HomeKit Makes Widget Updates
Last week, Apple updated the HomeKit widget for iOS. The widget, which enables convenient access to HomeKit from the home screen of an iOS device, now offers support for HomeKit cameras, offering a live stream or snapshot preview of all HomeKit cameras installed in the home from inside the widget. Other control enhancements include new features for smart lighting and battery levels for connected sensors in home.
The NPD Take:
- 41% of smart home device owners prefer to control their devices using a smartphone app. This update follows an Android update designed to make control of home automation products more accessible on mobile.
- As ownership of key home automation product segments continues to grow, expect to see smart home devices more fully integrated into mobile phone operating systems.
Smart Thermostat Data Sharing
Earlier this month, Google, Resideo, and energy company Volutus announced the launch of a bring-your-own-thermostat program for energy customers in Pennsylvania. The program, driven by Voltus’ energy and grid management platform would allow owners of these smart thermostats to actively share information with the regional electric grid. The data collected from consumers’ thermostats would be used to more efficiently manage electric supply during peak periods and outages.
The NPD Take:
- With climate control systems accounting for a large portion of energy usage, data collected from smart thermostats can assist energy companies in managing electricity demands.
- Currently, fewer than 20% of households own a smart thermostat- for programs such as these to produce real benefits, energy companies could eventually subsidize smart thermostats for their customers to make them more widely available.