We often talk about the home automation systems that can be controlled through a smartphone or tablet. But what about a smart watch? When the Apple Watch first came out, there was a limited selection of apps in terms of home automation. In fact, there were only three—Caseta Wireless, Alarm.com, and Honeywell Lyric. Since then, however, the selection has greatly improved, as will the Apple Watch with its latest operating system update. Here are the top 10 home automation systems you can control with your Apple Watch:
Samsung SmartThings
Possibly the king of home automation systems, many smart home fans will be happy to know that SmartThings can now be controlled through the Apple Watch. The integration is a little limited, but you can use the most important features, including the Hello, Home action, so you can still control multiple devices in one action. Siri can’t help you as of now, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we see an integration in the future.
Smartlabs Insteon
Insteon is another popular and highly rated home automation system. With your Apple Watch, you can control Insteon’s full line of home products, including appliances, lighting, and thermostats. You can even view Insteon connected cameras and monitor several different sensors, including smoke and motion, and receive alerts if they are disabled or enabled.
Philips Hue
Philips Hue is the maker of the best smart bulbs on the market, and now you can control them with your Apple Watch. Through the app, you can turn lights on and off and turn on your favorite scenes.
August Smart Lock
For those most concerned with security, your Apple Watch can now control the smart lock. You can lock, unlock, view recent activity, and receive notifications.
Belkin WeMo
Lately, Belkin has been making major strides in expanding its smart home solutions line, from light bulbs to outlets. While the official WeMo app doesn’t work yet with Apple Watch, you can download the QuickSwitch for Belkin WeMo and add your Apple Watch. With this app, you can toggle different WeMo products and view your latest activity.
Withings SA Home
The Home is an awesome HD security camera that allows you to transmit and receive sound at the same time. It not only offers 24/7 monitoring but also monitors air quality with special sensors. With the app, you can check your Apple Watch and see what’s going on at home and what the air quality currently is. You can even watch a live stream feed right on your smart watch.
Personally, I like the look of the latest Apple Watches and knowing these home automation apps are controllable through the watch just make me want one that much more.
Photo by: William Hook
