Independent developer Aaron Pearce recently launched a new HomeKit management application called HomeLog. Pearce has developed a suite of applications that improve the Apple HomeKit platform over the years. The newest tool is designed to make troubleshooting HomeKit less frustrating. 9to5Mac I recently met with Aaron to learn more about HomeLog and HomeKit troubleshooting.

What are you working on and where are you from?

I am the New Zealand developer of a number of HomeKit related applications: HomeCam, HomePass, HomeLog, HomeRun, HomePaper and HomeScan.

How did you become interested in application development?

As a teenager, I was drawn to programming at an early age, learning how to build websites and possibly iOS apps. I started with third party applications for DeviantArt, finally I joined them to start their official application at the beginning of my career.

And HomeKit?

My interest in HomeKit started after I received a few Hue bulbs and took a look at the frame offered by Apple. I was surprised by the lack of applications for HomeKit, so I set out to solve some of the problems I had, starting with viewing several cameras at once, so HomeCam was born.

What kind of things did you work on before tackling HomeKit opportunities?

Prior to the HomeKit applications, we launched the DeviantArt-related application series mentioned above, along with a few small toy applications. In my day-to-day work, I worked in other genres, such as shopping apps, logistics, and even a children's messaging app, Kinzoo.

Does being a kind of HomeKit application maker require a complete HomeKit setup at home?

I have a fairly small setup compared to some of my app users, although I have a substantial number of HomeKit cameras for testing, as each can vary so dramatically in how it works.

What is your favorite HomeKit problem that you have solved through your applications?

I should say that HomeLog is the application I personally found the most useful in the last month in which it was available. It is invaluable to see in more detail what HomeKit does when I test automations or find a broken scene.

And what do you think would be the answer for your users?

I would say that the vast majority of my users really appreciate having a backup of their HomeKit configuration codes through HomePass. You don’t think this is necessary until you lose a code or you just can’t get to your device, but when that happens it’s great to have a copy of your codes in the app, ready to use.

What inspired you to build HomeLog?

HomeLog was born out of my own desire to get more login information from HomeKit. Registration is something that all smart home systems should have; it is impossible to troubleshoot automations or even devices that get tangled up without good event logs.

Where do you hope HomeKit will end up in the next three years?

Over the next few years, I have high hopes that Apple will move strongly to Matter where it can. The opportunities this will bring will be immense. More devices, more device categories, and more application possibilities.

And how much do you think will actually happen?

At this stage, I do not expect Matter to completely replace HomeKit in reality. Devices like cameras require much more bandwidth than Matter is currently designed for, but I hope Matter will have more bandwidth devices added in the coming years.

What is it that makes you happy and has nothing to do with work?

Outside of work, I am currently renovating a house from the frame up. I really enjoyed diving in this process, with my own ups and downs of project management. Working with something physical is very different from a digital product.

More

HomeLog is currently available for $ 4.99 on Mac, iPhone and iPad. Check out more of Aaron Pearce's HomeKit apps here.

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