This is the most underrated new Apple Watch feature in watchOS 8
This is the most underrated new Apple Sentinel feature in watchOS 8
I like writing about the Apple Watch, and I like writing nearly smart home devices. Information technology's not oftentimes I notice cause to write about the ii together, only watchOS 8 might've but inverse that.
Among other useful updates like a much-improved messages experience and an added Find My Devices app, watchOS 8 introduces a redesigned HomeKit app. And in the few weeks since the total software went live, I've used HomeKit more than ever before.
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For a long time, HomeKit lacked compared to the ever-growing skills of Alexa and Google Assistant. While I use Siri on my iPhone when I'm on the go or need assistance sending a text, Amazon's and Google'due south AI butlers proved more effective at home.
But Apple has upped its smart home efforts, releasing the fair-priced and strong-sounding HomePod mini last yr, challenging the best Alexa speakers and best Google Home speakers with a version that lets people summon Siri.
New hardware wasn't enough to convince me, though. I have enough of the best smart speakers already. While the company's gradual compatibility growth with smart dwelling brands of all sizes somewhat piqued my interest, I all the same refrained.
But then watchOS 8 (along with some HomeKit improvements in iOS xv) promised to make my Apple tree Sentry half dozen the ultimate smart home controller. The revamped app puts the key controls all your eligible smart habitation devices a tap on your wrist away. It'due south all very James Bond, and I love it.
I started with one of the all-time smart light bulbs that works with HomeKit. Information technology'southward a warm-hued Edison seedling from Sylvania I had laying effectually. I didn't want to make a Sylvania account or download notwithstanding another smart abode app on my phone, and so I opted for ready with HomeKit.
Inside 5 minutes of taking the bulb out of its box, it was powered on, connected to my HomeKit profile and ready to exist controlled from my wrist. I even made a TikTok about it (speaking of, accept you followed Tom's Guide on TikTok yet?) to bear witness off how simple watchOS 8'south new HomeKit layout makes turning smart lights on and off.
@tomsguide The #HomeKit app'southward new pattern for #applewatch is a win 🥇 #apple #lights #smartlights #smarthome #tech #techtok #applewatchtips #hacks #foryou
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If you have any of the best security cameras that work with HomeKit, you can come across a modest feed from them on wrist. I don't have any in my flat currently, though I sense the Apple tree Watch 7's larger screen volition make checking in on your cams more practical.
Some of the all-time Fitbit smartwatches, like the Fitbit Sense and Fitbit Versa 3, already let you command your Alexa-compatible devices from your wrist with voice commands. The Apple Watch adds an effortless visual element, letting me tap a calorie-free on without using my vocalisation. When I'thousand winding down at night and desire some mood lighting, I don't necessarily desire to talk to Siri.
I still recall HomeKit has a ways to go before catching up Alexa and Google Banana. For at present, I'm thinking of it as a complement to my existing IoT system, choosing a few of the all-time HomeKit devices to add to my space. But I wouldn't be doing this if not for the app's new look in watchOS 8 — here's hoping it sees connected improvements and this isn't a one-time upgrade.
Kate Kozuch is a senior writer at Tom's Guide roofing wearables, TVs and everything smart-home related. When she'south not in cyborg style, y'all can discover her on an exercise bike or channeling her inner celebrity chef. She and her robot regular army will rule the world one twenty-four hour period, but until then, accomplish her at kate.kozuch@futurenet.com.
Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/news/watchos-8-just-made-my-apple-watch-the-ultimate-smart-home-controller
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