I’m excited to share this blog with you, I’ve waited several months to be able to bring this together. The reason it took so long is because I needed two pieces of the Smart Home jigsaw to complete the puzzle. Both jigsaw pieces came from Apple and they’ve been around for a while but they’ve taken time to get to fit together; Siri and Apple HomeKit.
Apple are no strangers to Assistive Technology and since 2013 have offered Switch Control on Apple mobile and desktop devices. Switch Control helps you enter text, choose menus, move your pointer, and other functions all by clicking a switch. You can use a keyboard key, mouse button, trackpad button, joystick, or adaptive device as one or more switches.
Siri has been a well used resource for all Apple device users to set timers, call contacts, send messages and ask questions. It may have its critics, which voice assistant doesn’t, but as a personal voice gateway Siri handles everyday requests with ease.
HomeKit is a framework, developed by Apple, for communicating with and controlling connected accessories in your home. You can discover HomeKit accessories in your home and configure them, or you can create actions to control those devices. You can group actions together and trigger them using Siri and the Apple Home app.
For many people reading this blog post, the concept of using voice control to lower blinds, lock doors or turn off lights may seem like a nice to have or a luxury convenience. For a person with disabilities the combination of HomeKit and Siri is independence. The use of voice control for managing your home is empowerment.
One short voice command to your phone may set up the whole home for your arrival. For example, “Hey Siri, I’m Home” could first open the garage door, then turn on the hallway, kitchen and living room lights, then disarm the alarm system and finally unlock the front door. The automation options with Siri and HomeKit are a game changer for people living with disabilities.
We are still in the early days of HomeKit but there are currently around 50 devices which are compatible and they cover many of your homes requirements. There is an exciting range of innovative products controlling lighting, heating, security, electrical and entertainment services in your home and there is a steady stream of new connected devices being released for the HomeKit platform every month.
Customised have been working closely with the Works With Apple HomeKit range of products since their release and have put together several quick to install and easy to use Smart Home packages for any homeowner to start living with voice control of their home. We’d really like to show you how Siri and HomeKit is able to completely change how you operate and function in your home.
Customised are South Norfolk based Smart Home experts.
www.customised.uk.com/contactus