This guide shows you how to set up iCloud email and calendar access in Windows 10. Apple provides iCloud software developed specifically for Windows. Once installed, you can access files stored on your iCloud Drive, synchronize your Chrome/Firefox/Internet Explorer bookmarks with Safari, synchronize iCloud Mail, and more. Set up Apple TV as a home hub. An Apple TV 4K is the best solution for a hub because it's always plugged in and it's a superb video streaming device, plus its remote control has Siri built in so you can ask it to operate your home devices without having to reach for your phone. Strangely though, there's no Home app on the Apple TV.
Apple's smart voice assistant Siri is giving fierce competition to Alexa and Google Assistant. So much so that many brands dealing in smart home products have started manufacturing HomeKit products, which respond to your 'Hey Siri' command. Apple's robust ecosystem plays a crucial role in making HomeKit products a smash hit as you can use iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and HomePod to interact with those smart products. If you are planning to set up a smart home, check this list of Apple HomeKit products.
There are many HomeKit-compatible products available on the market; not all are essential for your home. For your convenience, I have picked up some products necessary for your home. When you set up a new home, security and comfort rule the roost, and therefore, you should consider products that provide you the same.
#1. August AUG-SL-CON-S03 Silver Smart Lock Pro
Security of your sweet home comes first, and therefore, this smart lock from August is your best bet. August has two notable features: temporary virtual keys and its ability to know when you arrive home. You can create virtual keys for a few days for your guests. Moreover, when you arrive, the smart lock opens itself automatically as it knows you have reached.
With August Connect Wi-Fi bridge, you can use Siri to open and close your door lock using voice commands. Its DoorSense technology tells you if the door is closed and locked securely.
USP: Temporary virtual keys
Check out on Amazon
#2. iHome ISP6X Wi-FI Smart Plug
iHome brings intelligent home solutions. This smart plug and iHome Control app are your keys to manage your home wirelessly. Install the iHome smart plug, and you can turn on and turn off lights, fans, audio system, humidifiers, and more.
Since it is a cloud-based service, you can manage all electronic devices from anywhere. Connect your devices to your home Wi-Fi network and use the iHome app. With the app, you can also control multiple smart plugs manufactured by iHome.
USP: Global remote access
Check out on Amazon
#3. Philips Hue White and Color Wireless Ambiance Starter
Light up your home with 16 million colors and shades emitted by Philips Hue LED smart bulb. This voice-activated bulb can be controlled with Siri. Enjoy unlimited possibilities by creating custom scenes using your smartphone or tablet. Make your special moments memorable by unleashing your creativity.
Once you install the bulb, forget the date as this smart bulb lasts 25000 hours. Install the bulb at your choice of location, download the Hue app and pair your Hue hub.
USP: 25000 hours of life
Check out on Amazon
Apple Online Setup
#4. Ecobee Thermostat
Ecobee's smart thermostat saves money you spend on heating and cooling. Every year, you can save 23% on heating and cooling costs by installing Ecobee thermostat with two extra sensors. It comes with a built-in Alexa voice service; however, it also works with Apple HomeKit.
You can use your iOS devices to adjust temperature and comfort settings from anywhere. Its far-field voice technology listens to your voice from across the room.
USP: Far-field voice technology
Check out on Amazon
#5. D-Link Indoor Home Security Camera
Parents with latchkey children need a smart home security camera. D-Link's indoor home security camera fulfills this requirement as it comes with features like motion detection alerts, two-way audio, local recording, and HD resolution.
Get the crisp and clear vision of your kids on D-Link's 180-degree ultra-wide-angle lens. This smart camera can cast detailed live and recorded video on your iOS devices with its free Omna app. You can store video clips in a microSD card as this camera boasts a built-in slot, which supports 128GB card.
USP: Motion detection alerts
Check out on Amazon
#6. Onelink Apple HomeKit Enabled Smoke Detector
Get a dose of entertainment and receive smoke alerts on your iOS devices. This smart smoke detector can do both tasks. Onelink has designed this smart speaker that works with your Apple HomeKit. The device can detect smoke and carbon monoxide in your home. When the speaker detects smoke or carbon monoxide, it sends an alarm.
USP: 25000 hours of life
Check out on Amazon
Apple Online Setup
#4. Ecobee Thermostat
Ecobee's smart thermostat saves money you spend on heating and cooling. Every year, you can save 23% on heating and cooling costs by installing Ecobee thermostat with two extra sensors. It comes with a built-in Alexa voice service; however, it also works with Apple HomeKit.
You can use your iOS devices to adjust temperature and comfort settings from anywhere. Its far-field voice technology listens to your voice from across the room.
USP: Far-field voice technology
Check out on Amazon
#5. D-Link Indoor Home Security Camera
Parents with latchkey children need a smart home security camera. D-Link's indoor home security camera fulfills this requirement as it comes with features like motion detection alerts, two-way audio, local recording, and HD resolution.
Get the crisp and clear vision of your kids on D-Link's 180-degree ultra-wide-angle lens. This smart camera can cast detailed live and recorded video on your iOS devices with its free Omna app. You can store video clips in a microSD card as this camera boasts a built-in slot, which supports 128GB card.
USP: Motion detection alerts
Check out on Amazon
#6. Onelink Apple HomeKit Enabled Smoke Detector
Get a dose of entertainment and receive smoke alerts on your iOS devices. This smart smoke detector can do both tasks. Onelink has designed this smart speaker that works with your Apple HomeKit. The device can detect smoke and carbon monoxide in your home. When the speaker detects smoke or carbon monoxide, it sends an alarm.
Ceiling placement of the speaker can enhance its acoustic quality, and it delivers crisp sound that fills your entire room.
USP: Ceiling placement
Check out on Amazon
#7. FIBARO Apple HomeKit Flood Sensor
Protect your sweet home against water damage by installing FIBARO flood sensor. This smart device detects water leak as well as a change in temperature. If water leaks anywhere in your home, FIBARO sends you alerts to save you from expenses. You can program your HomeKit-enabled lights to turn blue if water is detected.
The makers of FIBARO have derived its design inspiration from water drop, and therefore, the flood sensor looks like a water drop. The sensor also sends alerts when somebody changes its location.
USP: Temperature sensor
Check out on Amazon
#8. Arlo Technologies Smart WIFI Baby Camera
Best Apple Setup For Home Office
Arlo baby monitor is a smart way to keep an eye on your child, who is the most precious thing in your life. With its 1080p HD video camera, you can view live or recorded videos of your baby in excellent detail and rich color. One of the glaring features of this baby monitor is two-way wireless talk; by using this feature, you can comfort your baby in case s/he wakes up from sleep.
Advanced night vision gives a clear video of your baby in complete darkness. This baby monitor sends motion and sound alerts to your iPhone. You can adjust motion detection up to 50 feet. Enjoy a wireless range of 300 feet.
USP: 2-way wireless talk
Check out on Amazon
That's all friends!
Word document for macbook free download. Signing off…
Apple made some critical changes in its HomeKit line-up as Alexa and Google Home began to gain adoption. By adding a simple code, manufacturers can produce new products quickly and update old products. This move from Apple has eliminated the need for using a special chip. The result is there are many HomeKit-enabled products available on the market.
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Note: Prices given here are mentioned on affiliate portals while writing this article.
Jignesh Padhiyar is the co-founder of iGeeksBlog.com who has a keen eye for news, rumors and all the unusual stuff that happens around Apple products. During his tight schedule, Jignesh finds some moments of respite to share side-splitting contents on social media.
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