of a wall switch connected to your smart home. This replaces an existing switch and allows you to use any existing bulb in a single or multi-light setup, switching lights on or off from the wall, Siri, or by tapping your iPhone; it’s especially great for families with kids.