HomeKit Weekly is a series focused on smart home accessories, automation tips and tricks, and everything to do with Apple’s smart home framework.
Google’s smart home hardware strategy centers around its Google Nest line of products. These include the Google Home, Google Home Mini, and Google Home Max smart speakers, as well as the Google Nest line of smart home devices, such as the Nest Thermostat, Nest Cam and Nest doorbell (wired and battery).
Apple, on the other hand, has a different approach to the smart home market. Apple’s only “smart home products” are the HomePod mini and the Apple TV. There is no Apple doorbell, No Apple cameras, and no Apple home display. After using some first-party products from Google for the past few weeks, it’s shown me the importance of setting the vision and giving users premium product options.
Integrations are good, products are better
With Apple, you’ll need to do your own research on Wi-Fi systems. Then you’ll need to find out which camera works best with HomeKit, and then if you want a thermostat, you’ll need to research that. It’s the smart home version of building your own computer.
What should Apple do?
I believe Apple should launch a handful of products:
- Apple-branded indoor camera designed for HomeKit Secure Video
- Apple-branded outdoor camera designed for HomeKit Secure Video
- Apple-branded outlet adaptor
- Apple-branded thermostat
- Buy Level, and rebrand its lock as the HomeKit lock
- HomePod with a Display
- Mesh router system with HomePod minis as the satellite connections
Building out these product lines would be a perfect upsell in the Apple Store, online, and in retailers. Apple sells its own Apple Watch bands, so why not its own smart home accessories? Hopefully this is something on Apple’s radar, and we can see it in the new year.
