Apple homekit is my accessible application for controlling my HomeKit devices and in general for the basic ones automation and scenes, is also the preferred option. It has some limitations, for which many third-party HomeKit applications help fill in the gaps, but I just like the look and the ease of use. That said, an apparently simple feature seems to have alluded to Home, which is a simple switching feature. Currently, you can program a smart switch to activate something, but you cannot program it to turn it on and off when it is switched on, which for a traditional switch is a fundamental function. Why this was not created, someone assumes and in fact this My Home the application is already capable of such a task. It is achievable through third party applications, using conditions, but it would be very nice to do everything in one place. Fortunately, with the integration of shortcuts in the Home application, this is now a possibility, although still not as easy as in the mentioned Mi Home application, but still.
- Before explaining how to do this, it should be noted that the latest update to TVOS / iOS (13.3) seems to have broken light automation for those who use an Apple TV as our main hub. For those who use a HomePod as their primary hub, there seems to be no problem with these types of automation, so if an Apple TV is your primary hub, you should wait for the next update. Annoying, I know.
For this example, I will use two Vocolinc L2 (adjustable white) smart bulbs, which were grouped under the name of "Prayer Lights" (do not ask ...) and an Aqara Double Rocker Switch. I have also configured two scenes that I will use in this automation - Prayer lights on and Prayer lights off.
The overview of this automation is actually very simple, but we went into it step by step, so you can easily create this automation. Automation works like this;
- When the rocker button is pressed ...
- IF The lights of Prayer are OFF, then return them ON...
- otherwise, rotate the Prayer Lights OFF.
Therefore, it essentially checks the status of the lights connected to the switch and turns them off or off, depending on the state they are in.
automatically
- Press and hold the rocker switch * to get to the settings page
- On the settings page, you will see your buttons, waiting for a scene or device added to them.
- Click Add, and then select a device or scene instead, scroll to the bottom and select "Convert to shortcut"
* In this case, this double tilt switch is the older type, so it does not have double or long press options, only one press.
- You will then see the shortcut screen with "Set - scenes and accessories" implicitly
- Click the button + icon and select "Scripting", then & # 39; If you & # 39; (If can be a ready-to-select option).
- Then you need to rearrange these plates so that Scripting the tile is above the current Set tile
- In the Scripting tile, press & # 39; entry & # 39; then choose "Select a home accessory" from the pop-up menu.
- Your list of accessories will appear. In this case, I select Lights of prayer I mentioned initially.
- As Lights of prayer it is actually two bulbs, it only shows one of the bulbs for this automation, which is fine
- Then select & # 39; Name & # 39;and select & # 39; It's off & # 39; **
** For these bulbs, there are more options than normal, which refer to special light effects in Vocolinc's LinkWise application
- Select Set grease and pull it up so that it is underneath If tile
- Click on Scenes and accessories
- Select the scene created for these lights - in this case, Prayer lights on. Click Next
The first part of your automation is now set, which is simply - IF the Prayer Lights are off, set the Prayer Lights on. Now to the second part.
- Click the button + icon again
- Select New Taipei Control (this is my HomeKit home name, so any name of your home will appear here)
- Another tile is created. Click on Set - Scenes and Accessories again
- Your scenes and accessories will appear, so in my case, I choose Prayer lights off, chose Prayer lights on in advance
- Now I have to move this tile so that it is underneath Otherwise tile
- Full automation is in place, that is;
- When I press Aqara Rocker Switch
- If the Prayer Lights (Vocolinc L2 2) is off
- Set (scene) - Prayer light on
- Otherwise Set (scene) - Prayer lights are off
- End If (the sense of automation is complete)
- Click Next, and then click Done to save your automation.
That's it. While it may seem complex due to my step-by-step instructions, it should take you literally a minute to create this automation, if not less. It certainly helps to create a few scenes (if you can keep them, with the current limit of 100 scenes) that have the lights off and on, but not necessary. It is important to note that in some cases, it is possible to control a set of lights (grouped at home) when it comes to automation that checks their status to determine if you turn them on or off, you just have to check a bulb in the group, so it's a good practice to make sure that the same bulb is chosen as the bulb designated in all automation for the most part.
Terncy, based in Shanghai, announced plans to release the Terncy Smart Dial back in October, which is essentially a smart button with a rotary dial. While it boasts the ability to control devices through its rotary dial, this feature is currently limited to programming inside Terncy's own HomeKit app, although it also serves as a standard push-button that can be configured via the Apple Home or any HomeKit app from any third party.
