Apple News
iOS 9’s ‘Home’ app will manage HomeKit accessories with virtual rooms
Siri will play a major role within HomeKit and the new rumored “Home” app, allowing users to remotely control the smart-enabled devices within their home, including lights, the thermostat and even the garage door, all with their voice. According to the sources, Apple has been working on this Home app for quite some time, and the idea is to debut the new functionality at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference, which takes place at the beginning of June.
Here’s a rundown of the features found within the app, according to the report:
- Wirelessly discovering and setting up compatible HomeKit devices
- Creating a virtual representation of rooms in the home to easily organize and connect HomeKit devices
- Utilizing the Apple TV as a hub connecting all of the HomeKit devices
- Offering a series of screens to help users find new HomeKit devices and apps
The Home app will function as a way to securely manage a home that has a wide range of smart devices and data in their home, just as the Health app works with HealthKit to secure the data tied to health and fitness. The report also indicates that many accessory makers waiting to use HealthKit are simply waiting for Apple to launch the platform, saying that “our launch timing is greatly dependent on Apple’s launch.”