Massive HomeKit improvements in iOS 11 include faster switching and much more powerful automation

“You can tell from the numerous improvements iOS 11 brings to HomeKit that the standard has evolved into a core component of Apple’s smartphone operating system,” Volker blogs for Elgato. “Bluetooth-based accessories respond much quicker to user commands, and automation becomes much more powerful through presence detection and refined options for timers and conditions.”

“Users of Eve Energy and other Eve accessories will notice this improved responsiveness immediately after updating their devices to iOS 11 and tvOS 11. Moreover, soon after iOS 11 launches, Elgato will publish firmware updates for certain sensor-based accessories (namely Eve Motion, Eve Door & Window, and Eve Light Switch), which will enable user commands and automation to be processed with minimal delay,” Volker writes. “Combined with iOS enhancements, Elgato’s firmware updates will benefit all respective Eve products, regardless of their purchase dates and product revisions etc.”

“Apple has invested a great deal of effort in refining timers, triggers and conditions, all of which expand the versatility of HomeKit-enabled accessories,” Volker writes. “Please note: Automation requires a home hub in the form of an Apple TV (fourth generation), an iPad with iOS 11, or the upcoming HomePod.”

Tons more, including many screenshots, in the full article here.

MacDailyNews Take: This is an excellent primer for users of Apple Home app and HomeKit home automation devices or anyone thinking of starting to automate their homes.

SEE ALSO:
Elgato showcases five new HomeKit accessories – August 29, 2017

[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “David G.” for the heads up.]

12 Comments

  1. I’ve got the Philips Hue System using my IPad Air 2 as a Hub.

    It’s totally unreliable, I’d say at least 80% of the time it won’t connect. I’m not flaming, just wondering if anyone had any ideas how to make it robust enough to rely on. At the moment I use the Philips Hue App and it works 100%of the time. Am I missing something? I was wondering if you have to keep the iPad unlocked with the screen set to never sleep but I’m not really happy doing that for security reasons. Ive upgraded to iOS 11 and it’s not much better.

    If anyone can help I’d appreciate it. Connecting locally it’s wonderful.

  2. I have about 30 HomeKit-enabled switches and outlets. When I turned my house into a smart house I never considered the possibility that I would need to update each switch’s and outlet’s firmware one by one.

  3. Perfect example to prove that apple cannot be trust.
    1. Go to Settings
    2. Click on your name
    3. Click on icloud
    4. Scroll down to bottom and click on
    “Share my location”
    The “ Share my location” feature is enabled and you will
    not be able to disable it.

    Anyone ever wonder why Apple allow developers to enable your “Used cellular data” feature without asking for your permission first or why Apple does the same for itself in addition to allowing the “ Allow Notification” setting to have an “On” default status. I for one get extremely angry when i install an app and when i start it up for the first time it’s advertising some app for sale. When you installed an app and the first time you open it
    and get hit with some sort of promotional sale you know right away that the app enabled your “Used cellular data” feature without your permission and called out to home base. Ever wonder why you still get those annoying nag msg about turning wifi on even though you explicitly turned it off. Yeah they claim it helps with GPS accuracy but the truth is it also helps them with collecting accurate data on your location and on you for reasons they will not admit to unless you catch them in the act and can prove it.

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