Apple to unveil connected smart home initiative at WWDC

[Shawn Knight]

Interest in Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference increased a few notches on Monday thanks to a new report that claims the Cupertino-based company is planning to reveal a connected smart home initiative during the keynote.

Naturally, Apple’s iOS devices would be the stars of the new software platform according to unnamed sources as reported by the Financial Times. For example, the lights in a user’s home could be set to automatically turn on when the person enters the home via a signal from their iPhone.

But it’s not just limited to the iPhone as the iPad and even a revised version of Apple TV (expected later this year) could play a role in the connected ecosystem.

The idea of Apple getting into the smart home space isn’t a huge surprise, especially as smartphone sales in developed markets are beginning to slow. We’ve seen a number of smart home patents from Apple surface over the years such as a recent one that would use Siri to power a smart home system.

If true, Apple would join a market that already includes industry juggernauts like Google and Samsung. But even with some established players already on the field, the smart home market is still at its infancy in terms of growth and potential.

Critics have been calling for Apple to revolutionize a new market for years – could a home automation play be their next big thing?

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https://www.techspot.com/news/56877-apple-to-unveil-connected-smart-home-initiative-at-wwdc.html

 

[Skidmarksdeluxe]

At Apples overinflated prices you'd probably have to re-mortgage your house to afford their things, something I wouldn't dream of doing.

 

[Tecsavvy]

This move would be great! The next frontier is full home service and with apples STYLE approach I'd definitely buy.

 

[Guest]

Thats because you are poor

 

[Guest]

Just what I thought.

 

[Guest]

"We’ve seen a number of smart home patents from Apple surface"

clever wording

 

[Jad Chaar]

I think this is a good things. Only because it creates competition and makes the smart home initiative more of an active thing since a huge company like Apple is beginning to take a position.

 

[mctommy]

At Apples overinflated prices you'd probably have to re-mortgage your house to afford their things, something I wouldn't dream of doing.

And a $250 Nest thermostat isn't overpriced?

I agree with JC713, with Apple and other in the home automation business, it should bring the prices down as more competition commences.

 

[tipstir]

I like corningware home of the future transparent tech approach better.

 

[Skidmarksdeluxe]

And a $250 Nest thermostat isn't overpriced?

I agree with JC713, with Apple and other in the home automation business, it should bring the prices down as more competition commences.

Oh I agree there should be competition but mark my words, Apples stuff will always be highly overinflated. There's no need to jump on the home automation bandwagon (for me at least) for a long while yet, I'll just let the players duke it out.

 

[MalcolmTucker]

At Apples overinflated prices you'd probably have to re-mortgage your house to afford their things, something I wouldn't dream of doing.

Don't forget-- The Apple devices likely won't have replaceable batteries, or a SD Card. In 2014, these features are *Amazing* strategic breakthroughs in the industry of disposable devices or companies struggling to maintain a leadership position.

"Design-For-Disposability" is still the best way to maintain employment at Apple Factories in China, considering Tim Cook was promoted after solving suicides by installing nets outside of windows at the Apple Factory.

 

[Guest]

You'll have to get a new home every 2 years so the software isn't outdated though...........