Apple Shows Off HomeKit Functionality With New Website, Video Spot

Apple has updated the HomeKit webpage, including a new video spot demonstrating what the application, using iOS 10, is potentially capable of doing in a room (via 9to5Mac). The 45-second video demonstrates the Home app for iOS 10 in action, showing a woman operating a range of devices from her phone, including the Honeywell Lyric Round thermostat, Kwikset smart lock, and iHome smart plug.

In the video, we see a young woman taking control of various objects connected to the exit of the bed from her iPhone, such as turning on and off the lights, turning on the coffee maker, closing the door, or adjusting the thermostat. Apple clearly wants to demonstrate that all these things can be controlled with Siri voice commands.

Apple also shows off device interconnectivity in the new ad. In one example, the woman tells Siri on Apple TV, “It’s movie time,” which dims the lights and lowers her house blinds. She is later seen issuing commands from a connected iPad Pro.

The commercial has yet to be posted to Apple’s YouTube channel.

In addition to the new ad, Apple has refreshed its HomeKit webpage with new descriptions. The new copy appears to be more direct, to the point, and focused on app functionality. For instance, the accessories section of the webpage is now titled “One app for all your home accessories” rather than “So many accessories. One easy way to control them.”

The revamped Home app page also includes information about HomeKit enabled products, using the Home app in iOS 10, setting up and triggering scenes, Siri integration, using a fourth-generation Apple TV as a smart home hub and more.

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