When we first reported on the Smart Dial, there was also talk of being able to control audio / amplifiers, although there was little detail at the time about how this would or could be done. Terncy has now explained how this particular feature will work, and it seems that they collaborated with Sonos to make the Dial compliant with Sonos devices. We claim in the company's own words; Terncy Smart Dial is now compatible with products from SONOS. The Terncy Smart Dial will turn the play state and adjust the volume in an extremely convenient way with a quick click and rotate motion.
Because Terncy is compatible with HomeKit and Sonos is compatible with Airplay 2, which in turn means that it is also exposed to HomeKit, automations involving both might be quite interesting and would eventually lead to a lot of clever results if users in the HomeKit group are anything to go through. Ideally we will soon be checking out the new Smart Dial, so keep an eye out for a review in the future.
ConnectSense, the smart home company behind the HomeKit dual dual smart plug, today launched its smart indoor sockets. The outlets, which come in two variants, are only the second HomeKit interior outlet offer available, bringing a list of features that make them a compelling alternative to the traditional smart outlet.
Starting with a retail price of $ 79.95, ConnectSense 15A Smart-In Outlet has two independently controlled sockets and connects to the home network via 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. This allows sockets to work with all major voice support platforms, including Apple's HomeKit, and for added convenience, there are capacitive sockets on the socket for quick turn-on or turn-off. The market also has on-board energy monitoring capabilities, which the company calls "ultra-precise", with precision states within 0.1%.
For larger appliances or other needs, an additional 20A model is available, with a slightly higher retail price of $ 99.95. The higher-value model, combined with energy monitoring, has some potentially powerful automation skills, such as sending a notification, playing a sound or lighting a light when a washing machine has completed its cycle. Both models are also listed with power up to 1800W and comply with UL 489B-SA safety standards.
The installation of sockets requires the presence of a neutral wire in the electrical box, which may exclude some older houses, but should be installed just like any traditional socket. Once installed, the socket can be paired using NFC and Bluetooth Low Energy, making it easy and quick to operate using smart controls. Since the socket uses Wi-Fi for a directional connection to your network, no additional hubs are required.
It completes the list of features, there are LED lights, lock adjustment and a 2-year limited warranty. Smart ConnectSense outlets are available starting today, directly from ConnectSense or through Amazon, with premium delivery available. How do you feel about ConnectSense Smart In-Wall? Planning to pick one soon? How was your experience with other ConnectSense products? Tell us in the comments below or on Twitter, .
Just a month after Eufy shipped Eufy Cam 2, the company expected to promote Apple's HomeKit. Launched via a firmware application / update today, Eufy Cam 2, when paired with Eufy HomeBase 2, supports standard HomeKit camera features such as motion alerts, automation and live streaming. However, the absence of this release is support for HomeKit Secure Video, which is still in operation, although it has not been released yet.
To upgrade the Eufy 2 cameras at HomeKit, users can follow two different routes. For those who want to bypass the Eufy Security application, simply scanning the code on Home Base 2 is all it takes to get started. Once the base is added to the Home app, users will then have to press the SYNC button on the top of the camera for 2 seconds, followed by pressing the same button on the base. A "computerized" sound will be played and a voice confirmation will follow if pairing is successful. The camera should now appear in the Home application.
The other pairing method involves the use of the recently updated Eufy Security application (version 1.5.10). If the cameras are already connected to the Eufy network, the HomeKit activation process can be found in the settings section of the application. This will add home application cameras and will continue to be in the Eufy Security application, which is interesting if this will be blocked when HomeKit Secure Video support is launched.
Eufy claims that their HomeKit implementation supports two live streams on a camera at the same time, and one snapshot on the camera is captured every 10 seconds for the Home application. We will be curious to see if the 365-day Eufy Cam 2 battery life extends to HomeKit support, which we assume will add additional hardware usage, which could affect the battery life. The potential support for the Eufy Cam 2C is also mentioned in a support document, so we hope to see you soon. We will also be posting a review for the camera system in the coming days, so stay tuned to find out about our experiences with it.
The Eufy Cam 2 is currently available in a 2-room kit with Home Base 2 for $ 349.99 at Best Buy. Extra extra cameras are also available for $ 149.99, both at Best Buy and Amazon. In addition to the battery life of 365 days, the cameras support 1080p videos, 2-way audio, IP67 weather resistance and a 140-degree field of view.
