Apple HomeKit just got smarter with Siri-controlled devices and package detection

(Prototype credit: Apple)

Apple tree's HomeKit has lagged behind Alexa and Google Home, but is gaining a few new features that should assistance information technology become a bit closer to those other smart dwelling platforms. At WWDC 2021, Apple previewed some new functionality for its network, including the ability to detect packages and view security-camera feeds on your Apple Telly.

Best HomeKit devices
Apple tree HomeKit: What is it, and how do you use it?

Package detection

In that location aren't a lot of security cameras that fully integrate with HomeKit — Logitech'southward Circumvolve View video doorbell, security camera and and the EufyCam two Pro are among the few — but with the update to HomeKit, these cameras will be able to detect when someone leaves a package at your door.

It's a characteristic found on the all-time video doorbells, such as the Nest Hello, and has proved very useful equally deliveries accept skyrocketed over the past year. Having this equally a part of HomeKit means that other video doorbell makers won't have to worry about building this natively into their own devices.

When someone knocks on your door, you'll also be able to see a alive feed from your video doorbell or HomeKit-enabled camera on your Apple tree Telly, likewise. This feature isn't novel — you tin already do something similar with Ring cameras on Fire TVs and Nest cameras on Chromecast devices — simply it's skillful to come across Apple catching up to the all-time streaming devices.

Yet, with HomeKit, y'all'll be able to view a feed from more than i camera at one time, and too control smart home devices virtually that camera. So, if something triggers i of your cameras, you can then plough on your outside lights.

HomePod mini equally a soundbar

In May, Apple announced that its now-discontinued HomePod would be able to be used as a speaker for the Apple Idiot box; at WWDC, Apple said that the $99 HomePod mini would as well gain this function. Based on the presentation, it appears that you volition be able to pair ii HomePod minis for stereo sound, which would brand sense given this feature already works for audio.

Siri gets smarter in the domicile

Another improvement makes the HomePod mini into more of a universal remote; an update will let you lot enquire Siri via the smart speaker to play a picture show or show, and Apple tree's assistant will bring it up on-screen if you have an Apple TV. Again, this is something that Alexa and Google Assistant can already do, but it'south good to meet Apple achieving parity here. What'southward not articulate withal is if Siri volition be able to send commands to your TV and soundbar to plough information technology on, like the best universal remotes can.

Siri is likewise being extended to tertiary-party smart home devices. During WWDC, a presenter spoke to Siri through an Ecobee SmartThermostat (we're not sure of the exact model, but presume it's the latest version) to control smart home devices. Ecobee's thermostat has long had Alexa built in, so this is nothing new, but assuasive Siri on third-party devices is a new tack for Apple. We're interested to see what other smart home devices will incorporate the banana.

HomeKit on the Apple Scout

Apple HomeKit Apple Watch — (Image credit: Apple)

Final, Apple tree hinted that the Apple Spotter would become a more functional part of HomeKit, letting you use the smartwatch to enable Intercom mode, better control accessories, and become picture notifications when someone is at your front door. Ring and Arlo cameras already provide similar notifications, only show only static images, whereas the WWDC presentation displayed what looked similar a live view, with the ability to respond from your wrist.

And, you'll also be able to use your Apple Scout or iPhone to unlock a HomeKit-compatible smart lock via a characteristic called HomeKeys.

Apple didn't provide an exact date as to when all these features volition be bachelor — "this fall" was what Tim Cook said during the presentation — but a public beta will exist available in July.

Michael A. Prospero is the deputy editor at Tom's Guide overseeing the habitation, smart home, drones, and fitness/wearables categories, likewise as all buying guides and other evergreen content. When he's not testing out the latest running watch, skiing or training for a marathon, he'southward probably using the latest sous vide auto or some other cooking gadget.