Apple Inc. WWDC Update: Home Automation Software to be Introduced, iPhones will Remotely Control Home Appliance
Apple Inc is reportedly prepping for a new home automation software that will allow iPhones to remotely control home appliance, the Financial Times reports.
The new software is to be announced in the upcoming Worldwide Developer's Conference (WWDC) commencing on June 2.
According to unnamed sources, Apple specifically designed the software to allow effortless control over "smart home" devices. As way of example, iPhones can turn lights automatically as owners enter their houses.
With this technology underway, Apple is expected to boost its iOS market as customers will obviously buy iOS devices to link their iPhone and iPads to their household appliance.
In November 2013, Apple had already acquired patent for location based technology as granted by the US Patent and Trademark Office.
The Apple patent was described as follows:
"One or more relay servers can access first data received from one or more first devices (e.g., a phone, tablet computer, vehicle tracking device , or badge reader). The one or more relay servers can aggregate the data and infer a location of a person. The one or more relay servers can transmit second signals, including second data to one or more second devices (e.g., lighting systems, security systems, garage door openers, music controllers, climate controllers, or kitchen appliances), the second data being based at least in part on the estimated location."
To beat the competition against Google and Samsung - Google acquired Nest Labs in January for its internet-connected thermostats and smoke alarms; Samsung launched smartphone and watch controlled refrigerators, washing machines and televisions - Apple will highlight its privacy protections.
Apple's home automation software will be highly sensitive against access to personal information that may be compromised through online surveillance programmes, an unnamed source told the Financial Times. It will be created with added security checks against hackers. The technology is created similar to Apple's "Made for iPhone" and "Made for iPod" scheme which allows iPhone access to headphones, speakers and other accessories.
As noted, Apple retail stores are already selling some products that can be controlled by an iPhone app - Nest thermostats, Dropcam wireless cameras, Philips Hue lightbulbs and Belkin WeMo switches.