Siri Control of HomeKit Devices While On the Go Requires Apple TV as Hub

One of the major focuses at CES this year was home automation, with a number of vendors announcing their plans for devices integrating with Apple's new HomeKit ecosystem. One of the key features of these HomeKit devices has been the ability to control them from iOS devices via Siri, allowing users to turn lights on or off, close garage doors, and more with just their voices.



As noted by The Verge , however, users hoping to accomplish such tasks while away from home will need to have an Apple TV on their home network to serve as the hub for these devices.

So, while commands like "Siri, turn off the lights in the living room" will always work while connected to your home Wi-Fi network, they won’t from the airport unless you have an Apple TV. But that’s it — you can still switch off the lights with an app, no Apple TV required. This behavior has been confirmed by a source close to HomeKit’s development as well as two launch partners who wish to remain anonymous. Only third-generation or later Apple TVs running software 7.0 or later will support HomeKit.

Apple has quietly included HomeKit in the Apple TV's software, but The Verge notes Apple will not be marketing the set-top box specifically as a home automation hub.



Many of the home automation vendors have been fairly vague about launch plans for their devices, and sources indicate that uncertainty is due in large part to the need to wait for Apple to finish polishing its HomeKit tools to ensure proper functionality. With HomeKit-enabled chips only recently beginning to ship to vendors and Apple's vendor licensing program still getting underway, most of these companies still have a few hurdles to cross before they can make their products available for sale.

Read More [...]

Posted in 2015 at 01:46PM, January 11

Could Google Glass soon show up in your doctor’s office?

As we've noted before, Google Glass could have important applications that go far beyond the consumer electronics market. And now Bloomberg reports that Google's X team recently met "with U.S. regulators who oversee medical devices, raising the possibility of a new product that may involve biosensors from the unit that developed computerized glasses." Bloomberg's sources say that the meeting with the Food and Drug Administration "included at least four Google workers, some of whom have connections with Google X — and have done research on sensors, including contact lenses that help wearers monitor their biological data."



Continue reading...

Read More [...]

Posted in 2014 at 01:30AM, January 11

Forget Wii U: Nintendo sold more than 16 million 3DS games in 2013

It remains to be seen how well the Wii U sold in its first full year on the market, but at least one Nintendo console flourished in 2013. According to a recent press release, Nintendo sold more than 16 million physical and digital 3DS games last year, a 45% increase in year-over-year sales. The 3DS family (which includes the 3DS, 3DS XL and 2DS) has also surpassed more than 11.5 million sales in the U.S. There were plenty of great games for the portable console released in 2013, including the new Pokemon titles and the system seller that is The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds. Another long-awaited sequel, Yoshi's New Island, is set to lead the charge in 2014 as Nintendo tries to top its record once again. The full press release can be found below.



Continue reading...

Read More [...]

Posted in 2014 at 12:15AM, January 11