iOS developer weighs in on how Apple HomeKit tools work, what lies ahead

While the first HomeKit-compatible accessories finally get ready to ship, developers have had a good bit of time to tinker around with Apple’s software tools to support the platform.

There are still a lot of unknowns about how Apple’s smart home framework will connect devices and if there could be a Home app to act as a control center on iOS devices. But let’s get a closer look at how developers are readying for Apple’s HomeKit connected-home ecosystem.

In the video above, iOS engineer Thaddeus Ternes discusses whether we should get excited about or temper our expectations with HomeKit.

He explains how the HomeKit Accessory Simulator allows devs to practice setting up Action Sets and classes with hypothetical devices, such as lights, fans, garage doors and thermostats. He also details some of the features he suspects Apple will introduce at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June.

Check out the clip above, and don’t forget to subscribe to our Ask a Dev YouTube channel to catch more videos like this.

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