We’ve knownsince CES 2015 the Apple TV would play a central role in Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem, dating back to October 2014 when HomeKit support firstsurfacedin an Apple TV Software beta.
Wednesday, a newly published Apple support documenthas acknowledgedthat the streaming box acts as a bridge between HomeKit devices and your mobile life.
“If you have an Apple TV (3rd generation or later) with software version 7.0 or later, you may control your HomeKit-enabled accessories when you’re away from home using your iOS device,” reads the document.
to use Siri commands to remotely control your HomeKit-certified accessories, you’ll need to sign in with the same Apple ID on your iOS device and Apple TV.
Upon signing into iCloud, your Apple TV will register as a HomeKit-capable hub. Your home and accessory data will be stored securely using CloudKit and paired keys will be encrypted and synchronized through Keychain.
If you don’t own an Apple TV, dedicated HomeKit-enabled hubs are available for purchase, including SmartLinc’s $150 Insteon Hub thatlaunched yesterday.
to use HomeKit, you’ll need to use an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch with iOS 8.1 or later and purchase one of HomeKit-certified appliances.
As I mentioned yesterday, the fine print for Elgato’s new Eve lineup of HomeKit accessories explicitlymentionsthat controlling HomeKit-enabled accessories away from home “requires a third-generation Apple TV with Apple TV software 7.0 or later and an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch with iOS 8.1 or later.”
The first wave of HomeKit products started dropping yesterday withiHome,SmartLinc,ElgatoandEcobee, to mention just a few.
Apple has a running list of ‘Works with Apple HomeKit’ accessorieshere.
