Apple to reveal its ‘smart home’ platform at WWDC

Perhaps, Apple does not have plans to showcase its TV-set at this year’s worldwide developers conference (WWDC), but the company may provide a glimpse on something bigger than that: a platform for smart home, according to unofficial information.

Apple plans to demonstrate its new software platform that would allow its iPhone smartphones to work as a remote control for lights, security systems and other household appliances, reports the Financial Times. Not a lot of details are known about the new initiative, but it is expected that Apple’s integrated system will make it easier to set up and control new “smart home” devices. It is believed that the iPhone could wirelessly signal arrival of its owner to smart home devices and activate them. For example, lights or heaters may be automatically turned on exactly when it is needed.

The smart home platform will require Apple to work with multiple companies who produce appropriate devices. The latter should support a set of technologies as well as Apple’s interfaces for communication. As a result, smart home devices will generally get more user friendly and will be able to work seamlessly with each other.

Earlier this year Apple announced CarPlay platform that provides iPhone users an easy way to make calls, use maps, listen to music and access messages with just a word or a touch. The new platform for smart homes could have similarities with the platform for cars.

Apple did not comment on the news-story.

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KitGuru Says: Compatibility of smart home appliances is something that the market clearly needs. If Apple manages to ensure that different devices “just work” with the help of the iPhone, then it will gain additional competitive advantage over Google. Since the latter is not standing still, it will likely follow Apple with its own platform for smart homes.

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