Apple doesn’t really make its presence felt directly at CES. However, at 2019’s event it has ramped up its focus somewhat. No, Apple’s not unveiling the Apple Car at the gigantic tech lover’s event, but it did invite reporters to meet with a number of third-party companies who have created HomeKit devices for smart homes.
These include smart lights, smart locks, smart door cameras, and more.
According to TechCrunch, the devices Apple was keen to highlight include:
New Wemo Light Switches by Belkin, which enable users to control lights using Siri or the Home App.
Smart light strip and power strip from Eve.
Smart outlet from ConnectSense, which lets customer easily monitor the power consumption of outlets.
Premis touchscreen locks from Kwikset, promising a “more contemporary and sleek look.”
Avia ultra-secure smart lock, manufactured by Mighton.
Nanoleaf Canvas modular smart lighting system, capable of throwing light shapes and patterns in time to music.
Netatmo’s Smart Video Doorbell that will let customers view who is ringing their doorbell on their iOS device. Netatmo is also said to be announcing a Smart Indoor Air Quality Monitor, which will also tell you humidity, noise levels, and more.
We’ll have more to report on all of these as they are individually announced. However, it’s interesting to see Apple playing a behind-the-scenes matchmaker role to drum up more interest in its promising HomeKit smart home platform. Particularly as iPhone sales stall, hopefully we’ll start to see Apple focus more on other growing aspects of its business — such as the promise of a smart home connected by our iPhones as a central hub.
