HomeKit Blog

Bosch has announced that it has started launching an update to its Smart Home line that adds support for Apple's HomeKit. The update, which will be available to everyone until August 13, comes around seven months after the company initially announced that HomeKit was in the works back at CES 2020.

The time has come: this summer, two big names in the smart home industry are joining forces to create the perfect user experience. By integrating Bosch Smart Home into the Apple HomeKit, Bosch Smart Home also offers Apple users more control options and convenient features for their smart home. Starting today, integration with the Apple HomeKit will allow all Apple users, starting August 13, to control their existing Bosch Smart Home components from the Apple Home app, combine them with other HomeKit-enabled accessories, and thus grow optimally their smart home.

The latest update will bring a total of nine HomeKit accessories. In addition to smart home staples, such as smart plugs and door sensors, Bosch-compatible HomeKit accessories include roller shutter controls, smoke detectors, and radiator thermostats. Bosch also intends to automatically add HomeKit to other accessories throughout the year.

The following Bosch Smart Home devices can be controlled via Apple HomeKit: Smart Home Controller, Smart Plug, Radiator Thermostat, Door / Window Contact, Shutter Control, Light Control, Motion Detector, Twinguard, Smoke Detector

Once added to the HomeKit, Bosch Smart Home accessories will be available for voice control via Siri on the HomePod and the Home app for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch. Bosch accessories added to the Home app will also work with other HomeKit compatible devices in scenes and automation.

The HomeKit update will come in firmware version 9,18,1628-14284 / 5 for the Bosch Smart Home Controller, which acts as a hub for all the company's accessories. An update to the Bosch Smart Home iOS app will also be available starting August 6th.

The best
HomeKit accessories for tenants
immoral
2020

If you’re a tenant, you’ve probably experienced a bit of smart housing envy when you hear about the wonderful ways homeowners have improved their lives with HomeKit-accepted locks, garage door openers, ceiling fans, and more. However, just because you rent doesn't mean you can't sign up for reindeer games. Here are some of the best smart accessories to make your home smarter without driving your owner crazy.

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Philips actually makes a variety of smart lighting accessories compatible with HomeKit. We suggest you start with the Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit, as it includes everything you need to connect to the HomeKit. Even if it's inexpensive to get started, once you've invested in a Hue Bridge, the cost of purchasing smart lighting will go down. You can use Siri to turn the lights on and off, and even create funny scenes and powerful automation.

• $ 167 on Amazon

• $ 190 at Best Buy

A smart plug is a less expensive alternative to a smart bulb and offers more versatility. Not only can you plug the light into it, but also the coffee maker, fan, stereo or anything else electrical. Belkin's Wemo Mini is a high-quality HomeKit-compatible smart connector that can be set up in just minutes. This compact plug is small enough to allow two to be installed in the same outlet.

In the US, the law stipulates that every rental has a kind of smoke detector. The Onelink smoke detector connects to your iPhone, and HomeKit alerts you if there's anything in your home, even if you're not there. Two variants are available: one with hard cable and one powered by a replaceable battery. We recommend the latter for tenants, because you can simply set it anywhere, without having to mess with the existing ones installed.

The Logitech Circle View camera is great for home security, thanks to its high-definition video and support for HomeKit Secure Video. HomeKit Secure Video uses your iCloud storage plan to store 10 days of cloud recordings and provides smart notifications that can filter people, vehicles, or animals. The motion sensor built into the room can also be used to trigger other actions in the HomeKit, such as turning on the lights when entering a room.

• $ 160 to Apple

• $ 160 at Logitech

August's smart Wi-Fi lock is designed to work with existing hardware, making it look like everything is still original from the outside. While this may require your owner's approval, adding the smart Wi-Fi lock in August will still allow them to access your site without having to obtain a new key. HomeKit support is included in the box, allowing you to set up convenience features, such as automatic unlocking on arrival at home.

This compact and completely wireless sensor from Eve is the key to creating hands-free automation, such as turning on the lights in the house when you enter. Eve Motion uses Bluetooth, connecting directly to the Home hub or iOS device, which means it can be activated in seconds with a quick scan of the association code from the Home app. The best part of this sensor is that it works both indoors and outdoors, which makes it one of the most flexible around.

These will not upset the owner

HomeKit functionality opens the door to scenes, automation and Siri, and tenants can join in the fun with a wide variety of owner-friendly devices. Whether it's smart light bulbs, locks or plugs, there are plenty of options available that don't require an electrician or changes.

Are you looking for HomeKit compatible lighting and don't need to replace existing light switches? The Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance starter kit receives our recommendation, as all you need to do is install a light bulb in the bodies that already exist in your home. This Philips Hue line is remarkable for its reliability and sensitivity, and additional accessories such as a dark remote control, can be added after you set the starter set.

Want an easy way to add a few smarts to a small appliance, fan or lamp? Check out the Wemo Mini Smart Plug, which is a cost-effective solution, easy to set up and small enough to allow two of them to be installed in the same outlet. Whatever devices you choose, these HomeKit accessories are sure to be a hit in your home and do so without worrying about whether or not to approve the owner.