Looking for great holiday gifts for your favorite Apple fan? For that friend or family member who already has all the latest gadgets? Well, look no further than all the amazing and newly released gear made specifically for Apple’s HomeKit this year.
In its latest iOS, Apple created some major improvements in regards to its HomeKit framework and how easily and seamlessly it now integrates with Apple’s software platform.
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So, What the Heck is Homekit?
For those unschooled in Apple’s latest and greatest, here’s the low down. HomeKit is an Apple build framework, that means it’s a combination of a hardware certification platform and a database system. This allows third party companies to create hardware and integrate that hardware with iPhones and iPads. And that translates into easy discovery, configuration, management, and communication between a wide variety of smart home products like locks, lights, security equipment, and other home automation products.
In simple terms, when a homekit certified/based accessory is installed in a gadget lover’s house, they get to control that homekit-enabled accessory using their iPhone or other iDevice. You got it…just a simple tap of a button on the iPhone or iPad and the gadget responds, surely delighting any Apple Fan.
Meet George Jetson!
With the introduction of iOS 10, Apple integrated the homekit framework nicely into the Home App. When you open your iDevice, find the app called “Home.” The app allows easy access to all homekit accessories installed in your home. Even use Siri to control a myriad number of home automation tasks! Yes, we are finally living in a Jetson’s world…at least for a few things.
So, still wondering what to get that Apple Fan that has everything?
Take a look at our list of fantastic recommendations for products in all budget ranges that add flair AND function to your friends’ iDevice!
Honeywell Lyric Smart Thermostat
Honeywell Thermostats have been around for a long time now. The Lyric model, announced at CES 2016 is the smart thermostat model from Honeywell that is homekit compliant.
The thermostat can be controlled via iPhone or iPad in that you can easily set the temperature, get alerts from the unit and it knows when you enter the house and leave. The product works on both Apple and Android platforms and the company is running a special this Christmas. When you buy the Lyric Smart Thermostat, you will also get the Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze detector for free.
August Smart Lock
This Homekit accessory is bound to delight both young and old Apple fans. This clever little device uses a Bluetooth connection with the iPhone to automatically unlock your door as you approach the door.
Fear Not, the accessory also comes with a key for those times when the battery is less than optimal on the unit. You can create virtual keys for other family members and guests. When installing the unit, you will not have to worry about the existing hardware on your door. Your exterior door hardware stays exactly the same and this unit replaces only the interior side of your standard deadbolt.
Oh Yes, You can also unlock the door by simply using your Apple Watch with this device!
Elgato Eve Home Monitoring
When looking for home monitors that afford you the peace of mind and are easy to operate simply using an iPhone or iPad, many users look at Elgato Eve Home Monitors.
One of the most popular products that is available from this brand is the Elgato Eve energy device.
Instantly see how much energy your devices are using and switch them on or off with a simple tap or using Siri.
Taking advantage of Apple’s revolutionary HomeKit technology, Eve offers unparalleled ease of use, advanced security and tight integration with Siri.
Simply plug in the device, download the app and let Siri light up the Christmas tree this year. This is a perfect gift for the beginner who is yet to dabble with some easy home automation options
KooGeek Smart Plug With Siri
This little device is a great gift for starters who are trying to do a little bit of home automation without requiring understanding the technical mumbo jumbo.
You simply plug in the Koogeek product with your chosen device, Tap on Home App on your iPhone main screen, choose ‘Add accessory’, scan the provided number and you are good to go. Setup is a breeze for this device. You can install it inside or even outside to control your yard lights.
This is another great gift for starters who love their iPhones and are always looking to make life easier with technology.
There are also many other products in this category that make for a good gift option for Apple lovers. Some of these products that merit a mention include the TP-Link Smart Plug, Philips Hue Starter Kit and the iDevices outdoor switch.
Wrap It Up!
Believe us, your beloved Apple fans will be very happy Christmas morning should they unwrap a HomeKit gadget, ready for prime time on their iPhones and other iDevices.
Armed with the Home app and your homekit gift, iFolks everywhere on Christmas Day will be controlling the temperature, locking relatives and friends in and out of the house, and tracking the metrics of energy use of all those Christmas Lights! I mean who doesn’t want to live like George Jetson? Hey, where’s my flying car???? Okay, admittedly HomeKit is a small step towards a Jetson’s world. But it’s a very cool step indeed.