Apple is working on a platform for "smart" homes, according to the Financial Times, which it will announce at its upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), which begins on June 2.
According to the report, the platform will “transform” the iPhone into a remote control, allowing users to remotely control lights, alarms, and other devices in their home. Apple aims to make the process as simple as possible – for example, users will be able to set their smartphone to automatically turn on the lights every time they return home.
The newspaper reports that Apple has already contacted home appliance manufacturers to ensure that their next "generations" of products are compatible with the platform. As with its phone accessories, certified devices will be specially marked with the platform's name and logo.
Many analysts believe that the "smart" home is one of the most important new areas that the technology giants plan to enter, as the global smartphone and tablet market begins to show signs of saturation. Thus, Samsung and LG have already presented home appliances that "communicate" with their owner's smartphone. Also, a few months ago, Google acquired Nest, a company that manufactures "smart" thermostats.
However, the Financial Times reports that, when presenting the platform, Apple will place great emphasis on how it will manage and protect users' personal data.
Source: kathimerini.gr
