Apple HomeKit is an accessible way for users to create smart homes It's true that HomeKit is optimized for Apple's own HomePod speakers, but there are hundreds of HomeKit-compatible devices from well-known IoT brands Apple is also part of CSA's Matter initiative, with more gadgets designed to work in multiple ecosystems than ever before

HomeKit is especially useful for iPhone and iPad users, and the built-in HomeKit app can help you set up when you deploy a new device at home You can also add certain HomeKit settings to the Control Center, such as the on/off switch for a group of smart lights In addition, Siri can recognize your smart home devices, so you can ask your assistant to control them using your voice

There are competitive HomeKit alternatives such as amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings But having tested everything in a smart home over the years, I found that not so much about the platform you prescribe, but more about knowing how to use the platform of your choice to the fullest That said, if you use HomeKit, there are tips and tricks that every user should try

Whether you're a HomeKit veteran or just beginning your HomeKit journey with the best smart home devices, these are the best HomeKit features you need to know

A big reason to buy a smart home device is for home security From smart security cameras to video doorbells to smart locks, smart home devices can help you keep your home safe HomeKit goes a step further by supporting speech recognition through HomePod speakers (including the HomePod Mini and the standard Apple HomePod)Sound recognition can detect when smoke or CO2 alarms are going off in your home and alert you accordingly This can give you some reassurance when you're away, especially if you have a pet at home

If more than one person has access to the HomeKit system, it can be difficult to track which devices are being used and when Maybe you want to know what time the last day the alarm system was used, or when the smart garage door was opened earlier in the morning HomeKit admins can view their activity history up to 30 days in the Security tab of the HomeKit app Activity history shows which users controlled a particular device and how long the action took place

If you have a HomeKit secure video-enabled camera like Logitech Circle View Wired Door Bell, you can recognize your face when a known visitor comes to the door A notification will be sent to your device, including your Apple TV, to tell you who's there In terms of privacy, all video images are processed locally and fully encrypted, but you need to use a home hub for the feature to work HomePod, HomePod mini, Apple TV, and iPad can all be set up as home hubs

HomeKit users will want to make sure they get a smart lock that supports home keys, such as Schlage Encode Plus Home key support means that your Iphone and Apple Watch will act as a door key, just tap your device into the lock as you would when using Apple Pay, and you can also set the Express mode to bypass biometric authentication (face ID or passcode) when your device approaches the smart lock It will be Using the Apple Watch in particular is very useful when you have a hand full of groceries

Another way to get the most out of smart locks with HomeKit is to set up a PIN code for your guests1 If someone is coming with you or you have someone you trust, such as a housekeeper, you can add them as guests to access a specific lock in the house for PIN code locks, create a custom PIN code for the guest and you can always see when the code is being used in your activity history 

Compatible smart bulbs allow you to enable adaptive lighting features in HomeKit Adaptive Lighting can automatically adjust the temperature of the bulb based on the time zone (between the spectrum of warm light to cold light) It may stimulate the circadian rhythm with cool light in the morning and warm light in the evening to help the brain begin to weaken the wind for the day Adaptive lighting requires a home hub to follow the daylight schedule 

Smart blinds are one of the fastest growing smart home device categories 1, and the reason is not surprising - they can save you money The connected blinds can be opened and closed conveniently and can also be opened and closed automatically in certain cases When using temperature-based automation in HomeKit, for example, if the temperature in the room exceeds a certain threshold, the blinds can be closed without user intervention The fan connected to the smart switch or smart plug can also be turned on The HomePod mini has a built-in temperature sensor, but you can also use third-party sensors for temperature-based automation