With the new iOS 10 software for iPhone and iPad, Apple has finally given the ability to hide some of those stock apps you may never use—such as Stocks or Reminders—instead of them sitting on your iPhone taking up precious screen space. If I had a nickle for every time I was asked how to get rid of them, I’d be writing this from my own private island in the Caribbean right now. It doesn’t completely remove or delete the apps (so it’s easier to get them back if you suddenly want them), but it does take them away from your screen.
So, are you ready to start hiding apps? Just… hold on a sec. Before you remove anything, take another glance at your phone. Are there any apps you don’t recognize. Like maybe that Home app? You might have use for this new app after all. It’s Apple’s new way of helping you manage and use smart devices in your home! It’s like having your home is your own personal version of The Jetsons… well, minus Rosey.
More and more devices are connecting to your home’s Wi-Fi network to perform tasks. For example: I can control my Sonos speakers, and even control my home alarm system, through my phone. Most of these devices use their own apps—so have to use multiple apps to manage and control each one. This is where the Home app shines.
You can use the Home app to manage and control multiple, compatible devices all from one place. You can even build a Scene: a recipe of multiple tasks that activate with a single command. For example: you could walk up to your front door and say, “I’m home” to Siri on your iPhone or Apple Watch, and your front door unlocks, specific lights turn on, and your thermostat turns up, all at the same time in one simultaneous action.
And with your iCloud account, you can even access all of those devices when you’re away from your home. To find out if a smart device works with the Home app, look for the label “Works with HomeKit”.
Such items include lights, locks, fans, thermostats, garage doors, doorbells, and much more. To see a current lineup of all devices that support HomeKit, check out Apple’s accessories page. HomeKit is certainly not the only home automation platform out there, but Apple claims it’s the most secure. And while there aren’t quite as many compatible products yet as on other platforms, it’s constantly expanding.
The Jetson era of Home Automation is off and running! I just wonder when my flying car and robot maid will be coming out.
To learn more about HomeKit, check out Apple’s website. And, of course, you can always chat with an Enjoy Expert by clicking Chat with an Expert in the bottom, right corner of our home page.