cyevans

From my understanding it will be unified under a singular app plus integration to siri. I see this as apple's attempt to take on technology such as UPnP (think Belkin's WeMo app and devices).  For most people this will be a great introduction to home automation.  Having said that though it'll be more like a universal remote for your home rather than a more automated experience. Either way i think this is a great step forward for mass market home automation especially in terms of a unified protocol for devices.  Home Kit actually falls inline with what apple does best.  Keeping it simple.  By elimating complexities of a always on hub and by making an app that talks to devices 1 to 1 they can ensure that it will always work with little to no tech experience required.  Basically this is a apple's expansion of what Belkin does with its WeMo app.

 

Hopefully this protocol will be available for integration with other non Apple systems such as Control4, Crestron, AMX, Savant, etc.  This will make integration to products extremely easily.  It will also mean alot more products that are more affordable.

 

Will it eliminate Control4 and other existing automation systems? Heck no.  Will it make people understand what home automation is so that i don't need to explain what i do for a living? YES!

Alan,

You have done some amazing things with Control4 Integration, is there anything new in iOS 9 / Siri API's that would allow a 3rd Party to provide "real" Siri integration with Control4?  I don't want all of HomeKit, just real Siri integration (without a VoicePod or hacked web server) because I always have my phone with me.  

Or does someone already have a driver for Siri integration?

Thanks,

Charles