How do you feel about launching EKY HomeKit? Want to pick up Eufy Cam 2 now that support is here? Are you going to wait until HomeKit Secure Video arrives? Tell us in the comments below or on Twitter, .
Update 12/17/19: As announced, Aqara's HomeKit line is now available on Amazon. Aqara also offers 20% off on Amazon with the promo code AQARA017. Aqara's low-price HomeKit accessories have long been available through various third-party sellers from stores like GearBest and Amazon, which makes it a bit confusing to find the right things at the right price. Fortunately, however, Aqara takes things into their own hands, announcing via Twitter the last days when it officially launches its product line on Amazon in the United States, Tuesday, December 17th. Although the exact prices have not yet been revealed for their accessories, we were able to determine which products will be available next week, as registration is already active on Amazon.
The Aqara lineup uses the ZigBee wireless standard for communication between the Aqara Hub and its associated devices. Although ZigBee devices are known for their fast response time and high reliability, this means that in order to enter the Aqara ecosystem, you will need the hub to add them all to HomeKit. Here are the details of all launch devices:
Read Hub: The brains of the Aqara product line, which communicates to your home network over Wi-Fi, and its accessory devices using ZigBee (up to 32 in total). The Hub is unique in that it has a built-in night light as well as a siren / alarm. Unfortunately, while the alarm appears in HomeKit, it cannot be triggered by sensors, such as motion or contact sensors that are not made by Aqara. However, you can weapon and disarm the alarm through the Home application.
Window and door sensor Aqara: Aqara's take over of the standard contact sensor is about the same as the one on the market. However, the company claims that the battery life can last up to 2 years, which makes it somewhat set and forget the type of device. The sensor can be used to create an audio / visual alarm if opened with the Aqara Hub.
Aqara water leak sensor: One of the most compelling devices released by Aqara is their water leak sensor, which is only the second HomeKit compatible water sensor known on the market. Aqara's price will probably be much lower than its Fibaro competitor and promises the same 2-year battery life as with contact sensors. The sensor can be used to create an audio / visual alarm if opened with the Aqara Hub - Update, the water sensor is not part of the launch line. Aqara says it will come soon.
Temperature and humidity sensor Aqara: Pretty standard fare for wireless sensors, but Aqara's compact device also claims to detect changes in air pressure, in addition to temperature and humidity. The sensor has the same 2-year battery life and can be used to create an audio / visual alarm if opened with the Aqara Hub
Aqara motion sensor: The unique design of the Aqara motion sensor offers up to 22 feet coverage and has a viewing angle of 170 degrees. The motion sensor also has a built-in light sensor and promises a battery life of up to 2 years and integration with Aqara Hub.
Read Mini Switch (button): The Mini Switch is a button that allows you to trigger different scenes or actions of the device and does this with combinations of 3 pressing keys (single, double and long press). The button works in combination with the Aqara Hub to provide features such as the ability to be used as a door bell, with audio feedback coming from the hub, as well as a panic button. The battery life of 2 years is also promised for this device.
Read smart plug: The company's Smart Plug is the standard start / stop plug for various devices around your home. The plug accepts energy monitoring through the Smart Home application in Aqara and offers the possibility to include it in automation and scenes. The socket is up to 15 amps, which is enough to supply air conditioners and heaters.
Aqara vibration sensor: The vibration sensor from Aqara is still a small white accessory that has a battery life of 2 years. As its name suggests, the sensor can detect vibration, tilt and fall, and notify you if its condition changes. Since HomeKit does not have a defined category for vibration sensors, this accessory will be displayed as a standard motion sensor in the Home application, but it will still complete the intended work. Examples of placements might be above a dryer to let you know when laundry is being done or for drawers that contain valuable items.
Also, Aqara will sell a start-up kit, which includes the hub mentioned above, and one of each of the following: smart plug, door and window sensor, motion sensor and mini-switch. How do you think about the Aqara line of smart home products? Are you planning to invest in the hub because of the potential low cost potential of other Aqara accessories? Do you have any experiences with the accessories you want to share? Tell us in the comments below or on Twitter.
