Apple HomeKit: Two More Products Join the HomeKit Home Control Ecosystem

Since its inception a few years ago, Apple HomeKit has been growing its base of compatible products. Two of the most recent brands to join the Apple HomeKit ranks are Logitech and Leviton. Along with other HomeKit enabled devices, the new Logitech and Leviton products will be able to be controlled from one unified mobile app, respond to voice commands via Siri, and sync up with the operations of other HomeKit devices to streamline how you manage your house and to automate certain functions.

 

Logitech POP Smart Button the First Apple HomeKit Programmable Button

 

Logitech’s POP Smart Button is now able to control the entire lineup of Apple HomeKit devices. With just a push, you can turn off the lights, lock the door, turn up the heat, and more without ever moving from your couch.

“Today’s smart home is about bridging simplicity with a more shared experience,” says Renee Niemi, vice president and general manager of Logitech Smart Home. “We are passionate about enabling customers to get the most versatility and entertainment within their connected homes. Adding Apple HomeKit to POP allows us to provide even more ways to simplify access to yourHomeKit-enabled home for the entire family to enjoy.”

 

The Logitech POP Smart Button Kit includes one smart button with three gestures to customize your control plus the POP bridge needed to connect the button onto a Wi-Fi network. You can extend the level of control by integrating additional POP Add-on Smart Buttons, available in four colors—White, Alloy, Coral, and Teal. Each POP bridge can connect to an unlimited number of buttons.

 

The POP Smart Button comes ready to pair with Apple’s Home app, so it can automatically discover other HomeKit devices. Using the app you can configure scenes that the POP can initiate with a single press, like turning off the lights, closing the window shades, and adjusting the thermostat.

 

The POP Smart Button can also be used with non-HomeKit devices, such as Sonos wireless music systems, or Logitech Harmony hub-based remote controls by using the companion Logitech POP app. In addition to compatibility with Apple HomeKit, the Logitech POP Smart Button offers the ability to control Osram lighting, Hunter Douglas and Lutron blinds, and more.

 

Availability

The Logitech POP Smart Button Kit ($59.95) and POP Add-on Smart Button ($39.95) will be available exclusively at Apple stores and Apple.com soon. Availability at other retailers will come later this year.

Leviton Apple HomeKit Decora Smart Lighting Controls

 One of the newest HomeKit-enabled devices the Logitech POP Smart Button will be able to control is Leviton’s Decora Smart Lighting system. In addition to the POP, the system can be controlled via an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple Watch, or Siri, as well as by Leviton’s own Decora Smart Home app.

 

Leviton’s new HomeKit family of products features three devices including 600 Watt and 1,000 Watt in-wall dimmers, as well as a 15 Amp switch with multi-way capability. These dimmers and switches are all wireless and individually HomeKit-enabled, requiring no centralized hub or bridge to coordinate the accessories throughout the home.

 

Using either the Apple app or Leviton app, you can facilitate distinctive lighting control settings such as fade rate, minimum/maximum brightness, bulb type selection and more to ensure the perfect atmosphere in every room. Decora Smart accessories can be grouped into rooms and zones, such as a home’s first floor or outdoor area. Multiple accessories can also be set up to work together as scenes, such as “Good Morning” or “Movie Night.” The apps can even allow accessories and scenes to engage automatically based on location, time of day or some other trigger.

 

“The innovation behind Decora Smart with HomeKit makes controlling lights efficient and flexible by leveraging only an app or your voice with Siri,” says Richard Westfall, vice president and general manager of Leviton Energy Management, Controls & Automation. “Installation of these Decora Smart products is straight-forward too, making it easy for users to set up their iOS device with Wi-Fi. Plus, with no need for a hub or bridge, the HomeKit-supported solution is ideal for both existing and newly-constructed homes.”

 

In addition to advanced functionality and compatibility features, the Decora Smart product line features a new in-wall aesthetic. The dimmer hardware features a dim/bright bar placed vertically alongside the on/off rocker paddle while the vanishing LEDs on the left side of the paddle show current and target light levels with real-time feedback. Both white and light almond faceplates are included with the in-wall devices, and color change kits are available in black, red, ivory, gray and brown.

 

Availability

The Decora Smart with HomeKit Technology products are now available for sale through a local Leviton electrical contractor, Amazon.com, and in-store retail locations such as select The Home Depot and Ace Hardware stores. These products include the DH1KD Decora Smart with HomeKit Technology 1000W Dimmer, DH6HD Decora Smart with HomeKit Technology 600W Dimmer and DH15S Decora Smart with HomeKit Technology 15 Amp Switch.

The post Apple HomeKit: Two More Products Join the HomeKit Home Control Ecosystem appeared first on Electronic House.

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