In the last few years I have built my HomeKit product collection, I would tell people that HomeKit's value is the ability to bring multiple products from multiple manufacturers into one single application that makes it easy to use. After installing my alarm system a few weeks ago, something clicked for me. When I set up my automations, it clicked in my brain that True The benefit of HomeKit is to use automation on all devices exposed in your HomeKit ecosystem.

HomeKit weekly is a series focused on smart home accessories, automation tips and tricks and everything to do with Apple's smart home frame.

automation

For many years, my HomeKit configuration consisted of several smart sockets connected to our lamps. Because our schedule often varies, we didn't set them to automatic timers based on the time of day. I used the Home app to light multiple lamps simultaneously.

When I started expanding my HomeKit range with Lock Door August items, Fibaro water sensor, alarm system and Eufy cameras, I began to realize the value of automation. E.g. I use the motion sensor in my home alarm to raise my Hue bulbs to 30% brightness when they detect motion between 5:00 and 7:00 when I get up to make my first cup of coffee. Before I had the ability to program this automation, I had to get out of my bedroom, close the door back, open the Home app and turn on a lamp. Now, it just happens automatically.

Another way I take advantage of the benefits of HomeKit automation is the way I handle the lights of the motion sensor on the outside. I'm using my Eufy cameras to detect movement on the front porch. When it detects movement at night, it lights up the Hue headlights for a few minutes. In the back yard, I do something similar, but I use the rear contact sensor as the trigger. It is configured for the only lighting of the yard lights after 18:00 and before 7:00.

Track the benefits of HomeKit

Here are some examples to show you the real benefits of HomeKit. It's not just about "all Apple". It is not just about the possibility of canceling the manufacturer's applications. The real benefit of HomeKit is not limited to automation by a single manufacturer.

It's about the possibility of creating anything you want to create using the products you have. It doesn't matter that Philips doesn't offer a door contact sensor to trigger its headlights. It doesn't matter that Eufy does not create a flood light compatible with HomeKit. With both having HomeKit support, it doesn't matter what I can do outside. With HomeKit, it's all about what they can do together and that's the real benefit of HomeKit and building the smart home around a platform instead of individual devices.

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