We've been thinking about this hub and the counterpart of Aqara for a while now, with both apps having similar specifications, although the version of Aqara still seems to be a way off a release date. For a while now, the Mi Hub has been on beta test with around a hundred users testing the hub in Mainland China, with many photos posted online, revealing aspects of the platform, including the HomeKit software. Yes, although not necessarily overtly, even officially released photos show the HomeKit QR code. The Mi Hub will be released in Mainland China on December 12, although an international release is not stated at the moment.
The photo we were able to obtain shows a cost of RMB129, which is insanely cheap, at less than US$ 20, although it is doubtful that if you buy it from sites like GearBest or AliExpress you would pay that little. The potential reason for the low image price is that this could only be the cost of the non-HomeKit version, as you only see the' Works with Mijia ' logo in the picture, with no HomeKit logo in view. Instead, this could only be due to the company presentation concentrating on Xiaomi and Mi Home alone, so it's hard to be sure.
The Mijia version also emerged around the same time (unofficially), but was finally revealed earlier this month at MiDC, initially with a ridiculously low RMB129 cost and a tentative release date of 12 December in Mainland China.
As with the Smart Home ecosystem of Xiaomi, users can monitor their devices via the Mi Home app. The Mi Home varies from Apple HomeKit in that all compatible devices are mentioned in the app, so all devices are there in sections when you go to the' attach gadget' page. For new devices, what tends to happen is that they usually add new devices before they become usable. The gateway, identified as the Mijia Smart Home Hub, has appeared in the listings today, which is in line with the fact that when the hub will be launched we are fast approaching December.
There was no mention of HomeKit support at all in the introduction when the hub was first released, and it led to some confusion as to whether the platform would actually come with HomeKit support, or whether there would be two versions, a HomeKit version and a non-HomeKit version. The question was answered with the screenshots above, with the second screen saying, "This device supports HomeKit, and can be combined and worked in the Home app."
All great news if you're looking for a new Xiaomi / HomeKit compatible hub and have been struggling to source one in the U.S., though as already mentioned, initially the rollout for this platform will be Mainland China, with the eventual listings for this device eventually appearing on sites including AliExpress, GearBest and the like. It is also unlikely to be nearly as cheap at first anywhere, although these prices tend to fall after a few months when the excitement has fallen.
Although the teaser post showed only one photo of the lock, we can now reveal exclusively that the latest lock, called ' Titan ' in the original Tweet, comes in three finishes, although we are not sure what the names for these finishes will be given at the final release.
The lock comes in at least three finishes we know of, with the keypad being black for each one. It's Red, Gold, Metallic Blue. What we can learn from the photos is that apart from being compliant with Apple HomeKit, they have an integrated fingerprint reader, a touchscreen keypad, the ability to open via NFC and, of course, power through Siri and any HomeKit-enabled software.
The other half of the lock inside your home contains two thumb turn keys, one for the main mortice lock and the other for the key bolt, with large handles on both the inner and outer sections of the lock. These types of door handles are more common in Asia, as is this type of lock, compared to the United States, where deadbolts are more widespread, though many consider these types of locks to be much safer. The internal system has more buttons that we still don't know what purposes they do. The top portion of the lock shows what the battery compartment is almost certainly, that we presume will use regular AA batteries.
As with the recently announced homeKit compatible Aqara N100 Smart lock, some lock functionality – mainly NFC unlocking – is likely to be limited to the Terncy app and may not be a functional part of the HomeKit platform, but unlike most HomeKit locks that use Bluetooth, this one might use ZigBee, considering the other items in the HomeKit framework.Although the Titan Smart Lock isn’t listed on Terncy’s website at present, do check out their range of HomeKit compatible devices in the video above, especially if you’re looking an alternative to the Xiaomi Smart Home ecosystem.For more info, visit the company website – terncy.com
If you are not already aware of HomeKit Secure Video (HSV), this was a new set of features that Apple launched at WWDC 2019, allowing appropriate cameras to view both a live stream and videos from within the Home app, rather than needing to go to your own camera app. Another new feature allows scrubbing along a video timeline that appears at the bottom of the screen and also allows the user to set preferences for motion detection, so that while motion sensors can detect human activity, cars or pets can be ignored when it comes to receiving notifications for motion detection on your phone.
Users can only use HSV if they have the 200 gb iCloud storage plan that allows one camera to use this feature, with 1 TB iCloud plan users gaining the ability to use HSV with up to five appropriate cameras. All recordings are stored in the cloud, encrypted, but not counted against your storage.