With the all-new iOS 14, iOS users are in for a great number of surprises with Siri and the software altogether. That being said, it’s no news that Apple has also introduced a number of new changes and features for HomeKit updates. They are also set to land with iOS 14 and tvOS 14 this holiday season.
WWDC this year was quite different, for obvious reasons, but we were still given a surreal launch experience of the iOS 14. Siri’s new subtle form, pop up notifications and calling features, and so forth. Apart from an all-round revolution of the software in handsets, Apple has also introduced a number of features for the HomeKit. It’s safe to say that if there’s one thing people all around the world are eagerly waiting for, it’s iOS 14.
Here’ s a list of HomeKit updates set to land their feet in September:
The Suggested Automations feature
The HomeKit updates feature a wholesome tweaked HomeKit app to provide the users with suggestions of HomeKit compatible devices that can be connected. Whenever you add a new device to your home, the Home app in iOS 14 will suggest ways to connect it to other devices for better interaction.
For example, the Suggestion Automations feature will ask you questions like whether you want the connected garage door open every time you return home or turn the lights on every time it detects motion.
Adaptive Lighting feature
With the Adaptive Lighting feature, the HomeKit compatible light bulbs will be able to automatically adjust the temperature according to the day.
We already had scene control, temperature adjustment, light brightness, and color options that could be manually monitored. However, with the new iOS 14, the smart light bulbs will automatically adjust their temperature- cooler tones during the day and warmer tones during the night.
The HomeKit updates in the app will also an option available, which upon choosing will change the temperature of lights in a natural, minimal jarring way that minimizes blue light exposure. This feature is similar to the Night Shift feature which we have in iOS devices and MacOS.
HomeKit Secure Video
This is by far the most revolutionizing change introduced by Apple ever. This feature will analyze videos and photos locally before uploading them to iCloud.
Whenever your smart security camera detects a person’s arrival, it will run a check through its reports to identify who the person is- basically, face classification.
They are similar to the face recognition feature that’s built-in smart security cameras. This will majorly enhance the security and safety of your home.
Pre-announcements
HomePod will announce whoever is at the door beforehand, according to the new HomeKit updates. Also, AppleTV will give you a picture-in-picture view of whoever is near the doorbell camera.
It will search through the cloud to identify people and friends whom it might know through your previously uploaded photographs and videos. Also, you can define activity zones for busy areas.
Suppose you face a sidewalk or the main road, you won’t have your HomePod bug you ever now and then about random strangers.
Activity courtesies
As before, the HomePod will announce any activity courtesies on-device processing taking place in resident iOS devices such as iPads, HomePods or Apple TV followed by them reviewing the recordings on iCloud.
Secure Video doesn’t have a monthly fee, but definitely requires 200GB or 1TB cloud storage plans costing $2.99 and $9.99 per month.
The former works for a single HomeKit Secure Camera whereas the latter works for up to five HomeKit Secure Cameras.
Apple’s upcoming HomeKit updates have made the new changes secure and safe. Apple said that if one of your devices suffer from a cyberattack, it’s highly improbable for the others to suffer the same.
The devices like Linksys, Euro, and Charter Spectrum are crammed with privacy-preserving safeguards. They extend beyond smart home security cameras and automatically firewall all the HomeKit devices.
All in all, we’re in for a smart, surreal, and secure experience with Apple this holiday season
