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This article was published on June 3, 2015

Confirmed: Apple TV is required to remotely control HomeKit devices


Confirmed: Apple TV is required to remotely control HomeKit devices

Apple has updated its site today with official information about HomeKit and how to get your new devices set up, but also mentions you’ll need an Apple TV to take full advantage of its features.

The page details the setup process, as well as information about labelling to look for in order to find HomeKit enabled devices and how to configure Siri commands.

One interesting note on the page says you’ll need to own an Apple TV if you want to access your HomeKit devices when away from home, confirming its role as a central hub for HomeKit hardware:

If you have an Apple TV (3rd generation or later) with software version 7.0 or later, you can control your HomeKit-enabled accessories when you’re away from home using your iOS device.

HomeKit is Apple’s smart home framework for internet of things devices, like lightbulbs and thermostats, and offers a central place to control them.

Apple also added a note to its site yesterday that lists a handful of devices that already support HomeKit.

Set up and use HomeKit [Apple via 9to5Mac]

Read next: The longer Apple’s HomeKit takes to arrive, the longer the ‘connected home’ suffers

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