Among a huge number of new iOS 9 features announced at WWDC 2015 was a small collection HomeKit enhancements, including remote access via iCloud and support for new device types.
iCloud Remote Access reads very much as it suggests. It will allow users to control and access their HomeKit-enabled devices via iCloud, so you don’t need to be at home to give commands using Siri.
But while HomeKit didn’t get the big billing some people expected at Apple’s Worldwide Developer’s Conference, it did get a few more enhancements beyond remote access.
After a limited set of profiles to start with, Apple has now introduced new profiles for devices like mechanical blinds, home security systems and a wider variety of room sensors.
Related: Smart Home: How Apple, Google and Samsung will take over your home
What we didn’t see was a larger look at how HomeKit might integrate with more Apple devices, like Apple TV and Mac OS.
It looks as though we’ll have to wait until later in the year for more serious HomeKit announcements, but we’ll take these in the meantime.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.