Apple reportedly plans to make a big announcement at next week’s Worldwide Developers Conference concerning the connected “smart home” market. They are expected to introduce new ways for the iPhone, iPad and yes, even the Apple TV to control lights, security systems and other household appliances.
Apple’s apparent plans were revealed on Monday by the Financial Times, which citied unnamed sources as saying that the iPhone maker will unveil its new initiative at next week’s WWDC 2014 keynote.
Third-party device makers will apparently be able to tie into the ecosystem in a manner similar to Apple’s current “Made for iPhone” licensing. The system will include such abilities as turning on the lights automatically when a user with an iPhone enters the home.
Even Apple’s “hobby,” the Apple TV will play a part in the smart home initiative, as the report noted that an upgraded model to be released later this year will also be able to connect to household appliances.
In next weeks presentation, Apple is expected to take a jab at Google by focusing on privacy, in order to help alleviate users’ concerns about data collection, and government surveillance.
