Apple isn't at CES, but HomeKit is everywhere

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The smart home market is very hot now, and Xiaomi is also investing heavily to make a big move. Occasionally, I can receive prototypes from manufacturers, but there is a problem with connecting to the Internet. Some are through headphone cables, some are through sound waves, and some are through scanning QR codes. Every time I connect, I feel like setting up a router. However, the situation will soon change, because hardware based on Apple HomeKit will emerge in large numbers at CES.

The reason why HomeKit-supported hardware is easy to connect to the Internet is related to the principle of HomeKit. Apple's official description of HomeKit is: Home Kit is a new framework that allows users to control home devices and communicate with home devices. New devices added will gain better connectivity and a better user experience. Home Kit provides a standardized way for these devices to communicate with each other.

When it comes to standardized communication methods, we have to mention the new multi-point connection feature built into the iOS system, which allows any device to have an independent ID, so that devices can discover and communicate with each other. In other words, Apple breaks down the barriers between different hardware and software devices through hardware, allowing them to communicate directly without going through the cloud, and iOS devices will become the brains of them, and HomeKit devices can be controlled by Siri.

For Apple, the benefit is to expand the ecosystem, just like Xiaomi's goal. For startups, it improves the user experience and saves the cost of building data centers and servers. The two are a perfect match. As HomeKit is about to be launched, let's take a look at the hardware that supports HomeKit at CES.

iDevice Switch : A smart socket from iDevice that can be set to time and automatically controlled according to user habits. iDevice has launched the barbecue thermometer iGrill and released the HomeKit software development kit.

iHome SmartPlug : SmartPlug, the first HomeKit hardware from iHome, an Apple device audio accessories maker, is also a smart socket. There are three models in total, the difference lies in the number of interfaces.

Elgato Eve, Elgato Avea : Elgato Eve is a smart home control device that can monitor and control the air quality, temperature, humidity, air pressure, water and electricity usage in the home. This set of products includes: Eve room, Eve weather, Eve water, Eve door & window, Eve smoke, Eve energy, etc. Elgato Avea is a smart LED bulb that allows users to dynamically adjust and control lighting through the Elgato Avea app.

Schlage Sense : This is a smart door lock that provides a screen for password input and of course supports users to unlock it using Siri.

Incipio Direct : Incipio mainly produces protective cases and charging adapters. Their Direct wireless product line includes Smart Oulet (smart socket, $25), bulb adapter ($25) and Power Strip (smart socket, $60).

Insteon Hub : From the appliance manufacturer Insteon, who once cooperated with Microsoft, Insteon Hub allows Apple users to connect sockets, switches, thermostats and light bulbs to Insteon's HomeKit system. It costs $150.