Last week, Apple released iOS 10. Included in the update was a new app called Home, which finally gave Apple's fractured HomeKit platform a central, unifying interface.
Caption byDavid Priest
/ Photo by Tyler Lizenby/CNET
So we took the last week to integrate Home with over 50 accessories at the CNET Smart Home, set up and test over a dozen automations and scenes, and generally turn this beautiful space "smart."
Caption byDavid Priest
/ Photo by Tyler Lizenby/CNET
The first task was integrating Home with window shades.
Caption byDavid Priest
/ Photo by Chris Monroe/CNET
The CNET Smart Home has a lot of open spaces with good natural light, so we installed 12 smart shades to control with Home.
Caption byDavid Priest
/ Photo by Tyler Lizenby/CNET
These smart shades from Lutron can cooperate with any other devices connected to Home. For instance, I connected one smart switch to all the shades, so I could open all the shades upstairs with one button press.
Caption byDavid Priest
/ Photo by Tyler Lizenby/CNET
You can also control the shades using Siri. That includes specific commands, and using them as part of larger scenes.
Caption byDavid Priest
/ Photo by Chris Monroe/CNET
The next project was connecting all of our lights to HomeKit via the Home app.
Caption byDavid Priest
/ Photo by Chris Monroe/CNET
Because there were so many light fixtures in the home, we relied heavily on smart switches to control standard bulbs.
With 23 connected Lutron in-wall switches and remotes so far, both installing and connecting lights to the Home app definitely took the most time.
Caption byDavid Priest
/ Photo by Tyler Lizenby/CNET
We've also used a couple smart plugs, like the iDevices Switch, for lamps with particular stylized bulbs.
Caption byDavid Priest
/ Photo by Tyler Lizenby/CNET
Finally, we've installed 10 Philips Hue bulbs so far -- four white light and six color-changing. These are great fits for lamps and rooms where changing colors or color temperatures are a cool extra feature.
Caption byDavid Priest
/ Photo by Tyler Lizenby/CNET
We also installed the new Apple TV in the living room. It allows for remote Siri control of the house -- so I can lock the doors while I'm driving to the office if I forgot to do it before leaving.
The scenes you set up in the Home app can be toggled with single button presses on the device. That means at bedtime, punching a single button could lock your doors, turn off all the lights, and close your shades.
Finally, we've installed three August Smart Locks at the CNET Smart Home -- and connected all three to Home. Now you can lock and unlock the doors with simple voice commands.
Caption byDavid Priest
/ Photo by Chris Monroe/CNET
One cool feature with August control is that you still have to authenticate yourself on the iPhone before Siri will control your locks for you. It's a nice added safety feature.