Our Experts CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. Our Picks CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. Looking to control your lights or thermostat with voice control? Or do you want a smart door lock or smart outlet? If you're the proud owner of an Apple device, it's time to start looking at a HomeKit accessory that brings convenience, security and automation right to your fingertips.
Read more : Best Smart Home Gifts for 2024 You see, HomeKit is Apple's platform for smart home products . It comes baked into every iPhone and iPad the electronics giant sells. Even better, HomeKit integration is a breeze -- download Apple's free Home app, pair it with your HomeKit-compatible devices and presto: an Apple smart home where you can control most tasks around your home with a few taps or using just your voice.
What sort of smart devices can you connect to HomeKit? You have a lot of options -- door locks , lights , a plug , cameras , a thermostat , motion sensors , window shades , you name it -- and the Home app can handle all of it in one place. As for Apple's assistant Siri, it'll be happy to lock the door, dim the lights, adjust the air conditioning, run a smart home scene or whatever else you demand of your fancy, voice-activated abode. The real question is which of these smart ho.