Apple will unveil a new “smart home” platform at next week’s WWDC 2014 conference. The platform will connect your home to the iPhone, and make an upgraded Apple TV box able to control other domestic devices.
A connected home platform
Apple’s yearly WWDC conference focuses on new software development, and Financial Times reports that Apple has big plans for a home automatic system.
The system would let you automatically turn on the lights – such as Philips Hue - when entering your home via wireless integration with your iPhone and other Apple devices. The platform would presumably also integrate many other electronic devices such as locks, music systems, and appliances, as well as Google’s Nest. Apple will let other manufacturers produce products that comply with the wireless and security specifications.
Apple TV is specifically mentioned as a center for controlling other domestic devices. As it never moves it could serve as the hub for the home, giving commands and controlling other devices via WiFi and Apple’s iBeacon system built on Bluetooth. The report notes that an upgraded Apple TV box is expected to be released later this year.
FlatpanelsHD will be covering WWDC 2014 on Monday June 2nd. There are no indications of a new Apple TV at this event so far, but we will have to wait and see what Apple has in store. Apple is also expected to debut iOS8.
- Source: Financial Times
Apple to unveil Smart Home platform at WWDC 2014
