Really looking forward to toss the Philips Hue app completely. Even though their new app is much improved compared to the old one, this just seems so much more natural and intuitive to me.
I'm more sceptic about whether I would actually be able to set the same automatic scenes according to time, wake-up lights and everything without having to relay on the Hue app.
Don't wait for this app to be your new app of choice, go and see some of the amazing apps third party developers have made. Some you pay for, so,e are free, some have in app purchases that you may not need (2nd bridge for Hue lights with the iConnectHue app for example - I'm guessing you won't need that if you still use the Hue app and having sought out an improvement), others let you try and app before paying to unlock all features.
The official Hue app has fewer functions than many of the it'd party apps, and Philips themselves promote other apps from within their own app so expect you to find others.
Give iConnectHue a go - it has your timers for sunset and sunrise, animations, allows your to thoroughly customise the Tap and Dimmer switches and lots more.
For the best simple app to just get on and use your lights you need to look at HueMote - that's free.
I've been looking forward to this. I'm cautiously optimistic that I'll be able to get rid of all the device specific apps and just use the Home app to control everything. Device manufacturers should only have to focus on the hardware, not have to develop apps, which most are terrible at and result in a mishmash of design language and control methods.
I've mounted my iPad Air to the wall as a central console for my home and this app is coming at just the right time to become the interface.
I wouldn't bet on it, take a look at the MyHome app and Home apps for something to replace several apps, Elgato Eve does a good job too and is free (the previous two are not cheap but if you've spent money on smart home tech it's cheap enough).
I'm sure the new HomeKit app can control everything, but to what extent we will have to wait and see. If we can't delve into the full workings of the product then the app is useless, I want to be able to control scenes with lights, not just turn them on and off.
I look forward to use this one and get rid of all other apps.
In case anyone in the forum knows and can elaborate on these questions:
1) Are the HomeKit compatible hardware possible to set up without the manufacturer bridge and instead use the AppleTV?
2) Will this mean we can circumvent manufacturer limitations in their software apps, e.g Arlo limits the quantity of cameras to a maximum of 5, therefore they want to force you to subscribe for a monthly fee if you want more cameras. I hope this app will help us sty on control of things if they are HomeKit compatible.
As I said above, it will need to do a lot to replace all apps. Don't stick with the manufacturers apps anyway, go and see what's available. You will need to pay, but then that's usually the case for quality.
1 - Apple are releasing an app, not a hub, that is simply not going to be an option. If the manufacturer could have controlled their kit with an app they wouldn't have put the hub in and could have saved a lot of money. So,e may be able to use an Apple TV but many work on systems rather than just taking a wifi signal. Maybe I'm wrong, but I can't see it happening, at least not with a lot of the thermostats that have a box to control the system, and Hue Lights.
2 - probably relates to one. Not all limitations are accurate anyway, and for so,e there are workarounds. With Hue lights they say you can connect 50 devices, people have connected 70, after that you just plug in another Bridge although at the moment on the iConnectHue can manage multiple bridges.
just wish more manufacturers were allowed into the HomeKit tent
I thought this was about Apple taking security serious and wanting to ensure any product was safe and reliable for the home before slapping their mark on it - could be wrong though. Plenty of rubbish coming to the market in the guise of 'smart home' - and a lot of it I wouldn't want near my house. If it's not trustworthy then it shouldn't be certified. The discussion about garage doors opening because you drive by is a perfect example. One incident of that happening and property stolen and Apple lose all credibilitywith Homekit surely. I wish there were not options, but I also want to ensure stuff I rely on is reliable.
This was probably the most useless update during the whole keynote.
This app adds absolutely no functionality that we don't aldready have in the other HomeKit apps. Nothing other than the app, in regards of HomeKit, was brought to light during the keynote. HomeKit needs work, it needs a LOT of polishing...what does Apple do? They present an app. An app that doesn't do anything more than the existing apps already do.
I tend to agree. We do need more global apps, and I don't mind Apple developing one, although I'm confident it won't be the app to replace all other apps - not at first anyway. I would like them to work wih manufacturers to develop more products. Don't try to make a thermostat, or a garage door, or a lighting system, or a cat flap, or an audio system, work with companies who know how to make those items really well and help them to make their product really make a difference in a connected home. Both sides win, and we get great products we can rely on.
I don't think the app is a bad idea, it's just that it isn't the priority, and doesn't change the fact we are waiting for more products.
