Apple is getting serious about the smart home space. The company showed off its new Apple Home Collection on Tuesday, which includes a new smart deadbolt lock, video doorbell, thermostat, temperature sensor and a range of security cameras.
The new devices are designed to work with HomeView, the company’s new smart home hub, which can be used to control connected accessories and interact with Apple software.
This new range of smart home accessories could help Apple better compete with Amazon Ring and Google Nest, two established players in connected home security. The products will be available in December.
Apple says the devices were built in collaboration with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric — an interesting move for the company, which has long tried to build and support every smart home accessory itself.
The Smart Lock, priced at $349.95, stands out for its support for Ultra-Wideband (UWB), a wireless technology that enables more accurate proximity detection than traditional Bluetooth. This could allow the lock to recognize when an authorized user has arrived and open the door automatically, reducing the need to pull out a phone or reach for a physical key.
The $249.95 rugged video doorbell, meanwhile, lets homeowners see who’s outside, monitor visitors and receive notifications when someone approaches their property. When someone calls it, a sound will play through Apple devices such as HomeView, HomePod, and HomePod mini. Users are also notified on their iPhone or iPad.
As for the temperature sensor, it can provide insight into the conditions in individual rooms to help users identify temperature differences between areas and make adjustments.
For security, Apple also introduces indoor and outdoor cameras, as well as a floodlight camera ($399.95) that combines outdoor lighting with video surveillance. The camera setup includes features such as live viewing, motion detection, smart alerts and video storage.
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