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Apple is planning to launch a Smart Home platform at WWDC next week, says the FT

Given its ubiquity in the smartphone world, it’s not surprising that the iPhone has become a kind of centralized remote control for a wide range of devices, from televisions and stereo systems to intelligent lightbulbs and thermostats — and Apple wants to expand on that through a new “Smart Home” program that is going to be launched at WWDC next week, according to a report in the Financial Times. The FT said that Apple will build remote-control and management features for a host of devices including security systems into the iOS platform through partnerships with specific manufacturers, and the company’s retail stores will be a core part of the strategy. The platform could use near-field communications or NFC as the method of control, the newspaper said, since support for the technology is expected to also be part of the company’s new iPhone models.

6 Responses to “Apple is planning to launch a Smart Home platform at WWDC next week, says the FT”

  1. Ramon B. Nuez Jr.

    So it’s one thing to have Apple in my pocket. I am just not sure I want Apple “controlling” my house. I mean look at the Apple TV — it’s a toy in the grand scheme of things.

    May 28, 2014 at 6:01 pm
  2. Madlyb

    So? This market is already crowded with vertical solutions that don’t to talk each other and Apple will just be another walled garden in a multitude of walled gardens.

    The bright side is they may drive other products to be more IP and API based which could be watershed event, but that is the most I can hope for.

    May 27, 2014 at 3:41 pm
  4. Nicholas Paredes

    Enormous market with fewer of the B2B sales issues associated with automotive. Why sell one automaker, when you can market to millions of homes?

    May 26, 2014 at 7:37 pm
  5. Jeff Grayson

    Already got my RoboSmart LED Bulbs with iBeacons that can automatically turn on when I arrive home and off when I leave the house. They were about $37 each. Integrated dimmer and programmable timer included so it can appear like I am home when I go on vacation. Easy to use free app for my iPhone.

    May 26, 2014 at 3:27 pm