Who will come first to “Matter” the smart home? It is the mad race that Apple, Google and Amazon have embarked on to gain control of the connected objects in the home. The new Matter protocol, which is beginning to be integrated into light bulbs, plugs and other connected devices, will unify languages to allow all objects to be compatible with each other. But then they have to use the same input word: “OK Google,” “Alexa,” or “Hey Siri,” when others also offer solutions like Samsung’s SmartThings, which lit up at the last CES with a gallery of home automation products. .
For this reason, they have all been carrying out their communication campaign for months to be the one that offers the most ease of use and attracts the favor of users. To be the key to the door to the connected home, Apple on Wednesday introduced its new HomePod connected speaker that is now capable of real versatility in smart home management thanks to a smart chip to pass instructions, a temperature control and sensor humidity, and an advanced version of your voice assistant. According to Bloomberg, this would not be the only device in the Apple boxes, which does plan to compete with Google and Amazon in this field.
Apple wants smart displays for the home
The e-commerce giant has a very wide range of Echo speakers and multiple devices with a screen (Echo Show) while Google has its Nest range, from the connected thermostat to the video intercom. For its part, the Apple brand can count on a large network of partners that integrate its HomeKit technology to be controlled in particular by Siri, but few things really stamp Apple. Therefore, it is time to increase the offer.
Citing unnamed inside sources, Bloomberg announces the imminent arrival of an iPad-like tablet that could control lights and temperature, possibly display video or even manage FaceTime calls. A simple-to-use product that could be used as a home automation porter, with assets to take advantage of the brand’s services and functions, all fixed to the wall or placed on a piece of furniture. iPads can already serve as a home automation hub, but that’s not their primary function. There would be a product at a much more affordable price in the absence of excessive possibilities.
Apple also seems to have understood that the control screens could be essential and, according to the specialized media, competitors to the Echo Show and Nest Hub are in the offing. The rumor of a HomePod crowned by a screen and offering the possibilities of Apple TV (applications, streaming services, music, etc.) has not been whispered for several years. With the deployment of a much more advanced and precise Siri to control the house, especially since the arrival of the HomePod mini designed as a low-cost multifunction home automation input (99 euros) and in the recently surpassed Apple TV 4K, Apple has better assets. to affirm. The incorporation of Matter in all its devices and the redesign of the Home application, more ergonomic, will be serious.
Source: BFM TV
